Date: 7/10/25 4:50 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Costa Rica 2026
*Costa Rica Natural History and Birding Adventure:*
* April 13 – 23, 2026*
*Arenal Extension April 23 - 26, 2026*
*Leaders:*
*1) Ted Levin—*Ted is a lifelong naturalist, whose work has appeared in *The
New York Times*, *The *Guardian, *Audubon Magazine*, *Sports Illustrated*, *The
Boston Globe Magazine*, *National Geographic Traveler*, and *OnEarth,* among
many other publications. He is the author of eleven books, including five
for children, such as *Liquid Land: A Journey Through the Florida
Everglades*, which was awarded the Burroughs Medal, the highest honor given
to an American nature writer. *Forbes* chose *America’s Snake: The Rise and
Fall of the Timber *Rattlesnake, one of the ten finest conservation books
of 2016. His most recent book, *The Promise of Sunrise: Finding Solace in a
Broken World*, was published this past March. This will be Ted’s ninth trip
to Costa Rica, including hosting Vermont Public’s Citizens of the World
Tour in 2010.
*Email: <tedlevin1966...> <tedlevin1966...>*
*cellphone: 802 399 9398*
*2) Gil Calvo— *A naturalist and Neotropical birder extraordinaire, Gil has
created & led custom natural-history tours throughout Costa Rica for 30
years, including four for Hanover High School, Hanover, NH. In 2000,
inspired by a lifelong passion for his native country, Gil created Tropical
Advisors Costa Rica, Inc. (formerly Tropical Angel Travel). Today, Tropic
Advisors has evolved into one of Mesoamerica’s premier natural history tour
companies.
For our itinerary and costs, please get in touch with Ted.
Good news re that amazing parcel, thank you Allan for this clarification!Veer Frost
On 7/9/2025 at 1:29 PM, "Allan Strong" wrote:Hi Fred,
Thanks for the report. The parcel at 475 Pond Rd. has been purchased by UVM. I'm not sure what the long-term plans are, but folks in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences do know that the field supports grassland birds, including the (state threatened) Eastern Meadowlark.
All the best, Allan -----Original Message----- From: Vermont Birds On Behalf Of Fred Nelson Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 3:04 PM To: <VTBIRD...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
Shelburne Pond, including all of Pond Rd which bisects the extensive marsh to the south of the pond, is undoubtedly one of Chittenden County's ecological gems. The hayfields along Pond Rd also have abundant grassland birds such as bobolinks and savannah sparrows, and smaller number of eastern meadowlarks, though as elsewhere this partially depends on year-to-year mowing patterns and whether or not these birds can reproduce and return. For the past few years, the farm at 475 Pond Rd has been 'dormant'- Zillow shows it was sold last November- and the extensive fields there unmowed or late-mowed. This year this farm has been a center of grassland bird activity with many bobolinks (at least 20 flying around the fields today- some of which appear to be this year's fledglings) and several eastern meadowlarks. There is a family (3 today, also suggesting successful fledging this year) of kestrel that like to perch on the barn or several dead trees on this farm.
This morning eastern towhee and black-billed cuckoo were calling from nearby successional habitat as well.
A great area to enjoy some successfully breeding grassland birds near Burlington.
Date: 7/10/25 3:23 am From: Ron Wild <ronhwmail...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] VTBIRD Digest - 8 Jul 2025 to 9 Jul 2025 (#2025-125)
Regarding Discord.
I installed the App and created an account (I think).
I tried to set up notifications, but I did not see mention of channels, or
Vermont.
Still seems worthwhile.
Ron
Montpelier
On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM VTBIRD automatic digest system <
<LISTSERV...> wrote:
> There are 7 messages totaling 396 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. VT rare bird alert - Discord App (5)
> 2. Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
> 3. Discord
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 09:49:02 -0400
> From: Brent Stephenson <brent...>
> Subject: VT rare bird alert - Discord App
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to put
> together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT
> birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State,
> with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels,
> whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other
> information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other
> surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around
> Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all
> the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android
> and iPhone.
>
> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH >
> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not
> familiar with Discord:
>
>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing >
> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this
> will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders
> interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use
> the same platform as neighbouring States.
>
> Many thanks,
> Brent
> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great
> birds, real birders"
> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 10:01:14 -0400
> From: Kim Likakis <kim.likakis...>
> Subject: Re: VT rare bird alert - Discord App
>
> This is great, Bret. The NY Discord is *great*, as are FL and MA. Thanks to
> your group for setting this up.
>
> Kim
> Bennington
>
> On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 9:49 AM Brent Stephenson <brent...>
> wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to
> put
> > together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT
> > birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State,
> > with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat
> channels,
> > whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other
> > information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other
> > surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around
> > Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with
> all
> > the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android
> > and iPhone.
> >
> > Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH > >
> > and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not
> > familiar with Discord:
> >
> >
> >
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing > >
> > I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this
> > will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders
> > interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use
> > the same platform as neighbouring States.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> > Brent
> > Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> > Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ -
> "Great
> > birds, real birders"
> > NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> > USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> > USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> > email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> > <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > > web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> > http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:38:07 +0000
> From: Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...>
> Subject: Re: VT rare bird alert - Discord App
>
> I tried to open the link and it states that the link is invalid. Maybe you
> can send it again correctly. Thanks.
> Barbara Powers
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Jul 9, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Brent Stephenson <brent...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to
> put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT
> birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State,
> with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels,
> whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other
> information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other
> surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around
> Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all
> the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android
> and iPhone.
> >
> > Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH > >
> > and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not
> familiar with Discord:
> >
> >
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing > >
> > I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously
> this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders
> interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use
> the same platform as neighbouring States.
> >
> > Many thanks,
> > Brent
> > Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> > Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ -
> "Great birds, real birders"
> > NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> > USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> > USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> > email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > > web http://www.eco-vista.com/ <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com/ <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 12:41:23 -0400
> From: Brent Stephenson <brent...>
> Subject: Re: VT rare bird alert - Discord App
>
> Hi Barbara,
> I just clicked on both links and they worked fine. So no issue with them.
> Have you downloaded the Discord App already to your iPhone or iPad? I’d
> suggest doing that first and then try the links again.
> Many thanks,
> Brent
> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great
> birds, real birders"
> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
>
> > On 9 Jul 2025, at 10:38, Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...> wrote:
> >
> > I tried to open the link and it states that the link is invalid. Maybe
> you can send it again correctly. Thanks.
> > Barbara Powers
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> >> On Jul 9, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Brent Stephenson <brent...>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi everyone,
> >>
> >> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to
> put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT
> birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State,
> with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels,
> whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other
> information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other
> surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around
> Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all
> the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android
> and iPhone.
> >>
> >> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH > >>
> >> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not
> familiar with Discord:
> >>
> >>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing > >>
> >> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously
> this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders
> interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use
> the same platform as neighbouring States.
> >>
> >> Many thanks,
> >> Brent
> >> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> >> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ -
> "Great birds, real birders"
> >> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> >> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> >> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> >> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > >> web http://www.eco-vista.com/ <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com/ <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > >> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 16:47:43 +0000
> From: "<szund...>" <szund...>
> Subject: Re: VT rare bird alert - Discord App
>
> I tried and the first link didn’t work, but the second one did.
> Shirley
>
>
> Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
>
>
> On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 12:42 PM, Brent Stephenson <
> <brent...> wrote:
>
> Hi Barbara,
> I just clicked on both links and they worked fine. So no issue with them.
> Have you downloaded the Discord App already to your iPhone or iPad? I’d
> suggest doing that first and then try the links again.
> Many thanks,
> Brent
> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great
> birds, real birders"
> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
>
> > On 9 Jul 2025, at 10:38, Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...> wrote:
> >
> > I tried to open the link and it states that the link is invalid. Maybe
> you can send it again correctly. Thanks.
> > Barbara Powers
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> >> On Jul 9, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Brent Stephenson <brent...>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi everyone,
> >>
> >> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to
> put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT
> birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State,
> with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels,
> whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other
> information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other
> surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around
> Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all
> the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android
> and iPhone.
> >>
> >> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH > >>
> >> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not
> familiar with Discord:
> >>
> >>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing > >>
> >> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously
> this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders
> interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use
> the same platform as neighbouring States.
> >>
> >> Many thanks,
> >> Brent
> >> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> >> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ -
> "Great birds, real birders"
> >> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> >> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> >> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> >> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > >> web http://www.eco-vista.com/ <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com/ <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > >> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2025 17:28:58 +0000
> From: Allan Strong <Allan.Strong...>
> Subject: Re: Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
>
> Hi Fred,
>
> Thanks for the report. The parcel at 475 Pond Rd. has been purchased by
> UVM. I'm not sure what the long-term plans are, but folks in the College of
> Agriculture and Life Sciences do know that the field supports grassland
> birds, including the (state threatened) Eastern Meadowlark.
>
> All the best,
> Allan
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Fred Nelson
> Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 3:04 PM
> To: <VTBIRD...>
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
>
> Shelburne Pond, including all of Pond Rd which bisects the extensive marsh
> to the south of the pond, is undoubtedly one of Chittenden County's
> ecological gems. The hayfields along Pond Rd also have abundant grassland
> birds such as bobolinks and savannah sparrows, and smaller number of
> eastern meadowlarks, though as elsewhere this partially depends on
> year-to-year mowing patterns and whether or not these birds can reproduce
> and return. For the past few years, the farm at 475 Pond Rd has been
> 'dormant'- Zillow shows it was sold last November- and the extensive fields
> there unmowed or late-mowed. This year this farm has been a center of
> grassland bird activity with many bobolinks (at least 20 flying around the
> fields today- some of which appear to be this year's fledglings) and
> several eastern meadowlarks. There is a family (3 today, also suggesting
> successful fledging this year) of kestrel that like to perch on the barn or
> several dead trees on this farm.
>
> This morning eastern towhee and black-billed cuckoo were calling from
> nearby successional habitat as well.
>
> A great area to enjoy some successfully breeding grassland birds near
> Burlington.
>
> Fred Nelson
> Shelburne
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:15:46 +0000
> From: Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...>
> Subject: Discord
>
> Add me as a friend on Discord! Invite expires in 1 week:
> https://discord.gg/XMG97dxM > Barbara Powers
> Sent from my iPad
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of VTBIRD Digest - 8 Jul 2025 to 9 Jul 2025 (#2025-125)
> ***********************************************************
>
Date: 7/9/25 10:29 am From: Allan Strong <Allan.Strong...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
Hi Fred,
Thanks for the report. The parcel at 475 Pond Rd. has been purchased by UVM. I'm not sure what the long-term plans are, but folks in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences do know that the field supports grassland birds, including the (state threatened) Eastern Meadowlark.
All the best,
Allan
-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Fred Nelson
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 3:04 PM
To: <VTBIRD...>
Subject: [VTBIRD] Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
Shelburne Pond, including all of Pond Rd which bisects the extensive marsh to the south of the pond, is undoubtedly one of Chittenden County's ecological gems. The hayfields along Pond Rd also have abundant grassland birds such as bobolinks and savannah sparrows, and smaller number of eastern meadowlarks, though as elsewhere this partially depends on year-to-year mowing patterns and whether or not these birds can reproduce and return. For the past few years, the farm at 475 Pond Rd has been 'dormant'- Zillow shows it was sold last November- and the extensive fields there unmowed or late-mowed. This year this farm has been a center of grassland bird activity with many bobolinks (at least 20 flying around the fields today- some of which appear to be this year's fledglings) and several eastern meadowlarks. There is a family (3 today, also suggesting successful fledging this year) of kestrel that like to perch on the barn or several dead trees on this farm.
This morning eastern towhee and black-billed cuckoo were calling from nearby successional habitat as well.
A great area to enjoy some successfully breeding grassland birds near Burlington.
I tried and the first link didn’t work, but the second one did.
Shirley
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 12:42 PM, Brent Stephenson <brent...> wrote:
Hi Barbara,
I just clicked on both links and they worked fine. So no issue with them. Have you downloaded the Discord App already to your iPhone or iPad? I’d suggest doing that first and then try the links again.
Many thanks,
Brent
Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great birds, real birders"
NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
> On 9 Jul 2025, at 10:38, Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...> wrote:
>
> I tried to open the link and it states that the link is invalid. Maybe you can send it again correctly. Thanks.
> Barbara Powers
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jul 9, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Brent Stephenson <brent...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State, with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels, whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android and iPhone.
>>
>> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH >>
>> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not familiar with Discord:
>>
>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing >>
>> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use the same platform as neighbouring States.
>>
>> Many thanks,
>> Brent
>> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
>> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great birds, real birders"
>> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
>> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
>> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
>> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> >> web http://www.eco-vista.com/ <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and http://www.wrybill-tours.com/ <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> >> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
Hi Barbara,
I just clicked on both links and they worked fine. So no issue with them. Have you downloaded the Discord App already to your iPhone or iPad? I’d suggest doing that first and then try the links again.
Many thanks,
Brent
Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great birds, real birders"
NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
> On 9 Jul 2025, at 10:38, Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...> wrote:
>
> I tried to open the link and it states that the link is invalid. Maybe you can send it again correctly. Thanks.
> Barbara Powers
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jul 9, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Brent Stephenson <brent...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State, with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels, whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android and iPhone.
>>
>> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH >>
>> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not familiar with Discord:
>>
>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing >>
>> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use the same platform as neighbouring States.
>>
>> Many thanks,
>> Brent
>> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
>> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great birds, real birders"
>> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
>> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
>> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
>> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> >> web http://www.eco-vista.com/ <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and http://www.wrybill-tours.com/ <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> >> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
Date: 7/9/25 7:38 am From: Barbara Powers <barkiepvt...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] VT rare bird alert - Discord App
I tried to open the link and it states that the link is invalid. Maybe you can send it again correctly. Thanks.
Barbara Powers
Sent from my iPad
> On Jul 9, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Brent Stephenson <brent...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State, with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels, whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android and iPhone.
>
> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH >
> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not familiar with Discord:
>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing >
> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use the same platform as neighbouring States.
>
> Many thanks,
> Brent
> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great birds, real birders"
> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > web http://www.eco-vista.com/ <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and http://www.wrybill-tours.com/ <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
Date: 7/9/25 7:01 am From: Kim Likakis <kim.likakis...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] VT rare bird alert - Discord App
This is great, Bret. The NY Discord is *great*, as are FL and MA. Thanks to
your group for setting this up.
Kim
Bennington
On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 9:49 AM Brent Stephenson <brent...>
wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to put
> together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT
> birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State,
> with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels,
> whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other
> information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other
> surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around
> Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all
> the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android
> and iPhone.
>
> Here’s a link to join: https://discord.gg/MaUbXsgQqH >
> and here’s a document with instructions on setting it up if you’re not
> familiar with Discord:
>
>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B2EuWeGBFaDlgSFITOSzvvYlmWimsq7Vu4mwkFdv2-A/edit?usp=sharing >
> I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this
> will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders
> interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use
> the same platform as neighbouring States.
>
> Many thanks,
> Brent
> Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
> Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great
> birds, real birders"
> NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
> USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
> USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
> email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or
> <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> > web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and
> http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> > "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
>
Earlier this year Cedar Stanistreet worked with a few other birders to put together a VT rare bird alert and chat system. The aim was to give VT birders a centralized platform for rare bird reporting across the State, with channels for each area. Building on that there are also chat channels, whereby interesting sightings that are not necessarily rare, or other information of use to other birders can be disseminated. And since other surrounding areas, (NY, MA, QC, etc) have all started to unify around Statewide Discord servers, this will allow birders to have one App with all the RBAs they are part of. Discord is freely available for both Android and iPhone.
I’m also happy to answer any questions about it directly. Obviously this will not replace this VTBIRDS group, but will hopefully allow birders interested in timely updates on rare or uncommon birds the ability to use the same platform as neighbouring States.
Many thanks,
Brent
Brent Stephenson PhD (Ornithology) <>
Eco-Vista: Photography & Research Ltd + Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ - "Great birds, real birders"
NZ - 26 Reeve Drive, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
USA - PO Box 1505, Stowe VT 05672, United States
USA mobile +1 716 319 4434 || NZ mobile +64 274 426 638
email <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> or <brent...> <mailto:<brent...> web http://www.eco-vista.com <http://www.eco-vista.com/> and http://www.wrybill-tours.com <http://www.wrybill-tours.com/> "Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide" Scofield & Stephenson
Date: 7/8/25 12:03 pm From: Fred Nelson <fred.d.nelson...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Grassland birds, Pond Rd Shelburne
Shelburne Pond, including all of Pond Rd which bisects the extensive marsh to the south of the pond, is undoubtedly one of Chittenden County's ecological gems. The hayfields along Pond Rd also have abundant grassland birds such as bobolinks and savannah sparrows, and smaller number of eastern meadowlarks, though as elsewhere this partially depends on year-to-year mowing patterns and whether or not these birds can reproduce and return. For the past few years, the farm at 475 Pond Rd has been 'dormant'- Zillow shows it was sold last November- and the extensive fields there unmowed or late-mowed. This year this farm has been a center of grassland bird activity with many bobolinks (at least 20 flying around the fields today- some of which appear to be this year's fledglings) and several eastern meadowlarks. There is a family (3 today, also suggesting successful fledging this year) of kestrel that like to perch on the barn or several dead trees on this farm.
This morning eastern towhee and black-billed cuckoo were calling from nearby successional habitat as well.
A great area to enjoy some successfully breeding grassland birds near Burlington.
Date: 7/6/25 6:19 am From: Sue Wetmore <000006207b3956ac-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] July
July may be a slower time bird wise but now is the time to watch for fledglings being fed.
This morning I followed a kingbird with food and saw junior get breakfast.
July is a good time to confirm breeding status.
Sue Wetmore
Brandon
Date: 7/6/25 2:27 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: [VTBIRD] grasshopper sparrow at Colchester Pond?
Yesterday Merlin IDed one several times, without little red or partially red dots. I never saw it or heard it, so I didn’t put it on ebird - but it might be worth other eyes and ears making a visit to that location!
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
Date: 7/5/25 3:22 pm From: Ian Clark <ian...> Subject: [VTBIRD] New blog post with photos of local loon family with a chick
I visited the loon family I've dubbed the Middletons Friday morning. Their chick is doing well, take a loot at some pix on my blog: https://tinyurl.com/33jpbc74
Date: 7/4/25 5:42 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 04 July 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
5:43 a.m. (Half an hour before sunrise). Fifty-four degrees, no mosquitoes,
wind Northwest four miles per hour, gusting to eight. Overhead, clear sky,
light blue grading to pale cantaloupe as the sun climbs above the river fog
and low, hill-hugging clouds. Above the White River, thick fog flows east
... slower than I walk. Then, as the sun elevates, the fog disperses.
Becomes mist, softening the woodland contours and muting the green—an
expanding breath of pastel orange: Tissue-thin and splendid, the
consolation for waking up at 3:45.
*Before the Color*: red-eyed vireo, barely pausing for breath, sings in the
maples as though its tail's on fire. Chickadees and juncos join in (though
*not* nearly as persistently). Then, a blue-headed vireo and a winter wren
cut in, beautifully aloof—neither of whom I've heard in more than a month.
*After the Color:* Thirty-one species, including five warblers (northern
parula, black-throated green, common yellowthroat, ovenbird, and
chestnut-sided). Indigo bunting crooning from the summit of a spruce,
deepest blue (stands out, a dark spec against the pale vestment). Not to be
expected—Baltimore oriole and brown thrasher. Brown creeper and cedar
waxwing, both whispering (one in the air; the other in the woods). Gutteral
ravens, three, in conversation, report the morning's news.
*Department of Entitlement: *Along the side of the road, chipping sparrow
fledglings hop after their caregiver, bumping and nudging, in the
relentless pursuit of food. Less circumspect, four woodpeckers in
training—two sapsuckers and two hairy—chase their respective fathers around
nearby maples. Twitter, twitter, twitter. Dissent of the famished. Reminds
me of dinnertime after a Little League game.
*A Second Go-Around: *Last evening, above the deck, the undulating
performance of a male ruby-throated hummingbird. Like me, a female in
the lilac was mesmerized. From lilac to deck, rising and falling. A
full-bore performance of tight loops by a tiny Casanova. From the
standpoint of energy output, a male hummingbird can afford a summer-long,
full-court display (he may father three broods) and engage in constant
territorial defense of flowers and feeders. He consumes three to seven
calories of food a day, which is two to three times his body weight. And
has no social life other than sperm donation and territorial defense. The
female chooses the nest site. Makes the nest. Incubates. Supervises chicks
and fledglings. And when she's through, she may mate a second time ...
possibly with another male.
Date: 7/1/25 1:26 pm From: anneboby <00000038cbe79a41-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] The Middleton Loon Family has a chick! See the pix!
What outstanding photography!
Bob Yunick
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 03:32:32 PM EDT, Ian Clark <ian...> wrote:
The second of the three loon families I follow - the Middletons from my blog
- hatched a chick over the weekend. I've got pix of the family out and about
on their pond. And fighting off an intruder loon that wants to take over the
pond. Get the story here: https://tinyurl.com/3rn63eua
Date: 7/1/25 12:32 pm From: Ian Clark <ian...> Subject: [VTBIRD] The Middleton Loon Family has a chick! See the pix!
The second of the three loon families I follow - the Middletons from my blog - hatched a chick over the weekend. I've got pix of the family out and about on their pond. And fighting off an intruder loon that wants to take over the pond. Get the story here: https://tinyurl.com/3rn63eua
Date: 6/30/25 5:54 am From: Toni Mikula <wldlfgrl...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Vermont Turkey Brood Survey starts tomorrow!
The Vermont Turkey Brood Survey runs from July 1 to August 31 every year. Anytime during that window you spot a hen turkey, with or without poults, please take a moment to visit vtfishandwildlife.com to report your sighting. Data gathered are used to monitor the reproductive success of this iconic bird. There's no account to create or logging in, just visit the website and report! Last year there were 998 usable reports. Let's try to break 1,000! More information on the brood survey can be found here https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/citizen-reporting/wild-turkey-brood-survey Unfortunately, the Department is not able to use ebird reports in this quantitative dataset.
Date: 6/30/25 5:26 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 30 June 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
4:38 a.m. (thirty-three minutes before sunrise). On the cusp between
nautical and civil twilight (birds are up and I don't need a flashlight to
walk the road). Fifty-four degrees, wind South one mile per hour, gusting
to two, not that I notice. Rising river fog slowly blots a colorless, clean
sky, creeping uphill, sifting through a sieve of branches and leaves.
Visibility reduced to several hundred yards; the outline of trees softens,
vanishes... a Polaroid in reverse. The sun sneaks into the sky, and
the atmosphere brightens. But much of the landscape remains hidden.
*Department of Flowers: *Peaking oxeye daisy. Fading red-flowering
raspberry. First black-eyed Susans. Rhododendron, gone by—an ordinary green
mound, but still a fortress for an inventive catbird—purple bouquets wilted
while I was away in the Northwest.
A hundred yards uphill, a deer manifests out of the mist, bolts across the
road, tail up—a clatter of gravel. Dog, lost in the latest edition of
odors, oblivious.
Awoke to caterwauling barred owls and chattering junco, 3:48 a.m.
Among thirty-six species of birds, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak,
and American robin, a contrast of warbled phrases. Rapid, husky, pack-a-day
tanager. Sweeter, slower grosbeak. Familiar, ubiquitous robin, everywhere,
all at once. Warbling and red-eyed vireos. Nine warblers: ovenbird,
chestnut-sided, black and white, black-throated green, northern parula,
yellow, American redstart, common yellowthroat, and pine (in the pines and
voluble). Eastern phoebe chatty; eastern wood pewee and great crested
flycatcher (known neighbors, mute as marmalade). The proclamations of
crows. The silence of blue jays.
*Onward and Upward with Buntings: *Indigo bunting on an electric line,
faces south. Color and voice cut through the rolling fog. Benjamin Moore
lists 446 shades of blue, none of which is called *Bunting Blue*. The paint
giant missed a remarkable, irreducible shade. Darker than either an eastern
bluebird or a cerulean warbler. Darker than the sky. An almost neon color
equipped to stun.
I watched Lazuli buntings last week, singing in the crowns of sagebrush and
willows, in the canyons of central Washington. Sounded like an indigo,
looked like a bluebird (except for a conical bill), complete with reddish
upper chest. I hadn't heard a Lazuli in twenty-five years and hadn't
considered them a possibility in the folded barrens, east of the
Columbia River. But there they were, bolt upright and full of verve.
Singing dawn to dusk. How similar the song is to an indigo. How identical
the posture. How comparable the behavior. Plump, colorful songbirds hugging
the greenery alongside a cascading creek, voices rising above the falling
water.
It's no wonder Lazuli and indigo buntings interbreed at the zone of
overlapping ranges on the Northern Plains and the Desert Southwest. The
borderline between species can be messy. Darwin knew that.
Date: 6/30/25 3:26 am From: david merker <buteojamaica...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] VTBIRD Digest - 28 Jun 2025 to 29 Jun 2025 (#2025-118)
The song sparrows that nest on the edge of my pond walk on the lilly pads here...quite funny when the come upon a basking frog... they bothe scare off!
David Merker
Etna, New Hampshire
Cape May Raptor Banding Project Inc.
________________________________
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> on behalf of VTBIRD automatic digest system <LISTSERV...>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2025 12:00 AM
To: <VTBIRD...> <VTBIRD...>
Subject: VTBIRD Digest - 28 Jun 2025 to 29 Jun 2025 (#2025-118)
There are 2 messages totaling 33 lines in this issue.
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2025 14:45:31 -0400
From: Roo Slagle <roospin...>
Subject: Song Sparrow walking on water
Yesterday I saw a song sparrow looking for bugs walking on the lily pads and even hopping on top of the yellow flowers. Has anyone else seen this? This guy has expanded his foraging range now that the lily pads are big.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:02:49 -0400
From: David Guertin <dave...>
Subject: Re: Song Sparrow walking on water
Yes, I saw this recently with a Red-winged Blackbird, just strolling
across the water lilies foraging for food. It was pretty cool to see.
Here's a photo:
On 6/29/25 2:45 PM, Roo Slagle wrote:
> Yesterday I saw a song sparrow looking for bugs walking on the lily pads and even hopping on top of the yellow flowers. Has anyone else seen this? This guy has expanded his foraging range now that the lily pads are big.
------------------------------
End of VTBIRD Digest - 28 Jun 2025 to 29 Jun 2025 (#2025-118)
*************************************************************
Date: 6/29/25 5:03 pm From: David Guertin <00000d40dcd17dfd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Song Sparrow walking on water
Yes, I saw this recently with a Red-winged Blackbird, just strolling across the water lilies foraging for food. It was pretty cool to see. Here's a photo:
On 6/29/25 2:45 PM, Roo Slagle wrote: > Yesterday I saw a song sparrow looking for bugs walking on the lily pads and even hopping on top of the yellow flowers. Has anyone else seen this? This guy has expanded his foraging range now that the lily pads are big.
Date: 6/29/25 11:45 am From: Roo Slagle <roospin...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Song Sparrow walking on water
Yesterday I saw a song sparrow looking for bugs walking on the lily pads and even hopping on top of the yellow flowers. Has anyone else seen this? This guy has expanded his foraging range now that the lily pads are big.
Date: 6/28/25 4:29 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Costa Rica Trip 2026
*Costa Rica Natural History and Birding Adventure:*
* April 13 – 23, 2026*
*Arenal Extension April 23 - 26, 2026*
*Leaders:*
*1) Ted Levin—*Ted is a lifelong naturalist, whose work has appeared in *The
New York Times*, *The *Guardian, *Audubon Magazine*, *Sports Illustrated*, *The
Boston Globe Magazine*, *National Geographic Traveler*, *OnEarth* among
many other publications. He is the author of six books and five for
children, including *Liquid Land: A Journey Through the Florida Everglades*,
which was awarded the Burroughs Medal, the highest honor given to an
American nature writer. *Forbes* chose *America’s Snake: The Rise and Fall
of the Timber *Rattlesnake, one of the ten finest conservation books of
2016. His most recent book, *The Promise of Sunrise: Finding Solace in a
Broken World*, was published this past March. This will be Ted’s nineth
trip to Costa Rica, including hosting Vermont Public’s Citizens of the
World Tour, in 2010.
*Email: <tedlevin1966...> <tedlevin1966...>*
*cellphone: 802 399 9398*
*2) Gil Calvo— *A naturalist and Neotropical birder extraordinaire, Gil has
created & led custom natural-history tours throughout Costa Rica for 30
years, including four for Hanover High School, Hanover, NH. In 2000,
inspired by a lifelong passion for his native country, Gil created Tropical
Advisors Costa Rica, Inc. (formerly Tropical Angel Travel). Today, Tropic
Advisors has evolved into one of Mesoamerica’s premier natural history tour
companies.
For our itinerary and cost please get in touch with Ted.
Date: 6/24/25 9:23 am From: FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] A bird song question
I once tracked down what sounded exactly like a Clay-colored Sparrow in
Middlesex, VT, and it turned out to be a Chipping Sparrow! They're close
relatives and, according to Birds of the World (Cornell Lab of
Ornithology), there "is 1 record of a Chipping Sparrow, or a
morphologically similar hybrid, singing song of Clay-colored Sparrow at
Toronto, ON; not clear if this was result of learning or of hybridization".
I wish I had gotten a recording of that Chipping Sparrow in Middlesex!
Chip Darmstadt
FlyAway Birding
On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 8:03 PM Martha & Bill McClintock <
<mbmcclintock...> wrote:
> I was kayaking at Green River Reservoir today. At one point, I heard a
> bird song that I did not recognize. I turned on Merlin and it immediately
> came back with Clay Colored Sparrow. My husband's phone did the same.
> The habitat makes the CCSP seem unlikely to me so I am wondering, are there
> any other birds that sound similar? Unfortunately, the banks of the
> reservoir did not allow me to get out in an attempt to see the bird so all
> I have is Merlin.
>
> Don't worry, I will not eBird the CCSP as I use Merlin as
> confirmation rather than primary identifier. Just wondering if there is a
> bird that sounds similar that would be more likely.
>
> Thanks, Martha McClintock
> (usually birding in) Westford
>
Date: 6/24/25 6:15 am From: Robert Provost <ropro222...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Winter Wren
Same. It’s one of the most beautiful bird songs. Listening to a Wood Thrush on one side of the path and a Winter Wren on the other is heaven
> On Jun 24, 2025, at 8:19 AM, Mundi Smithers <amen1farm...> wrote:
>
> Singing his heart at the moment. Such a beautiful song!!
>
> Mundi
> North Pownal
> Mundi Smithers
>
>
> The greatest tragedy in mankind's enitire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.
> Arthur C Clarke (1917-2008)
Date: 6/23/25 5:03 pm From: Martha & Bill McClintock <mbmcclintock...> Subject: [VTBIRD] A bird song question
I was kayaking at Green River Reservoir today. At one point, I heard a bird song that I did not recognize. I turned on Merlin and it immediately came back with Clay Colored Sparrow. My husband's phone did the same. The habitat makes the CCSP seem unlikely to me so I am wondering, are there any other birds that sound similar? Unfortunately, the banks of the reservoir did not allow me to get out in an attempt to see the bird so all I have is Merlin.
Don't worry, I will not eBird the CCSP as I use Merlin as confirmation rather than primary identifier. Just wondering if there is a bird that sounds similar that would be more likely.
Date: 6/15/25 6:36 pm From: Ken Copenhaver <copenhvr...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
Please join us for our monthly bird monitoring walks on the refuge. Ken Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti lead the walks on various refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December when it is on the 2nd Saturday). The purpose of the walks is to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Observations are entered into the Vermont eBird database where the Cornell Lab of Ornithology stores the data. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 182 months of walks, we have recorded 166 species of birds.
This month's walk will be on *Saturday, June 21, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM a**t the Black/Maquam Creek Trail*. Meet at the parking lot on Rt 78, about 2.5 miles west of Swanton village.
*Trail Description**: *The walk starts at a gravel parking lot and proceeds on a grassy path. It then goes up a short but fairly steep bank to cross the railroad tracks, and back down a similar bank. The rest of the trail through the floodplain forest is level with trail surfaces varying from gravel, to a long boardwalk, to a somewhat rougher trail near the far end. There are three benches along the trail, including one at the end. Total distance, out and back, is about 2.25 miles.
Trail conditions: The trail could be wet in places, so waterproof shoes are recommended.
If you have any questions, contact me at <copenhvr...>
Date: 6/12/25 6:15 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 12 June 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
4:08 a.m. Awoke to robins crooning in the maples. Phoebe nesting in the
garage, still in shade, tongue-tied and fixed to nest as a barnacle to a
rock.
5:02 a.m. (five minutes before sunrise). 64 degrees, wind Southwest five
miles per hour, gusting to twelve; holds down mosquitoes. Aspen leaves,
like flowing water, a constant sound that presides over a small portion of
the road, rivulets of agitated leaves. Elsewhere, an aspen background
accompanies an ensemble of energetic songbirds. Pastel peach across the
sky, east to west, brushstrokes of color. A line of high, round, purplish
clouds scuds east. Sun, a shade of red-eft orange not yet recognized by
Crayola, screened by a tissue-thin mist, holds color high into the sky,
turning the purple flowers of a rhododendron lucent. Inside the
rhododendron, a catbird gives voice to a wall of flowers the size of
softballs.
First dragonfly of the year. Tiger swallowtails, yellow shards, sunlight
bright, flit along the roadside, pollinating raspberries, cherries, and
phlox.
Chipmunk in a stonewall, clucks ... the sound of indigestion.
*Among the Birds: *Thirty-five species: eight warblers (parula, ovenbird,
black and white, black-throated green, yellow, yellowthroat,
chestnut-sided, blackburnian), three vireos (red-eyed—no surprise here or
anywhere else—blue-headed, warbling), two flycatchers (great crested,
eastern phoebe), two *corvids* (blue jay noisy and crows silent; raven
absent), one raptor (red-shouldered hawk—heard but not seen), one
woodpecker (yellow-bellied sapsucker, a dithering percussionist). Mourning
dove. The usual suspects: chickadees, titmice, nuthatches (both), three
sparrows (chipping, song, junco), two finches (purple, house). Cedar
waxwing and brown creeper and hermit thrush, the sweetest voice on the
Hill. Ruby-throated hummingbird, throat on fire, bill a remarkable tool
with remarkable adaptations: a jousting weapon, a straw, a tweaser, an
instrument of pollination and thermoregulation.
Northern house wren, much noise from so small a bird. Looks like a knot on
a loop of an electric line. Dark-eyed junco flies by with a bill full of
aspen fluff, nest lining ... a soft bedding for tiny eggs. American
goldfinches, colors in agreement with swallowtails, undulate over the
meadow, dispensing songs.
*Department of Persistence: *5:20 a.m.: Indigo bunting, a bird of hedgerows
and wood margins and blackberry tangles, on the tip of a spruce full of
verve. Issues hurried couplets, warbly notes (with
variable transliterations: *fire-fire, where-where, here-here; *zay-zay,
*zreet-zreet*, *zeah-zeah*). Arthur Cleveland Bent, author of the
twenty-one-volume *Life Histories of North American Birds *(1910 - 1968),
wrote, "The remarkable thing about this is that the rhythm [of the indigo
bunting's song] is exactly that of a well-known human jingle, *Bean
porridge hot, bean porridge cold. Bean porridge in the pot, nine days old."*
I can't say I hear the "bean diddy" ... but this is an energetic songbird.
Turns head while singing. Realigns several feathers under each wing.
Resumes singing. Repeats the process several more times, always turns head
mid-song. Prominently colored (shades of turquoise, ultramarine, purple)
and prominently perched. Even the bill is pale blue.
Sings all day, though much more at dawn, all summer. Two hundred or more
times an hour at sunrise. Sixty or fewer times an hour later in the
afternoon. "Throws his notes out for all he's worth," wrote another
mid-twentieth-century naturalist.
Somewhere in the shade of a brier patch, a dun-color female assesses the
male's output, quantifies his couplets. Appraises his color.
Eventually, makes a life-altering decision. If the female prefers his
territory over the neighbor's, she builds the nest alone. Incubates alone.
Feeds the chicks alone. He might (or might not) help feed the fledglings
... but she can't count on him for much more than advantageous property and
vigorous territorial defense.
In the sexually dimorphic world of indigo buntings, color and song mean
everything. The ultramarine males arrive first. The brightest male secures
the best territory. If she likes what she sees (and hears), there's a
union. When there are two broods, as there sometimes are in Vermont, the
male may nest with another female—the female, with another male.
Date: 6/11/25 5:51 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Costa Rica 2026
*Costa Rica Natural History and Birding Adventure:*
* April 13 – 23, 2026*
*Arenal Extension April 23 - 26, 2026*
*Leaders:*
*1) Ted Levin—*Ted is a lifelong naturalist, whose work has appeared in *The
New York Times*, *The Guardian*, *Audubon Magazine*, *Sports Illustrated*, *The
Boston Globe Magazine*, *National Geographic Traveler*, and *OnEarth,* among
many other publications. He is the author of eleven books, five of which
are for children, including *Liquid Land: A Journey Through the Florida
Everglades*, which was awarded the Burroughs Medal, the highest honor given
to an American nature writer. *Forbes* chose *America’s Snake: The Rise and
Fall of the Timber *Rattlesnake, one of the ten finest conservation books
of 2016. His most recent book, *The Promise of Sunrise: Finding Solace in a
Broken World*, was published this past March. This will be Ted’s ninth trip
to Costa Rica, including hosting Vermont Public’s Citizens of the World
Tour in 2010.
*Email: <tedlevin1966...> <tedlevin1966...>*
*cellphone: 802 399 9398*
*2) Gil Calvo— *A naturalist and Neotropical birder extraordinaire, Gil has
created & led custom natural-history tours throughout Costa Rica for 30
years, including four for Hanover High School, Hanover, NH. In 2000,
inspired by a lifelong passion for his native country, Gil created Tropical
Advisors Costa Rica, Inc. (formerly Tropical Angel Travel). Today, Tropic
Advisors has evolved into one of Mesoamerica’s premier natural history tour
companies.
For our itinerary and costs, please don't hesitate to contact Ted.
