Date: 1/15/26 12:07 pm From: leamycorey--- via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Last Call COA's 2026 Mini-Grant Deadline: Saturday, January 17th
Just a quick reminder that the COA Mini-Grants Committee is still accepting applications for\ consideration. The deadline for submission is this Saturday, January 17, 2026 at midnight.
Our Mini-Grant program helps fund and support initiatives within the state of Connecticut which specifically benefit the avian wildlife in our state as well as opportunities for the ability for the public to observe and enjoy those natural spaces and resources.
Please review the guidelines and other information on our website:
Corey Leamy\ COA Secretary and Mini-Grants Committee Member\ Chester, CT
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Date: 1/15/26 11:49 am From: Beverly Propen via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Snow goose in orange at Treat farm
1/15 Orange. 2:34pm. Snow goose in with flock of Canada geese at Treat farm field on old tavern Rd near intersection with Miles rd. All white - black primaries/ by tail, pink feet, pink bill Bev Propen, orange
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Date: 1/14/26 3:22 pm From: Beverly Propen via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Coastal Center
1/14, Milford, Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center, 10am-1PM. high tide-receding, 40-45f, overcast. Several first time visitors today and several photographers. One of the visitors from Waterford signed our "guest list" with a comment---"Bird Lovers Unite" :) A brief check on observation platform by the lagoon: 2 Red breasted Mergansers, 18 Brant, 4 American Black ducks, 2 mallards; with views of LIS shoreline many Ring billed and Herring gulls. On the marsh: 22 Gadwall, 1 Mute swan, 16 Canada Geese, 2 other Red Breasted Mergansers, 16 Scaup ( Greater) viewed with scope-far out, 8 Buffleheads, 2 Common loons-feeding and preening, 1 fly-by Great Blue Heron. On the grounds & feeders: 2 Northern Cardinals, 2 Titmice, 6 Mourning doves, 21 House sparrows, 1 Song sparrow, 1 Mockingbird and 2 House finches. Bev Propen, Orange
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Date: 1/13/26 6:25 am From: BHMarsh via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Snow goose Fisher Meadow Avon
Currently in front field.
Barry Marsh West Hartford
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Date: 1/12/26 12:09 pm From: Paul Desjardins via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Iceland Gull
Paul Desjardins <paul.desjardins2...> Phone: (860) 623-3696
Immature Iceland Gull seen this morning at Wethersfield Cove.
Paul Desjardins Windsor Locks
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Date: 1/12/26 9:24 am From: Brian OToole via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Big January Results as of 1/12
An incredible 171 species have been reported to eBird for the month of January in the state! Great job everyone!
The top leaderboard as of 1/12:
Ryan MacLean - 148
Shori Velles - 144
Adam Fasciolo - 138
Jo Fasciolo - 136
Sara Zagorski - 129
Barry Fasciano - 127
David Mathieu - 127
Frank Mantlik - 125
David Provencher - 123
Stefan Martin - 122
Brian O’Toole
Danbury
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 1/12/26 8:01 am From: Don McGregor via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Rough-legged Hawk Durham
The hawk appeared at 10:45 for a few minutes hunting over the field to the north of the bobolink fields at the Durham fairgrounds towards the skating pond. (Hey Dean send me note separately to me)
Don McGregor (203-214-7477) Madison Sent from my iPhone
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The light morph Rough-legged Hawk put on an amazing show this afternoon in Durham. Actively hunting, hovering and perching. Perching never lasted very long. Was seen from both the Rt68 skating area and the meadows. I think best view for me was meadows in the first parking areas as you enter. Not all the way down to the model airplane parking. Stayed in area for several hours. Will post some photos on ebird and my FB wall, what a beauty! I also photographed the dark morph a few days ago but only saw it the one time. Jeff KohanWallingford
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Date: 1/11/26 8:41 am From: tom wadlow via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Snow goose Cove Road
Dorothy Wadlow , Stonington CT 1 snow goose in yard on Cove Road near Rt 1 along with about 50 Canada geese.
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Date: 1/11/26 8:27 am From: red396 via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Barnacle goose
Now showing field next to army reserve south quaker lane west hartfordRon serianz newington
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
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Date: 1/10/26 5:38 pm From: Christopher Loscalzo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] MEGA BOWL OF BIRDING 2026
The tenth annual Mega Bowl of Birding in CT will be held on Saturday, January 31st, 2026. It is free and open to all CT birders. It is a fun and friendly event that celebrates birds, birders and birding. The basic concept is to go birding for the day, preferably with one or more of your birding friends, in an area of your choosing. The goal is to see as many bird species as possible within your chosen area. Points are awarded for each species with the point value increasing with the increasing rarity of the species. In general, people bird within a circle with a 5-mile radius that includes the residence of one of the team members, but teams can bird within a town or entire county if they prefer. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. At the end of the event, the birders select a CT-based conservation organization and a donation is made to that organization in the birder's name for an amount corresponding to their point or species total. A celebratory dinner will be held the following evening (Sunday, February 1st) at the Kellogg Environmental Center where participants receive prizes and enjoy a fine meal. Last year, 24 teams participated in the event and over $1200 were donated to the designated organizations. Birders interested in signing up for this event should contact me at <closcalz...> or <loscalzo969...> Thanks and good birding to all!
Chris Loscalzo, Woodbridge
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Date: 1/10/26 12:43 am From: AMY HOPKINS via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] brants in New Haven
About 50 or so brants in the grass next to Long Wharf Drive today in New Haven. Amy HopkinsGuilford
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This morning I visited Frederick White farm in Durham (aka the Durham fairgrounds) and it took about an hour for the light phase Rough-legged to show up, but the wait paid off!
Initially spotted by Dan Rottino over the tree line north of the fairgrounds area, the bird hover-hunted and soared overhead for great looks and photo ops. It was last seen in the area near the skating pond along Route 68.
> On Jan 8, 2026, at 3:28 PM, ed3max via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
> Hunting field adjacent to Durham Meadows across stream.
>
> Ed Haesche,Guilford
>
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>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
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Date: 1/9/26 6:58 am From: Tom Baptist via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
The history of winter crow roosts in Connecticut is fascinating.
Connecticut Birds (Zeranski & Baptist 1990) cites an article published in
Bird-Lore in 1933 that listed winter crow roosts in five Connecticut
counties, the largest roost being in Hartford of 50,000 birds and indicated
that that roost was "known to exist for at least 100 years". Believing
that crows were significant predators of eggs and young of waterfowl, song
and insectivorous birds, the Connecticut Board of Fisheries and Game
embarked on a campaign in the winter of 1932-33 to eradicate crows at their
winter roosts and approximately 1,000 birds were shot that winter before
the effort was abandoned. The crows simply dispersed to form new roosts,
"thus outrunning the men performing the killing."
On Tue, Jan 6, 2026 at 12:58 PM Folsom-O'Keefe, Corrie via CTBirds <
<ctbirds...> wrote:
> In the winter months, when I'm driving home from the Bent of the River
> Audubon Center, I see the birds congregating around the Rte 8/84
> interchange. Often there is a line of birds coming from Northeast and I'm
> pretty sure the birds that fly over my house in Cheshire in the morning and
> early evening are coming and going from this roost. New Year Eve, I was
> headed home from a gathering north of Waterbury. It was snowing,
> thundering, and lighting. As we drove through Waterbury, a flash of
> lighting startled the crows and they took to the air. Snow, orange
> illuminated skies, and crow everywhere. It was quite the sight.
>
> Cheers,
> Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe
>
> Cheshire, CT
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C. S. Wood via CTBirds <ctbirds...>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 11:48 AM
> To: Frank Mantlik <mantlik...>
> Cc: Birds CT <ctbirds...>
> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
>
> There has been a crow roost in Waterbury for at least 40 years. It has
> apparently relocated from the northern part of the city to the area
> around the Rt 8/Rt 84 interchange. I just noticed it recently, but I do
> not travel that way in the evening as often these days so I don’t know
> how long it has been there.
>
> Chris Wood
> Woodbury, CT
> 203 558-0654
> [1]C.S. Wood Photo Sampler
>
> On Jan 5, 2026, at 11:23 PM, Frank Mantlik via CTBirds
> <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> Hello Ian,
> I remember the Norwalk crow roost well. I no longer live in Norwalk, so
> the fact that the evening roost no longer exists is news to me. Perhaps
> those crows are now flying all the way to Waterbury, or even West
> Haven.
> Frank Mantlik
> Stratford
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:32 PM, Ian Devlin via CTBirds
> <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> 4:30pm
>
> Waterbury by Route 8
>
> Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along
> RT 8 by Waterbury.
>
> I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between
> Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the
> 1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them.
> No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
>
> Capt. Ian Devlin
>
> Norwalk, CT.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just
> "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to:
> <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association -
> Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
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> For list rules and subscription information visit:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join"
> or "leave" in the subject or body to:
> <ctbirds-request...>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
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> References
>
> 1.
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/cswood-photos/albums/72157710313935571/ >
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or
> "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
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> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or
> "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
--
Tom Baptist
19 Brookside Court
East Hampton, CT 06424
(203) 979-6800
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Hunting field adjacent to Durham Meadows across stream.
Ed Haesche,Guilford
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Date: 1/8/26 12:03 pm From: Paul Desjardins via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Two Good Birds
Paul Desjardins <paul.desjardins2...> Phone: (860) 623-3696
Seen this afternoon along Ferry Lane in the East Windsor Hill section of South Windsor in with many Horned Larks Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur.
Paul Desjardins Windsor Locks
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Date: 1/8/26 10:00 am From: ron serianz via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Towndsend warbler
Now showing hammo.park on road at swan pond walk in bear right when walk past gate.ron serianz newington
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Date: 1/8/26 5:28 am From: robert braunfield via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Evening Grosbeaks Lyme
Four female Evening Grosbeaks at my tube feeders 8 AM this morning. Actively ate from feeders and on ground for 15 minutes, then flew off. Robert Braunfield Lyme
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 1/7/26 12:09 pm From: Beverly Propen via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Coastal Center
1/7 Milford, Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center. 12pm-1PM. foggy, overcast. midtide-rising. On the marsh: 14 American Black ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 2 Gadwall, 1 Northern harrier (gray ghost), 1 Common Loon and 5 Brant. Grounds & feeders: 3 Tufted Titmice, 2 Northern Cardinals, 2 White breasted nuthatches, 1 Downy Woodpecker & 26 House sparrows (all birds very chatty). Bev Propen, Orange
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Date: 1/7/26 10:48 am From: William Banks via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Derby sewage treatment plant warblers
Nashville, palm, yellow and yellow rumps all continue this afternoon at the Sewage treatment plant. They were all to the right of the first tank, in the shrubbery area right of the path.
Derby greenway at the Commadore Hull BridgeBill Banks Seymour with Andy Stack
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Date: 1/6/26 3:55 pm From: Ann Thomas via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Hartford Audubon Society 2026 Mini-Grants Program
Dear Friends,
Hartford Audubon Society is pleased to announce its 2026 Mini-Grant Program. The program guidelines and application are now available on the HAS website. We are grateful to our members for providing the support that enables HAS to sponsor these grants. *Please help us spread the word about this funding opportunity!*
The Mini-Grant Program helps to fulfill HAS's mission by funding (up to $2,000 per project) and supporting initiatives which directly benefit the bird life within the State of Connecticut, and especially within Hartford County. We hope to awaken a wider public interest in the enjoyment, preservation, and protection of birds and their habitat.
All projects must demonstrate some benefit to birds and/or birding in Connecticut. Past awards have included raptor enclosures, window strike material demonstrations, relevant educational publications, and bird habitat plantings.
Applications are due by *5:00pm on February 15, 2026.* The guidelines and application form are available on the HAS website at Hartford Audubon Society Mini-Grants Program <https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/activities/hartford-audubon-society-mini-grants/>. Applications should be mailed to <info...> with "Mini-Grant application" in the subject line.
*Please share this email* with any organization you think may have a bird-related project that needs funding. This year we are especially interested in supporting projects that would benefit the City of Hartford, so please keep that in mind as you think about organizations that should receive notification of this opportunity.
Please email me if you have questions. Thank you for helping us spread the word about the HAS Mini-Grant Program!
Ann Thomas <annthomas...> Hartford Audubon Society Mini-Grant Program Co-Coordinator
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Date: 1/6/26 9:57 am From: Folsom-O'Keefe, Corrie via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
In the winter months, when I'm driving home from the Bent of the River Audubon Center, I see the birds congregating around the Rte 8/84 interchange. Often there is a line of birds coming from Northeast and I'm pretty sure the birds that fly over my house in Cheshire in the morning and early evening are coming and going from this roost. New Year Eve, I was headed home from a gathering north of Waterbury. It was snowing, thundering, and lighting. As we drove through Waterbury, a flash of lighting startled the crows and they took to the air. Snow, orange illuminated skies, and crow everywhere. It was quite the sight.
Cheers,
Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe
Cheshire, CT
-----Original Message-----
From: C. S. Wood via CTBirds <ctbirds...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 11:48 AM
To: Frank Mantlik <mantlik...>
Cc: Birds CT <ctbirds...>
Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
There has been a crow roost in Waterbury for at least 40 years. It has
apparently relocated from the northern part of the city to the area
around the Rt 8/Rt 84 interchange. I just noticed it recently, but I do
not travel that way in the evening as often these days so I don’t know
how long it has been there.
Chris Wood
Woodbury, CT
203 558-0654
[1]C.S. Wood Photo Sampler
On Jan 5, 2026, at 11:23 PM, Frank Mantlik via CTBirds
<ctbirds...> wrote:
Hello Ian,
I remember the Norwalk crow roost well. I no longer live in Norwalk, so
the fact that the evening roost no longer exists is news to me. Perhaps
those crows are now flying all the way to Waterbury, or even West
Haven.
Frank Mantlik
Stratford
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:32 PM, Ian Devlin via CTBirds
<ctbirds...> wrote:
4:30pm
Waterbury by Route 8
Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along
RT 8 by Waterbury.
I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between
Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the
1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them.
No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
Capt. Ian Devlin
Norwalk, CT.
Sent from my iPhone
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birders together statewide. Please support COA:
https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
list rules and subscription information visit:
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Date: 1/6/26 8:51 am From: ftholloway--- via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Hammo
Sorry for the garbled email. I meant long-tailed ducks. Also after my email we later saw several ruddy turnstiles, one ruddy duck, and one horned green.Tom Holloway, Madison
Sent from AOL on Android
On Tue, Jan 6, 2026 at 9:38 AM, ftholloway--- via CTBirds<ctbirds...> wrote: MF LOG talked ducks, MF Common Eider, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Red throated loon, surf scoters, one possible white winged scoter. All near jetty now.Tom and Fran Holloway
Sent from AOL on Android
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Date: 1/6/26 8:48 am From: C. S. Wood via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
There has been a crow roost in Waterbury for at least 40 years. It has apparently relocated from the northern part of the city to the area around the Rt 8/Rt 84 interchange. I just noticed it recently, but I do not travel that way in the evening as often these days so I don’t know how long it has been there.
Chris Wood Woodbury, CT 203 558-0654 [1]C.S. Wood Photo Sampler
On Jan 5, 2026, at 11:23 PM, Frank Mantlik via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
Hello Ian, I remember the Norwalk crow roost well. I no longer live in Norwalk, so the fact that the evening roost no longer exists is news to me. Perhaps those crows are now flying all the way to Waterbury, or even West Haven. Frank Mantlik Stratford Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:32 PM, Ian Devlin via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
4:30pm
Waterbury by Route 8
Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along RT 8 by Waterbury.
I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the 1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them. No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
Capt. Ian Devlin
Norwalk, CT.
Sent from my iPhone
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To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
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Date: 1/6/26 8:04 am From: John M Côté via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Horned grebe
There’s a Horned grebe at the southwest tip of Greenwich Point, Old Greenwich. The best viewing area is in the curve where the picnic tables are located.
John M Côté - Stamford
Sent from my iPhone 16 / Envoyé depuis mon iPhone 16
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Date: 1/6/26 7:05 am From: Jalna Jaeger via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Black Vultures
Jalna Jaeger 3 East Ave Norwalk 7 + black vultures roosting on cell tower at the entrance to the YMCA Westport. Seen today and yesterday.
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Date: 1/6/26 6:38 am From: ftholloway--- via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Hammo
MF LOG talked ducks, MF Common Eider, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Red throated loon, surf scoters, one possible white winged scoter. All near jetty now.Tom and Fran Holloway
Sent from AOL on Android
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Date: 1/6/26 6:32 am From: DeWitt Allen via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] POSTPONEMENT: New Haven Bird Club walk January 7, 2026 at Sherwood Island
The NHBC bird walk scheduled for January 7, 2026 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport has been postponed due to icy conditions in the park.
The walk has been rescheduled for 8 am, Wednesday, January 14.
DeWitt Allen New Haven Bird Club Outdoor Programs Chair
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Date: 1/6/26 4:08 am From: Candace via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: CTBirds Digest, Vol 6736, Issue 1
I worked all over New England before I retired. I was lucky to witness the hundreds of crows flocking in West Hartford & Waterbury.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 3:30 AM, <ctbirds-request...> wrote:
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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*** TRIM OFF THE UNRELATED PORTIONS OF THE MESSAGE ***
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today's Topics:
1. Big January Results as of 1/5 (Brian OToole)
2. 100’s of Crows Waterbury (Ian Devlin)
3. Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury (Frank Mantlik)
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2026 06:36:51 -0500
From: Brian OToole <otoole29...>
Subject: [CT Birds] Big January Results as of 1/5
To: <ctbirds...>
Message-ID: <F67A8195-C906-4973-869B-D6F1D30FB083...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
An amazing 165 species of birds have been recorded in eBird for the state as of 1/5 thanks in part to the many dedicated birders out for the Big January and those starting their yearly lists. A celebration of winter birding, the start of the new year and the many great hotspots CT has to offer.
The top leaderboard on eBird as of 1/5 is:
Jo Fasciolo - 116
Adam Fasciolo - 116
Dave Provencher - 105
Aidan Kiley - 105
Shori Velles - 104
Barry Fasciano - 98
Ryan MacLean - 97
Mary Walsh - 96
Jean Adamus - 91
Ed Jensen - 89
Daniel Russo - 89
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2026 22:30:58 -0500
From: Ian Devlin <captain_ian...>
Subject: [CT Birds] 100’s of Crows Waterbury
To: CT Birds <ctbirds...>
Message-ID: <55F5338B-5C1B-4822-B9F6-D1A0586C3D33...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
4:30pm
Waterbury by Route 8
Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along RT 8 by Waterbury.
I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the 1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them. No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
Capt. Ian Devlin
Norwalk, CT.
Sent from my iPhone
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2026 23:21:56 -0500
From: Frank Mantlik <mantlik...>
Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
To: Ian Devlin <captain_ian...>
Cc: Birds CT <ctbirds...>
Message-ID: <1C1CF245-1419-4EF5-AC93-935223AE35F0...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hello Ian,
I remember the Norwalk crow roost well. I no longer live in Norwalk, so the fact that the evening roost no longer exists is news to me. Perhaps those crows are now flying all the way to Waterbury, or even West Haven.
Frank Mantlik
Stratford
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:32 PM, Ian Devlin via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> 4:30pm
> Waterbury by Route 8
>
> Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along RT 8 by Waterbury.
>
> I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the 1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them. No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
>
> Capt. Ian Devlin
> Norwalk, CT.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
------------------------------
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End of CTBirds Digest, Vol 6736, Issue 1
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Date: 1/5/26 8:22 pm From: Frank Mantlik via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 100’s of Crows Waterbury
Hello Ian,
I remember the Norwalk crow roost well. I no longer live in Norwalk, so the fact that the evening roost no longer exists is news to me. Perhaps those crows are now flying all the way to Waterbury, or even West Haven.
Frank Mantlik
Stratford
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 5, 2026, at 10:32 PM, Ian Devlin via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> 4:30pm
> Waterbury by Route 8
>
> Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along RT 8 by Waterbury.
>
> I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the 1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them. No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
>
> Capt. Ian Devlin
> Norwalk, CT.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
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Date: 1/5/26 7:31 pm From: Ian Devlin via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] 100’s of Crows Waterbury
4:30pm
Waterbury by Route 8
Hundreds of crows flocking to roost for the night in treetops along RT 8 by Waterbury.
I used to see this reliably and all the time in the evening between Exit 15 I-95/Route 7 Connector to DMV back in the 1980’s into the 1990’s. If not hundreds of crows, then at least thousands of them. No more. Does anyone else remember this phenomenon there and then?
Capt. Ian Devlin
Norwalk, CT.
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 1/5/26 3:37 am From: Brian OToole via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Big January Results as of 1/5
An amazing 165 species of birds have been recorded in eBird for the state as of 1/5 thanks in part to the many dedicated birders out for the Big January and those starting their yearly lists. A celebration of winter birding, the start of the new year and the many great hotspots CT has to offer.
The top leaderboard on eBird as of 1/5 is:
Jo Fasciolo - 116
Adam Fasciolo - 116
Dave Provencher - 105
Aidan Kiley - 105
Shori Velles - 104
Barry Fasciano - 98
Ryan MacLean - 97
Mary Walsh - 96
Jean Adamus - 91
Ed Jensen - 89
Daniel Russo - 89
To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/
Date: 1/3/26 10:20 am From: Angela Dimmitt via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Amazing Feeder Birds New Milford
Over 40 birds at my main feeders at one time most of the morning, plus another 10 in front at another: many juncos and house finches but plenty of the regular locals (15 species). Also: Chipping sparrow (adult plumage) and a female yellow-bellied sapsucker (peanuts!). In the garden: pileated woodpecker, robin, female kingfisher on the stream. Joy!
Angela Dimmitt
New Milford
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Date: 1/2/26 4:34 pm From: Christopher Loscalzo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] New Haven CBC
The 126th annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday December 20th, 2025. The full report has been sent to the New Haven Bird Club and should be available on its website shortly. We had nearly 100 participants and observed 124 species. Sincere thanks to all who participated in this great event! Chris Loscalzo, Woodbridge Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 1/2/26 9:02 am From: Jack Swatt via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Preliminary Results of the 36th Bristol Christmas Bird Count
Happy New Year, everyone, I'm still waiting for a few more reports to come in, but so far the preliminary results of the 36th Bristol Christmas Bird Count are confirming that this year's bird count was much lower than usual. Our 9 year average of total birds (since we restarted the count in 2016) is 10,137 and so far we sit at 6,350. The snowstorm the day before the count really limited our access to some of the locations that teams regularly survey, and I think the prolonged cold throughout December pushed most half-hardy birds and waterfowl further south. Unfortunately, I think the snow also pushed the Lark Sparrow, seen at Farmington Meadows since Nov.22, further south as well. Since it was seen on the morning of December 25th and 26th (before the snowstorm) it will be added as a new bird to our species list as a count week species. Initially I feared the sparrow may have fallen victim to one of the accipiters that frequently hunt the area, but there is hope that "our bird" reappeared in Westport yesterday https://ebird.org/checklist/S291745735. Dennis Johnston, who originally found the Lark Sparrow, along with Eric Lawson and Mike Krampitz searched vigilantly for the sparrow at Farmington Meadows a couple of times on count day, and their efforts were rewarded with a consolation of 50 Horned Lark and 2 Snow Buntings which are also both new species to our count list. While waterfowl were scarce, Dennis, Eric and Mike also turned up a Northern Pintail drake, which is only the 5th time one has been counted over the history of the Bristol count. Hawks, Owls and Falcons made a good showing with record highs for Red-shouldered Hawk and Barred Owl, record ties for Cooper's Hawk and Peregrine Falcon, with Sharp-shinned and Red-tailed Hawk coming close to the record highs. Maybe some more records of those species on the late entries might push them up to the record. Most other species were nowhere near the records but it's worth mentioning that a single Yellow-rumped Warbler found by myself, Mike Aronson and Siobhan Prout in Southington was the third record for our count. Merlin also heard a White-crowned Sparrow at the same location but none of us could locate that hidden gem.
Hoping for a warmer December in 2026!
Jack Swatt
Lempster, NH
Colchester, CT
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Date: 1/1/26 3:32 pm From: Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Looking back and looking forward
Happy New Year CT Birders!
2025 was a great year for birding in Connecticut and it’s impressive that nine birders saw 300+ species in our state. That was, by far, the most people to ever reach that number in one year.
Tallying that many birds takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and it also takes teamwork. The tools available today are a great help, and many of us also support each other more directly, with a call or text about a ‘target’ bird. I think the strength of our birding community played a part in helping those who worked so hard to find as many birds as possible.
Today everyone’s year list reset to zero, and some birders probably listened at midnight for their first owl, or went out early looking for birds.
Others will look at the new year as a chance to make other goals for themselves. Perhaps it’s doing a self-found year or trying to get a photo of each species they observe. Perhaps it’s focusing on your yard or patch list, or working on your field ID skills. Maybe this will be the year some of you will start birding by ear, or work to see every warbler that visits our state.
However you like to bird, whether list-driven or not, I hope 2026 is a good year for birding in Connecticut!
Our guidelines for the listserv are posted below.
Good birding,
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
CT Birds guidelines:
This list is for sharing information about birds and birding in Connecticut.
When reporting birds, please include the town where seen.
*** Always include your first and last name and your town when posting.
***Some birds should not be posted for the good of the bird. Examples are directions to accessible bird nests and any day-roosting owls - Screech, Great Horned, Barred, Barn, Long-eared and Saw-whet.
Proper language is expected, personal disagreements should be handled off-line and disruptive posts will not be tolerated.
Did you know?
• Attachments such as photos are not supported by the software.
• Prompt reporting of 'good' birds is appreciated by many in the birding community!
• When you want to post a reply to the list using email, use 'Reply to All'. <— please reply to all only when your reply benefits most of the list!
• When you want to reply only to the person who posted using email, use 'Reply'.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know by replying to this email.
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Date: 1/1/26 11:30 am From: Ian Devlin via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Stratford Canvasbacks
Happy New Year, everyone!
2:30pm
Happy to see my Canvasbacks sleeping in their usual spot in Frash Pond in the north shore in the lee. Almost always sleeping out of the prevailing winds. 3 of them. Some years there are 4-5 of them.
Happy birding, Capt. Ian Devlin Norwalk, Connecticut Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 1/1/26 7:34 am From: John D Babington via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] First bird of 2026, Washington, CT
Not sure which was my first bird for 2026 but I am thinking it is was a male Northern Cardinal. Not a Lister any more so this is my educated guess .
David W BabingtonWashington, CT
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Date: 12/31/25 8:32 pm From: Steve Mayo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Stratford-Milford CBC (12/21/2025) Results
Sorry for that egregious typo. Regarding CBC results, I'd meant
Semipalmated Plovers, not Semipalmated Sandpipers.
Steve Mayo
Guilford
On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 9:52 PM Steve Mayo <scmayo999...> wrote:
> Happy New Year!
>
> Back on 12/21/2025, good field coverage resulted in 108 total species for
> the Stratford-Milford Christmas Bird Count. Among the highlights was the
> coastal CT Sandhill Crane show. All 16 (flocks of 3 and 13) were seen
> flying from the east, into the Count Circle. Different Milford parties
> found 2, then 4, then an amazing 6 lingering Semi-palmated Sandpipers.
> Multiple parties add significantly to party hours and bird totals. A very
> late Spotted Sandpiper was also discovered at Bridgeport's Captain's Cove.
> The Clay-colored Sparrow near Milford's Caswell Cove continued. All 3
> "Euro" Gulls (Lesser Black-backed, Iceland, Glaucous) were found as well as
> Wood Duck, Snow Goose, Black Scoter, and Lapland Longspur.
>
> Count week species included Common Eider, Ruddy Turnstone, Bonaparte's
> Gull, and Purple Finch. What was missed? Not much. We did dip on "pelagics"
> and all of the owls. Thanks to all participants for another successful CBC.
>
> There's still time to help with the few remaining CBCs this weekend. Refer
> to the COA website for contact information.
>
> Steve Mayo
> Guilford
>
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Date: 12/31/25 8:25 pm From: Trudi Bird via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Bluebird Feeder and food
I'm still concerned about the effects of sugar on birds.
1. Hummingbirds-
2. Orioles-don't we use oranges and jelly?
3. One web site lists the nutritive value of peanuts thus:
It seems that even no-sugar-added peanut butter essentially contains sugar.
Any avian nutritionists out there to help us sort this out?
Trudi Bird
Mansfield Center, CT
On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 5:15 PM Angela Dimmitt via CTBirds <
<ctbirds...> wrote:
> Thank you Ernie - an excellent recipe with one, I think, important
> comment: regular peanut butter contains 2 grams of added sugar
> (per serving) - I've always understood sugar is not good for birds.
> "Natural" peanut butter has some but no added sugars. More expensive and
> oily, but the birds do love a similar recipe I've used for years. Please
> tell me I'm wrong, it's OK!
> Angela Dimmitt
> New Milford
> On Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 04:06:43 PM EST, Ernest Harris via
> CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> 12-31-25 In response to Bluebird feeder discussion. I have a cage feed
> with 1x1.5 openings and the bluebirds easily enter( along with others) and
> the larger birds try from the edges. I have found a wonderful ‘food’. I
> call it ‘Zuet' since the formula comes from Julie Zickefoose:
>
> Melt in microwave and stir together:
> 1 cup peanut butter
> 1 cup lard ( cooking oil)
>
> Mix in large bowl:
> 2 cups chick starter(unmedicated)
> 2 cups quick oats
> 1 cup yellow cornmeal
> 1 cup flour
>
> Add melted to dry and mix well
>
> C’est tout!! Ernie, Colchester
>
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or
> "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or
> "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/
Date: 12/31/25 8:22 pm From: Stephen Spector via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Stratford-Milford CBC (12/21/2025) Results
Impressive!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 31, 2025, at 6:53 PM, Steve Mayo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> Happy New Year!
>
> Back on 12/21/2025, good field coverage resulted in 108 total species for
> the Stratford-Milford Christmas Bird Count. Among the highlights was the
> coastal CT Sandhill Crane show. All 16 (flocks of 3 and 13) were seen
> flying from the east, into the Count Circle. Different Milford parties
> found 2, then 4, then an amazing 6 lingering Semi-palmated Sandpipers.
> Multiple parties add significantly to party hours and bird totals. A very
> late Spotted Sandpiper was also discovered at Bridgeport's Captain's Cove.
> The Clay-colored Sparrow near Milford's Caswell Cove continued. All 3
> "Euro" Gulls (Lesser Black-backed, Iceland, Glaucous) were found as well as
> Wood Duck, Snow Goose, Black Scoter, and Lapland Longspur.
>
> Count week species included Common Eider, Ruddy Turnstone, Bonaparte's
> Gull, and Purple Finch. What was missed? Not much. We did dip on "pelagics"
> and all of the owls. Thanks to all participants for another successful CBC.
>
> There's still time to help with the few remaining CBCs this weekend. Refer
> to the COA website for contact information.
>
> Steve Mayo
> Guilford
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
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Date: 12/31/25 6:53 pm From: Steve Mayo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Stratford-Milford CBC (12/21/2025) Results
Happy New Year!
Back on 12/21/2025, good field coverage resulted in 108 total species for the Stratford-Milford Christmas Bird Count. Among the highlights was the coastal CT Sandhill Crane show. All 16 (flocks of 3 and 13) were seen flying from the east, into the Count Circle. Different Milford parties found 2, then 4, then an amazing 6 lingering Semi-palmated Sandpipers. Multiple parties add significantly to party hours and bird totals. A very late Spotted Sandpiper was also discovered at Bridgeport's Captain's Cove. The Clay-colored Sparrow near Milford's Caswell Cove continued. All 3 "Euro" Gulls (Lesser Black-backed, Iceland, Glaucous) were found as well as Wood Duck, Snow Goose, Black Scoter, and Lapland Longspur.
Count week species included Common Eider, Ruddy Turnstone, Bonaparte's Gull, and Purple Finch. What was missed? Not much. We did dip on "pelagics" and all of the owls. Thanks to all participants for another successful CBC.
There's still time to help with the few remaining CBCs this weekend. Refer to the COA website for contact information.
Steve Mayo Guilford
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Date: 12/31/25 4:22 pm From: Abby Sesselberg via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Bird music
For folks interested in the relationship between birds and music, David
Rothenberg <https://davidrothenberg.wordpress.com/> travels the world
playing music with birds, whales, and all kinds of interesting things.
At the bottom of his homepage, you can see a list to access his work in
many formats,
-Abby Sesselberg
Guilford
On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM Tom de Boor via CTBirds <
<ctbirds...> wrote:
> The last couple of months, as migration wound down and our winter birds
> settled in, I've occasionally played human choral music with close
> harmonies for the birds on Regional Water Authority land in Northford, just
> to see what would happen, and wanted to share my experiences so far.
>
> Song: Born To Be With You, The Chordettes
>
> Response: 10-11 juncos and one cardinal, previously hidden, more or less
> immediately popped up out of the brush. I fully expected them to fly away,
> but instead they kept hopping higher and higher, first in the brush, then
> nearby trees. The Cardinal and a couple of the Juncos ended up fairly high
> up, directly overhead.
>
> Song: There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), Eurythmics, Annie
> Lennox
>
> Response: Initially, it seemed like the only bird around was a Blue Jay
> making odd sounds, far enough away that it wasn't clear if it was
> responding or even listening. Then I noticed two female Cardinals about 20
> feet in front of me and 60 feet up in a tree, sitting quietly and looking
> down. A male Cardinal appeared, and by flying at the females caused them to
> fly, then a second male appeared, got into an altercation with the first
> one, and one male fled with the other in hot pursuit. Shortly thereafter,
> both females returned and appeared to be listening again.
>
> Song: In Stiller Nacht (not Silent Night), an old German folk song,
> beautifully arranged in four-part harmony by Pink Martini and the Von Trapp
> Singers (grandchildren of the original)
>
> Response: 4-5 titmice, 4-5 chickadees, 2 goldfinches, a Downy Woodpecker,
> and a nuthatch flew in or approached almost as soon as I started playing
> it. After about 30 seconds, one of the chickadees and an unseen Carolina
> Wren (soon joined by a second) began singing in full voice (this on 12/31),
> and continued to do so, one of the wrens continuing until I turned the
> music off.
>
> I'm assuming I'm not the only person who has done this. Wondering what the
> experience of other members of the CT birding community has been if/when
> you did...
>
> Best, as always,
>
> Tom de Boor
> Northford, CT
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or
> "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >
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Date: 12/31/25 2:18 pm From: Angela Dimmitt via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: CT County Record -Congratulations Adam
Congratulations - that took time and dedication - but I bet he (and you Jo) had fun! Angela Dimmitt New Milford On Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 04:14:30 PM EST, Jo Fasciolo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
I want to congratulate my husband, Adam, for setting a Fairfield County, or any CT county, all time high record of 287 birds seen in one year!! It was a great year of birding!
Jo Fasciolo Norwalk
Sent from App for Gmail
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Date: 12/31/25 2:16 pm From: Angela Dimmitt via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Bluebird Feeder and food
Thank you Ernie - an excellent recipe with one, I think, important comment: regular peanut butter contains 2 grams of added sugar (per serving) - I've always understood sugar is not good for birds. "Natural" peanut butter has some but no added sugars. More expensive and oily, but the birds do love a similar recipe I've used for years. Please tell me I'm wrong, it's OK!
Angela Dimmitt
New Milford
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 04:06:43 PM EST, Ernest Harris via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
12-31-25 In response to Bluebird feeder discussion. I have a cage feed with 1x1.5 openings and the bluebirds easily enter( along with others) and the larger birds try from the edges. I have found a wonderful ‘food’. I call it ‘Zuet' since the formula comes from Julie Zickefoose:
Melt in microwave and stir together:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup lard ( cooking oil)
Mix in large bowl:
2 cups chick starter(unmedicated)
2 cups quick oats
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
Add melted to dry and mix well
C’est tout!! Ernie, Colchester
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> On Dec 31, 2025, at 4:14 PM, Jo Fasciolo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
>
> I want to congratulate my husband, Adam, for setting a Fairfield County, or any CT county, all time high record of 287 birds seen in one year!! It was a great year of birding!
>
> Jo Fasciolo
> Norwalk
>
> Sent from App for Gmail
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
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Date: 12/31/25 1:14 pm From: Jo Fasciolo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] CT County Record -Congratulations Adam
I want to congratulate my husband, Adam, for setting a Fairfield County, or any CT county, all time high record of 287 birds seen in one year!! It was a great year of birding!
Jo Fasciolo Norwalk
Sent from App for Gmail
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Date: 12/31/25 1:07 pm From: Beverly Propen via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Coastal Center
12/31 Milford, Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center 10am-1PM. overcast, 33F, mid-tide-receding. A few hardy souls exploring the center- photographers & birders. On the marsh: 46 Canada Geese, 22 American Black ducks, 10 Gadwall, 2 Mallards, 11 Buffleheads, 1 Cooper's hawk zooming past and the Northern harrier was coasting around the marsh much of the morning, along with Herring & Ring billed gulls. A visitor noted one Greater black backed gull by the LIS side. Grounds & feeders: 1 Mockingbird, 1 American Tree sparrow at feeder by the marsh edge, about 25 House sparrows in the brush pile and several bathing in the fountain, 5 White throated sparrows, 3 Song sparrows, 3 Tufted Titmice, 2 House finches, 8 Mourning doves, 4 Northern Cardinals, 1 White breasted nuthatch, 1 Downy, 2 Blue jays & 1 Carolina wren. Happy New Year and Good birding to all! Bev Propen, Orange
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Date: 12/31/25 1:06 pm From: Ernest Harris via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Bluebird Feeder and food
12-31-25 In response to Bluebird feeder discussion. I have a cage feed with 1x1.5 openings and the bluebirds easily enter( along with others) and the larger birds try from the edges. I have found a wonderful ‘food’. I call it ‘Zuet' since the formula comes from Julie Zickefoose:
Melt in microwave and stir together:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup lard ( cooking oil)
Mix in large bowl:
2 cups chick starter(unmedicated)
2 cups quick oats
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup flour
Add melted to dry and mix well
C’est tout!! Ernie, Colchester
To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/
Date: 12/31/25 12:55 pm From: Tom de Boor via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Bird music
The last couple of months, as migration wound down and our winter birds settled in, I've occasionally played human choral music with close harmonies for the birds on Regional Water Authority land in Northford, just to see what would happen, and wanted to share my experiences so far.
Song: Born To Be With You, The Chordettes
Response: 10-11 juncos and one cardinal, previously hidden, more or less immediately popped up out of the brush. I fully expected them to fly away, but instead they kept hopping higher and higher, first in the brush, then nearby trees. The Cardinal and a couple of the Juncos ended up fairly high up, directly overhead.
Song: There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), Eurythmics, Annie Lennox
Response: Initially, it seemed like the only bird around was a Blue Jay making odd sounds, far enough away that it wasn't clear if it was responding or even listening. Then I noticed two female Cardinals about 20 feet in front of me and 60 feet up in a tree, sitting quietly and looking down. A male Cardinal appeared, and by flying at the females caused them to fly, then a second male appeared, got into an altercation with the first one, and one male fled with the other in hot pursuit. Shortly thereafter, both females returned and appeared to be listening again.
Song: In Stiller Nacht (not Silent Night), an old German folk song, beautifully arranged in four-part harmony by Pink Martini and the Von Trapp Singers (grandchildren of the original)
Response: 4-5 titmice, 4-5 chickadees, 2 goldfinches, a Downy Woodpecker, and a nuthatch flew in or approached almost as soon as I started playing it. After about 30 seconds, one of the chickadees and an unseen Carolina Wren (soon joined by a second) began singing in full voice (this on 12/31), and continued to do so, one of the wrens continuing until I turned the music off.
I'm assuming I'm not the only person who has done this. Wondering what the experience of other members of the CT birding community has been if/when you did...
Best, as always,
Tom de Boor Northford, CT
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Date: 12/31/25 6:40 am From: Larry via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Groton Northern Shoveler
One drake Northern Shoveler at Birch Plain Creek, Thomas Rd, Groton at south side of bridge in open water along with many mallards. This bird has been there for a while.
Larry Flynn
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Date: 12/30/25 9:22 am From: Sarah Faulkner via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Big January Starts Thursday!
Dear CT Birding Community,
New Year's is the start of both the Hartford County Big January of Birding, sponsored by the Hartford Audubon Society, and also the all-CT Big January sponsored by the CT Ornithological Association.
For HAS, anyone can participate, even if you're not a member or live outside of Hartford County (but we'll ask you to join if you're not a member! It's a great community of birders). The goal is for each individual to find as many different species of wild birds in Hartford County as possible and record your observations in eBird.
We encourage everyone to help each other -- NOT being competitive! -- and helping to spread the joy of birding. Looking for birds in January is tough, so if you find something, please share it over AllHAS or ctbirds! Two things I love about Big January: seeing other birders out there and sharing information, and finding new places to go birding. Every year I am introduced to someplace great I didn't know existed -- thank you, other birders!
Happy birding!
Sarah Faulkner
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Date: 12/30/25 5:00 am From: Joe Bear via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Recommendation for bluebird feeder
Marilyn,
Droll Yankees make great quality feeders, some being “squirrel proof”, but they’re not inexpensive. I have two of the “Whipper” model. That said, while these feeders definitely make it more difficult for squirrels to feed from, the best strategy is of course enough distance from any structure they can jump from as well as having a baffle preventing them from climbing up (a pole). Bluebirds nest on our property, and they stick around all winter (esp after a snowfall) if I offer sunflower hearts and suet.
Joe Bear
Wilton
Sent from my iPhone
Go GATORS!
"In every walk in nature one receives far more than one seeks."
-John Muir
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:03:49 +0000 (UTC)
From: Marilyn Moger <dmmoger...>
Subject: [CT Birds] Recommendation for bluebird feeder
To: CT Birds <ctbirds...>
Message-ID: <1952103839.2702852.1767042229499...>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
On Sunday morning with 9 inches of snow, I saw my first bluebird ever at my feeders trying to find something to eat. Any recommedations for a caged feeder that keeps out the squirrels and other big birds? In reviewing caged bird feeders, some have commented that the 1 1/2 " opening is too small for Eastern bluebirds. Thanks for any advice.Marilyn Moger- Milford
------------------------------
Subject: Digest Footer
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End of CTBirds Digest, Vol 6730, Issue 1
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Date: 12/30/25 3:34 am From: Bird Comcast Bird via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Recommendation for feeder
Amongst the different types of feeders we have: cylindrical, barrel type, caged, moving perches that dump larger birds, I think the best overall is a large one called the Absolute. It seems to attract the most birds from Cardinals and little guys like titmouses, And excludes grackles and squirrels if you set the weight right. Susanne (Susie) Shrader West Hartford
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Date: 12/29/25 1:53 pm From: Marilyn Moger via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Recommendation for bluebird feeder
On Sunday morning with 9 inches of snow, I saw my first bluebird ever at my feeders trying to find something to eat. Any recommedations for a caged feeder that keeps out the squirrels and other big birds? In reviewing caged bird feeders, some have commented that the 1 1/2 " opening is too small for Eastern bluebirds. Thanks for any advice.Marilyn Moger- Milford
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Date: 12/29/25 1:36 pm From: Tim via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Congrats Anthony Albrecht!!!
12/29/2025
Not only did Anthony reach 300 in CT for the year, he also now holds the Middlesex County year record with 233 species - also reached in 2025. Way to go Anthony!
Tim Antanaitis Portland, CT
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 12/29/25 12:08 pm From: C Wood via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Connecticut Bird Pix Flickr Page
Connecticut bird photographers are invited to share their work on the Connecticut Bird Pix Flickr page (https://www.flickr.com/groups/connecticutbirdpix/) and all birders are welcome to view and comment on the photos. There are over 4500 pictures and always some great ones of rarities and common birds by top photographers and casual photogs alike. Great way to refresh your ID skills.
It’s free (unless you want to join Flickr Pro) and easy to use. Here’s the simple rules:
Please submit only your own photos taken in Connecticut of wild birds and bird habitat, birding activity, and bird research and conservation. No captive birds (except from banding operations) or pets please. Members are encouraged to comment on photos, but please keep any criticism constructive. Members are encouraged to include metadata; at a minimum, the photographer's name and the date and location of the photograph must be provided. Members are encouraged to use the Group to request identification assistance and photography advice.
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Date: 12/29/25 12:06 pm From: Christopher Loscalzo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] A minor observation
Not big news, but perhaps noteworthy or at least a pleasant little story. Last winter, we noted a partially leucistic male Junco visiting our feeders. Its head was mottled white and gray but its plumage was otherwise normal. We are pleased to report that the same bird is visiting our feeders again this winter. The observation reinforces two points: that leucistic areas persist through molts and many if not most migratory birds are faithful to their wintering grounds just as they often are to their breeding grounds. Happy holidays everyone! Chris Loscalzo and Marianne Vahey, Woodbridge Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 12/29/25 6:06 am From: Cynthia Ehlinger via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] COA Mini-Grant and Camp Scholarship deadlines approach
COA Mini-Grants and Camp Scholarships Opportunities
COA will again offer Mini-Grants for bird friendly projects in CT and two scholarships for teens to attend Hog Island summer camp in Maine. Deadlines are approaching soon. If you are someone or know someone who would be interested in either of these opportunities, learn more at https://www.ctbirding.org/ COA Mini-Grants - applications due January 17 Zepko Audubon Camp Scholarship for Young Birders - applications due January 31
Cynthia S Ehlinger President, Connecticut Ornithological Association Riverside
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Date: 12/28/25 9:29 am From: ed bailey via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Rough legged hawk
Moving around long beach and marsh in stratford today. Ed Bailey Monroe
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Date: 12/24/25 5:40 pm From: Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: West Hartford BARNACLE GOOSE
Thanks Jannie for posting this! Reservoir 6 will also be closed tomorrow, but it will re-open Friday.
Let’s hope the goose sticks around Reservoir 6!
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator Madison
On Dec 24, 2025, at 11:54 AM, Jannie Shapiro <jshapiro30...> wrote:
For your information...I was checking the website for the reservoir..they were planning to close at noon today for the holiday Jannie Shpiro On Wed, Dec 24, 2025, 11:39 AM Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <[1]<ctbirds...> wrote:
The BARNACLE GOOSE is showing well as of 11:30 this morning at Reservoir 6 in West Hartford. Those that tried for the Broad Brook bird (like me) might find their search here refreshing by comparison - there are only several hundred birds to look through at this location, compared to the thousands at Broad Brook. Park in the north parking lot and take the trail on the east side of the reservoir to the peninsula on the left, about a quarter mile. Cute bird! Chuck Imbergamo CT Birds Moderator Madison To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: [2]<ctbirds-request...> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: [3]https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: [4]https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
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Date: 12/24/25 9:17 am From: John M Côté via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Stamford harlequin duck
Continuing at Cove Island Park in Stamford, in the first boat slip area.
John M Côté - Stamford
Sent from my iPhone 16 / Envoyé depuis mon iPhone 16
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Date: 12/24/25 8:47 am From: Jannie Shapiro via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: West Hartford BARNACLE GOOSE
For your information...I was checking the website for the reservoir..they
were planning to close at noon today for the holiday
Jannie Shpiro
On Wed, Dec 24, 2025, 11:39 AM Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <
<ctbirds...> wrote:
> The BARNACLE GOOSE is showing well as of 11:30 this morning at Reservoir 6
> in West Hartford. Those that tried for the Broad Brook bird (like me)
> might find their search here refreshing by comparison - there are only
> several hundred birds to look through at this location, compared to the
> thousands at Broad Brook.
>
> Park in the north parking lot and take the trail on the east side of the
> reservoir to the peninsula on the left, about a quarter mile. Cute bird!
>
> Chuck Imbergamo
> CT Birds Moderator
> Madison
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or
> "leave" in the subject or body to: <ctbirds-request...>
>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
> birders together statewide. Please support COA:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >
> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For
> list rules and subscription information visit:
> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >
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Date: 12/24/25 8:39 am From: Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] West Hartford BARNACLE GOOSE
The BARNACLE GOOSE is showing well as of 11:30 this morning at Reservoir 6 in West Hartford. Those that tried for the Broad Brook bird (like me) might find their search here refreshing by comparison - there are only several hundred birds to look through at this location, compared to the thousands at Broad Brook.
Park in the north parking lot and take the trail on the east side of the reservoir to the peninsula on the left, about a quarter mile. Cute bird!
Chuck Imbergamo CT Birds Moderator Madison
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Date: 12/24/25 8:20 am From: JOHN OGREN via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Northern Pintail
12/24 Drake Northern Pintail at Old Saybrook Town Beach this morning as tide was coming in. It may move over to the mouth of the Oyster River or into Plum Bank Marsh at high tide.
John Ogren
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Date: 12/22/25 5:52 pm From: Sarah Faulkner via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Hartford County Big January of Birding
Dear HAS Members,
It's that time of year! The Hartford Audubon Society (HAS) is pleased to
announce our ninth annual *Hartford County Big January of Birding* birdwatching
challenge. The goal of the activity is to encourage folks to get outside
during the month of January and see as many species of wild birds in
Hartford County as possible. The challenge is free to people of all ages
and is not intended to be competitive -- please share your findings and
encourage new birders.
And this year, the CT Ornithological Association is running an all-CT Big
January, so you can do both ours in Hartford County AND the statewide
challenge too!
To participate in both challenges, birders should enter their daily or
periodic observations into *ebird.org <http://ebird.org/>*, the free
birdwatching site maintained by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology.
If you don’t use eBird, you can list your species, date seen, location, and
brief description, and send it via email or mail directly to me right at
the end of January. It must be *received* by Wednesday, February 4th. You
do not need to be a HAS member or reside in Hartford County to enter. At
the end of the month, Hartford Audubon will retrieve all the data and award
certificates and prizes. There are four categories:
- Youth (ages 4-10) who must see at least 25 species to enter
- Teen (ages 11-17) who must see at least 35 species to enter
- Weekend Warrior (adults ages 18 and up who can’t get outdoors during
the week) who must see at least 50 species to enter
- Adults (ages 18 and up who can get outdoors during the week) who must
see at least 60 species to enter.
All entries that meet the minimum number of species for each challenge
group will receive a certificate of achievement. A special prize will be
awarded for the highest species count for each challenge group, and the
coveted “Golden Grebe” award will be given to the birder finding the most
unusual bird. Please see the HAS website at
https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/ <https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/trips-events/club-events/> for contest
details.
January, 2026 may be a very interesting month and a joyful way to enter the
new year. There are some rarities showing up this week - I hope they will
stay until after January 1st! I've never seen a barnacle goose in
Connecticut!
*Please feel free to share this email with all your bird-loving friends.*
We’d like nothing more than to hand out dozens of certificates!
Wishing everyone a healthy and birdy 2026,
Sarah Faulkner
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Date: 12/22/25 1:41 pm From: Paul Desjardins via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Ducks
Paul Desjardins <paul.desjardins2...> Phone: (860) 623-3696
The Eurasian Wigeon continues as seen from Milford Point today and there were 3 Canvasbacks at Frash Pond Stratford . Also a single Snow Bunting at Milford Point.
Paul Desjardins Windsor Locks
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Date: 12/22/25 10:22 am From: red396 via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Barnacle goose
Now showing resevior 6 off rt 44 west hartford.drive to end by pumping station.park walk 100 yards .it is with the canadas.ron serianz newington
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
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Date: 12/22/25 8:06 am From: Lisa Lukawicz via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Barnacle Goose Reservoir 6 W. Htfd.
Barnacle Goose now at West Hartford Reservoir 6. Far north end. Will submit photos with eBird checklist.
Lisa Lukawicz Newington CT
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 12/21/25 9:00 am From: Angela Dimmitt via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Merlin - Woodbury
Merlin photographed 12/20 but also seen previously in vicinity of Old North Cemetery on Washington Avenue. Angela DimmittNew Milford
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Date: 12/20/25 8:39 am From: John D Babington via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] CBC - Area K (Washington, CT) - Wild Turkeys
Not being able to do Area K for the Woodbury-Roxbury CBC today because of recovering from the flu and bronchitis. Since my house here Washington, CT is in Area K I just added a bird to the tally for the fellow who is doing Area K for me. Ten Wild Turkeys. David W BabingtonWashington, CT
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Date: 12/20/25 7:34 am From: Lisa Lukawicz via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] GWFG and CACG at Mill Woods Pond Wethersfield
Greater White Fronted Good and Cackling Goose now at Mill Woods Pond Wethersfield.
Lisa Lukawicz Newington CT
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 12/19/25 11:33 am From: Joe Bear via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Eagles
12/19 Kent Pond, Wilton One adult and one first year Bald Eagle on the ice scavenging on a dead Canada Goose. Joe Bear Wilton Sent from my iPhone Go GATORS!
"In every walk in nature one receives far more than one seeks." -John Muir
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Date: 12/19/25 9:33 am From: Ryan Maclean via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count highlights 12/14
Thank YOU Cynthia for all of your efforts and work on this count and to
everyone who made it possible despite the weather. To provide a couple
further insights, amongst the many highlights of this year's Greenwich
Stamford CBC, the continuing INDIGO BUNTING at Greenwich Point was actually
first for this species in the count's 100+ year history. While amazingly
both Painted Bunting and Blue Grosbeak have been historically recorded,
INBU has not been for this count. Major credit to the Greenwich Point team
of Brian O'Toole, Lisa Monacelli, Joe & Adam Fasciolo, Ellyne Rey and Chris
Wisker for staking this out along with many of the other count rarities
including Tennessee & Orange-Crowned Warblers, Dickcissel, Red-Necked Grebe
and others. Stefan & Shaun Martin had the light morph Rough-Legged Hawk
from Cos Cob Park Greenwich along with the count's only American Coot.
Emily Keating & Dave Woolery found the Clay-Colored Sparrow at Scalzi Park
in Stamford while Frank Mantlik found the Harlequin Duck at Cove Island
Park and refound the 3 Greater White Fronted Geese originally reported in
Darien at the North end of Holly Pond. Tom Burke & Gail Benson had a late
LAUGHING GULL at the reliable wintering location of Czecik Marina Stamford.
On the NY side Julien Amsellem, Reed Willard & Phil Ribolow had Wilson's
Snipe & Cackling Goose in Armonk NY with Ricky Chmielecki finding another
Wilson's Snipe. In all an absolutely amazing effort from all involved.
With difficult viewing conditions on Long Island Sound early in the
morning, several misses for count day included all three Scoters, but all 3
species were accounted for during Count Period. Most notable for Count
Period sightings was a shockingly late juvenile BROAD-WINGED HAWK
photographed by John Hopkins at Montgomery Pinetum in Cos Cob on Sat 12/13,
which also has never been recorded previously for this count. Other Count
Period additions included Marsh Wren and American Woodcock.
One other individual who was physically missed this year was long-time
count compiler Gary Palmer who sadly missed his first Greenwich Stamford
CBC since joining 50+ years ago. We send our best to him and greatly look
forward to him returning next year.
Our thanks to Cynthia once again and best wishes to all this CBC season!
-Ryan MacLean
Greenwich Audubon Center
On Fri, Dec 19, 2025 at 11:46 AM Cynthia Ehlinger via CTBirds <
<ctbirds...> wrote:
> Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count 12/14
> Highlights
>
> The cold, snowy start to the Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count on
> 12/14/25 may impact our total numbers of birds, which are still coming in,
> but the total 116 species on count day is surprisingly above our recent
> average of 111. An additional 6 species were noted during count week. Count
> Day highlights included some continuing birds -- Greater White-fronted
> Goose, Dickcissel, Indigo Bunting, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned
> Warbler -- and some great surprises -- Red-necked Grebe, Cackling Goose,
> Harlequin Duck, Wilson's Snipe, Rough-legged Hawk, and Clay-colored
> Sparrow.
> Many thanks to Greenwich Audubon for hosting our compilation, and kudos to
> my co-compiler Ryan MacLean and all the hardy participants who braved less
> than ideal conditions.
> Plus best wishes to all the upcoming CBCs in CT for a safe and productive
> count this season. The data is such a crucial part of assessing avian
> populations and the health of our environment. Thank you all.
> On a somber note, we dedicated this count to the memory of Meredith
> Sampson, a caring wildlife rehabilitator, leader of the First Sunday Bird
> Walks at Greenwich Point, former CBC captain at Greenwich Point and
> lifelong resident of Old Greenwich, who passed away in November of this
> year. As a friend observed, she was "a force *of* nature and a force *for*
> nature."
>
> Cynthia Ehlinger
> Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count compiler
> Riverside
>
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>
> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing
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The cold, snowy start to the Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count on 12/14/25 may impact our total numbers of birds, which are still coming in, but the total 116 species on count day is surprisingly above our recent average of 111. An additional 6 species were noted during count week. Count Day highlights included some continuing birds -- Greater White-fronted Goose, Dickcissel, Indigo Bunting, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler -- and some great surprises -- Red-necked Grebe, Cackling Goose, Harlequin Duck, Wilson's Snipe, Rough-legged Hawk, and Clay-colored Sparrow. Many thanks to Greenwich Audubon for hosting our compilation, and kudos to my co-compiler Ryan MacLean and all the hardy participants who braved less than ideal conditions. Plus best wishes to all the upcoming CBCs in CT for a safe and productive count this season. The data is such a crucial part of assessing avian populations and the health of our environment. Thank you all. On a somber note, we dedicated this count to the memory of Meredith Sampson, a caring wildlife rehabilitator, leader of the First Sunday Bird Walks at Greenwich Point, former CBC captain at Greenwich Point and lifelong resident of Old Greenwich, who passed away in November of this year. As a friend observed, she was "a force *of* nature and a force *for* nature."
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