Date: 5/25/26 4:04 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lubberland Creek, Newmarket 5/25
Birders
Once the rain cleared out, and I set aside the plans for my ark (I have no idea what a cubit is anyway), I headed down to Newmarket to see what was in. With a Blackpoll and Parula singing in the yard, I had hope for some migrant warblers. Alas, they were quietly reading up on cubits, so nary a one was in Newmarket.
Still, in just under two hours I ended up with a respectable 62 species (some of the individuals were less than respectable, but as a species they were all very above board).
Some highlights: Green Heron, Virginia Rail grunting (from moving cubits of wood would be my guess) on the freshwater side; on the saltmarsh side, I encountered a Snowy Egret, Bald Eagle, 2-3 Saltmarsh sparrows, single Purple Martin, and a great collection of shorebirds for this side of the bay—28 peeps (mix of Leasts and Semi-palms), at least 4 Semi-palm Plovers, a White-rumped Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, and at least 49 Short-billed Dowitchers.
The dowitchers were a great sight, exactly 2 years after I had a flock of 40 at the same location. I had been scanning the end of the creek for the shorebirds and sparrows, feeling pretty good about the haul for the day, when I noticed a new shorebird poking its head between a couple of the low rocks at the end of the creek. I got the scope on it and realized that it was a dowitcher. It disappeared, for a few minutes, then I noticed a couple birds in another gap in the rocks, so I was able to watch at least 49 birds slowly proceed, feeding all the time, through a notch in the rocks.
NH Audubon's Mascoma Chapter will host a birding event this Wednesday, Morning, the 27th at Lebanon's Boston Lot Lake. Start time is 7:30 am. All experience levels are welcome.
Lebanon's Boston Lot Lake is a secluded gem of a birding destination with a rich diversity of avian activity. Attendees can expect to see late migrating warblers as well as members of the flycatcher and thrush families.
Meet in the more northerly of the two parking areas on NH Route 10 opposite Wilder Dam. The ascent to the lake from the parking area has a significant incline over an uneven, unpaved surface. Appropriate footwear is recommended.
Date: 5/25/26 11:50 am From: 'Ducky Darrick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Possible kriders
Sorry about the late notice , but I didn't really realize this until just now. A hawk that I saw on a street light yesterday near monadnock marketplace en route nine in keen may have been a kriders red tailed hawk. The bird had a lot of white on it , and one thing that stood out to me in particular , was that the entire scalp area was white. At first I actually mistook this bird for an osprey , until I realized that it was not quite large enough , and it didn't quite look like an osprey , and it was nowhere near water. I've never really thought about this race of the red tail very much, so it didn't cross my mind and then I just happened to look a little bit more into it.And I think that's what I saw
Date: 5/25/26 8:42 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, May 25, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for May 25, 2026.
A male KING EIDER continues to be seen along coastal Rye and was last
reported on May 25th.
A BRIDLED TERN has returned to the Isles of Shoals on May 9th, after
spending the winter to the south, and was last reported on the 23rd. Access
is limited and the best viewing possibility is by boat out of Rye Harbor.
2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Elm Brook Park Recreation Area in Hopkinton on
May 20th.
A SOOTY SHEARWATER was seen in offshore waters at Old Scantum on May 20th.
2 HORNED GREBES were seen in Hampton, and a RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at
Rye Ledge, all on May 22nd.
An AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER was seen on Star Island, one of the Isles of
Shoals, on May 22nd.
A pair of WILSON’S PHALAROPES was seen from Huckleberry Lane in Hampton on
May 18th, and was last seen on the 21st.
2 HUSONIAN WHIMBRELS were seen at Seal Rocks in Rye on May 22nd.
A SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was seen along Antrim Road in Hancock on May 20th.
A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen in Strafford on May 21st.
2 COMMON MURRES were seen in Rye Harbor, and 1 was seen in offshore waters,
all on May 23rd.
A LITTLE GULL was seen at Great Boar’s Head in Hampton on May 20th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Rye Harbor on May 23rd.
At least 2 adult LITTLE BLUE HERONS were seen along the coast on multiple
days during the past week.
A LEAST BITTERN was seen in Parson’s Creek Salt Marsh and Marsh Road Pond
in Rye on May 23rd and 24th.
A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was heard vocalizing over Hancock on May 19th.
A GREEN HERON was seen at the Upper Coos Recreational Trail in Colebrook on
May 23rd.
A SANDHILL CRANE was seen in the fields along Birch Street and Iron Works
Road in Concord, on May 19th.
MISSISSIPPI KITES were reported from Dover, Durham, Portsmouth, and
Newmarket during the past week.
BLACK VULTURES were reported from Manchester, Goffstown, Concord, Dover,
Exeter, Contoocook, Haverhill, Newfields, Newmarket, Durham, all during the
past week.
A male PAINTED BUNTING was seen at Annett State Forest in Rindge on May 21st
.
An adult male ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord May 23rd
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at the Merrimack River Conservation Area in
Concord on May 19th.
A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen at the Panorama Golf Course in Colebrook on
May 18th.
A CERULEAN WARBLER was seen at the Wantastiquet Natural Area in Hinsdale on
May 17th- 23rd.
A HOODED WARBLER was seen at Gilman Park in Exeter on May 19th., and 2 were
reported from Monson Village in Hollis/Milford on May 23rd.
A LAWRENCE’S WARBLER (Hybrid) was seen at the Deer Hill Wildlife Management
Area in Brentwood on May 23rd and 24th.
A GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH was reported from Candia on May 19th. A BICKNELL’S
THRUSH was reported from Mt Washington and 1 was reported from Twin
Mountain, both on May 23rd.
2 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were seen at the Concord Airport, 1 was seen at the
Hinsdale Raceway, and 1 was seen at the Cemetery Field in Amherst, all
during the past week.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Lebanon Airport on May 18th.
A few FOX SPARROWS have been seen on-territory in the White Mountains.
There have been several colonies of PURPLE MARTINS established during the
past weeks.
A SPRUCE GROUSE was seen on the Baldface Circle Trail in the White
Mountains in Carroll on May 19th.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 5/24/26 5:09 pm From: Anthony Tzortzakis <anthuny7723...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Statewide Big Day - Friday 5/22 with 155 Species
What an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!
On Sun, May 24, 2026 at 6:45 AM Ashton Almeida <ashtonipod...> wrote:
> Steve and Jane Mirick invited me to join them on their yearly Big Day, and
> I couldn't pass up the opportunity. What followed was 18 hours of nonstop
> birding across New Hampshire from 2 AM in Salem to nightfall at Seabrook
> Town Forest.
>
> We started in the cold darkness in Salem for Virginia Rail and Sora.
> Virginia Rail came easily, but Sora, a bird I've tried for multiple times
> at different locations, once again refused to show. Even at a reliable
> spot, it eluded me. My nemesis bird remains undefeated.
>
> From there we headed north to Concord, where I finally got my lifer
> Whip-poor-will. Hearing that iconic call for the first time was incredible.
> We added American Robins and Woodcocks before pushing farther north to
> Franconia. Along the way, we picked up Hermit Thrush, Swainson's Thrush,
> and Winter Wren. At a red light, two ducks flew over and Steve yelled
> "COMMON MERGANSER!" which was perfect timing since we'd just been talking
> about how tough they can be. They ended up being our only two for the day.
>
> By the time we reached Whitefield, it was a chilly 29 degrees. Sunrise
> around Mount Washington Regional Airport delivered 10 warbler species along
> Hazen Road, and Airport Marsh and Localizer Drive kept the momentum going.
> At Pondicherry, Steve heard Mourning Warbler singing less than 5 minutes
> into the walk. Luckily it kept singing so we all got to hear it again.
> Trudeau Road gave us 3 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, a flock of 12 Pine
> Siskins, and 7 warbler species including 2 Tennessees.
>
> Heading back south to Concord Airport, Steve found our only American
> Kestrel of the day, I picked out a singing Brown Creeper, and we got 2
> Grasshopper Sparrows. We missed Vesper Sparrow here and for the entire day.
> At Pawtuckaway State Park, we picked up Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, and
> Red-eyed Vireos. Jane and I heard a Louisiana Waterthrush call a couple of
> times, but it never showed again. We continued to try and get a better look
> at this bird, but it was tougher than expected. Oddly, there wasn't a
> single Least Flycatcher here when there are usually plenty.
>
> After leaving Pawtuckaway, the day really started to explode. Newmarket
> delivered Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Blue-winged Warbler easily, and a quick
> stop at Newmarket Town Landing gave us our only Pileated Woodpecker calling
> from the woods. It was now 1 PM, and we finally heard our Carolina Wren and
> Red-bellied Woodpeckers of the day from the car! A stop at Piscassic Park
> got us our first Downy Woodpecker of the day as the temperature hit a high
> of 68 degrees.
>
> Woodridge Park in Durham was the true highlight of the day. On our way in,
> we got our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but then Jane picked out a
> MISSISSIPPI KITE soaring above a Red-tailed Hawk! As we pulled into the
> park for better looks, Steve immediately called out an OLIVE-SIDED
> FLYCATCHER perched on a dead snag, which was another lifer for me!
> Newmarket and Durham gave us so many new species back-to-back it was
> unbelievable, and it didn't end there. Heading back into Newmarket, Jane
> unbelievably picked out a BLACK VULTURE! We pulled over and saw 2 MORE
> soaring behind it. They kept offering me the front seat to take a break,
> but there was no way in hell I could take that spot from Jane. Just an
> unbelievable spotter.
>
> We stopped at Deer Hill WMA and missed Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, and
> Orchard Oriole. None of which we got for the day. Finishing along the
> coast, we crossed off gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Notable birds included
> Bonaparte's Gulls at multiple locations (40+ at a couple spots), Roseate
> Terns, a Red-necked Grebe Steve picked out sleeping on Rye Ledge, and 2
> Red-throated Loons at different locations. I spotted a Little Blue Heron
> flying over the marsh on Huckleberry Lane, and we had an unusual sighting
> of 2 Black-crowned Night Herons just offshore at Pulpit Rocks. At Pease,
> Jane picked out an Upland Sandpiper sitting on a stump along the runway
> which again, just another incredible spot. Unfortunately, we missed
> Meadowlark but were grateful for the uppie.
>
> Throughout the day we'd missed Barred Owl and Solitary Sandpiper, so I
> promised we'd get them at Seabrook Town Forest. We arrived as the sun set
> and had no luck with Solitary. Continuing into the forest, Jane and I
> picked up a Woodcock, and a Nighthawk that flew over. Steve kept doing his
> Barred Owl call, but nothing responded. We made our way to the powerline
> corridor for better looks at Nighthawks when a Barred Owl finally called
> back from deep in the woods. Moments later, I heard Nighthawks flying
> overhead and got both Steve and Jane on them to finish the day.
>
> We finished with 155 species after over 18 hours of birding. I couldn't
> have experienced my first Big Day with better people, and I will never
> forget this day of constant excitement. By the time I got home, I'd been up
> for over 24 hours...
>
> eBird Trip Report <https://ebird.org/tripreport/526948> >
> Complete List:
> Canada Goose
> Wood Duck
> Mallard
> American Black Duck
> Ring-necked Duck
> Common Eider
> Surf Scoter
> White-winged Scoter
> Black Scoter
> Long-tailed Duck
> Hooded Merganser
> Common Merganser
> Red-breasted Merganser
> Wild Turkey
> Rock Pigeon
> Mourning Dove
> Common Nighthawk
> Eastern Whip-poor-will
> Chimney Swift
> Ruby-throated Hummingbird
> Virginia Rail
> Black-bellied Plover
> Killdeer
> Semipalmated Plover
> Piping Plover
> Upland Sandpiper
> American Woodcock
> Wilson's Snipe
> Spotted Sandpiper
> Lesser Yellowlegs
> Willet
> Greater Yellowlegs
> Dunlin
> Purple Sandpiper
> Least Sandpiper
> Bonaparte's Gull
> Ring-billed Gull
> American Herring Gull
> Great Black-backed Gull
> Least Tern
> Common Tern
> Roseate Tern
> Red-necked Grebe
> Red-throated Loon
> Common Loon
> Double-crested Cormorant
> Glossy Ibis
> Black-crowned Night Heron
> Little Blue Heron
> Snowy Egret
> Great Egret
> Great Blue Heron
> Black Vulture
> Turkey Vulture
> Osprey
> Bald Eagle
> Mississippi Kite
> Broad-winged Hawk
> Red-tailed Hawk
> Barred Owl
> Belted Kingfisher
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
> Red-bellied Woodpecker
> Downy Woodpecker
> Hairy Woodpecker
> Pileated Woodpecker
> Northern Flicker
> American Kestrel
> Olive-sided Flycatcher
> Eastern Wood-Pewee
> Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
> Alder Flycatcher
> Least Flycatcher
> Eastern Phoebe
> Great Crested Flycatcher
> Eastern Kingbird
> Yellow-throated Vireo
> Blue-headed Vireo
> Eastern Warbling Vireo
> Red-eyed Vireo
> Blue Jay
> American Crow
> Common Raven
> Black-capped Chickadee
> Tufted Titmouse
> Bank Swallow
> Tree Swallow
> Purple Martin
> Northern Rough-winged Swallow
> Barn Swallow
> Golden-crowned Kinglet
> White-breasted Nuthatch
> Red-breasted Nuthatch
> Brown Creeper
> Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
> Northern House Wren
> Winter Wren
> Marsh Wren
> Carolina Wren
> European Starling
> Gray Catbird
> Brown Thrasher
> Northern Mockingbird
> Eastern Bluebird
> Veery
> Swainson's Thrush
> Hermit Thrush
> Wood Thrush
> American Robin
> Cedar Waxwing
> House Sparrow
> House Finch
> Purple Finch
> Pine Siskin
> American Goldfinch
> Grasshopper Sparrow
> Chipping Sparrow
> Field Sparrow
> Dark-eyed Junco
> White-throated Sparrow
> Savannah Sparrow
> Song Sparrow
> Swamp Sparrow
> Eastern Towhee
> Bobolink
> Baltimore Oriole
> Red-winged Blackbird
> Brown-headed Cowbird
> Common Grackle
> Ovenbird
> Louisiana Waterthrush
> Northern Waterthrush
> Blue-winged Warbler
> Black-and-white Warbler
> Tennessee Warbler
> Nashville Warbler
> Mourning Warbler
> Common Yellowthroat
> American Redstart
> Northern Parula
> Magnolia Warbler
> Bay-breasted Warbler
> Blackburnian Warbler
> Northern Yellow Warbler
> Chestnut-sided Warbler
> Black-throated Blue Warbler
> Pine Warbler
> Yellow-rumped Warbler
> Prairie Warbler
> Black-throated Green Warbler
> Canada Warbler
> Wilson's Warbler
> Scarlet Tanager
> Northern Cardinal
> Rose-breasted Grosbeak
>
> Target Birds we Missed:
> Blackpoll Warbler
> Sora
> Orchard Oriole
> Solitary Sandpiper
> Green Heron
> Pied-billed Grebe
> Eastern Meadowlark
> Willow Flycatcher
> American Bittern
> Indigo Bunting
>
>
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>
Date: 5/24/26 12:27 pm From: <ian...> Subject: [NHBirds] New blog post with wildlife photos
The critters have had a busy week; I've got their pix up on my blog. The Middletons and Westons have news, there was a fight on the Middleton's pond, there's an update on the heron rookery and lots of cute fox kits. Check them out at:
And you've got two chances to see my nature slideshow of my favorite images from 2025 this next week. The first show will be at the Bugbee Center in White River Jct. Wednesday May 27 at 1:30 pm. The second presentation will be at the Blake Memorial Library in Corinth, VT Friday May 29 at 6 pm. The Library would appreciate an RSVP sent to <khotellingbml...> Both are free and open to the public.
Date: 5/24/26 11:06 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Audubon Pelagic Trip tomorrow CANCELLED
Hi all,
Sadly, I have to report that the NH Audubon Pelagic Birding Trip
scheduled for tomorrow has been CANCELLED due to the forecast of high
winds and seas offshore. The forecast calls for 4-ft-plus seas through
most of the day, with temperatures in the 50s and rain likely. With
that kind of weather there wouldn't be much to see and it wouldn't be
much fun.
Since we are cancelling due to weather, everyone who signed up will
receive a full refund.
I'm sorry we had to do this, but I believe it's the best decision for
all involved. I hope to see y'all on a future trip.
For folks who signed up for the trip, please email me to let me know
you've seen this message and know about the cancellation.
-- Jon Woolf
Manchester, NH
Volunteer, Massabesic Audubon Center
Date: 5/24/26 3:45 am From: Ashton Almeida <ashtonipod...> Subject: [NHBirds] Statewide Big Day - Friday 5/22 with 155 Species
Steve and Jane Mirick invited me to join them on their yearly Big Day, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. What followed was 18 hours of nonstop birding across New Hampshire from 2 AM in Salem to nightfall at Seabrook Town Forest.
We started in the cold darkness in Salem for Virginia Rail and Sora. Virginia Rail came easily, but Sora, a bird I've tried for multiple times at different locations, once again refused to show. Even at a reliable spot, it eluded me. My nemesis bird remains undefeated.
From there we headed north to Concord, where I finally got my lifer Whip-poor-will. Hearing that iconic call for the first time was incredible. We added American Robins and Woodcocks before pushing farther north to Franconia. Along the way, we picked up Hermit Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, and Winter Wren. At a red light, two ducks flew over and Steve yelled "COMMON MERGANSER!" which was perfect timing since we'd just been talking about how tough they can be. They ended up being our only two for the day.
By the time we reached Whitefield, it was a chilly 29 degrees. Sunrise around Mount Washington Regional Airport delivered 10 warbler species along Hazen Road, and Airport Marsh and Localizer Drive kept the momentum going. At Pondicherry, Steve heard Mourning Warbler singing less than 5 minutes into the walk. Luckily it kept singing so we all got to hear it again. Trudeau Road gave us 3 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, a flock of 12 Pine Siskins, and 7 warbler species including 2 Tennessees.
Heading back south to Concord Airport, Steve found our only American Kestrel of the day, I picked out a singing Brown Creeper, and we got 2 Grasshopper Sparrows. We missed Vesper Sparrow here and for the entire day. At Pawtuckaway State Park, we picked up Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, and Red-eyed Vireos. Jane and I heard a Louisiana Waterthrush call a couple of times, but it never showed again. We continued to try and get a better look at this bird, but it was tougher than expected. Oddly, there wasn't a single Least Flycatcher here when there are usually plenty.
After leaving Pawtuckaway, the day really started to explode. Newmarket delivered Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Blue-winged Warbler easily, and a quick stop at Newmarket Town Landing gave us our only Pileated Woodpecker calling from the woods. It was now 1 PM, and we finally heard our Carolina Wren and Red-bellied Woodpeckers of the day from the car! A stop at Piscassic Park got us our first Downy Woodpecker of the day as the temperature hit a high of 68 degrees.
Woodridge Park in Durham was the true highlight of the day. On our way in, we got our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but then Jane picked out a MISSISSIPPI KITE soaring above a Red-tailed Hawk! As we pulled into the park for better looks, Steve immediately called out an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER perched on a dead snag, which was another lifer for me! Newmarket and Durham gave us so many new species back-to-back it was unbelievable, and it didn't end there. Heading back into Newmarket, Jane unbelievably picked out a BLACK VULTURE! We pulled over and saw 2 MORE soaring behind it. They kept offering me the front seat to take a break, but there was no way in hell I could take that spot from Jane. Just an unbelievable spotter.
We stopped at Deer Hill WMA and missed Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, and Orchard Oriole. None of which we got for the day. Finishing along the coast, we crossed off gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Notable birds included Bonaparte's Gulls at multiple locations (40+ at a couple spots), Roseate Terns, a Red-necked Grebe Steve picked out sleeping on Rye Ledge, and 2 Red-throated Loons at different locations. I spotted a Little Blue Heron flying over the marsh on Huckleberry Lane, and we had an unusual sighting of 2 Black-crowned Night Herons just offshore at Pulpit Rocks. At Pease, Jane picked out an Upland Sandpiper sitting on a stump along the runway which again, just another incredible spot. Unfortunately, we missed Meadowlark but were grateful for the uppie.
Throughout the day we'd missed Barred Owl and Solitary Sandpiper, so I promised we'd get them at Seabrook Town Forest. We arrived as the sun set and had no luck with Solitary. Continuing into the forest, Jane and I picked up a Woodcock, and a Nighthawk that flew over. Steve kept doing his Barred Owl call, but nothing responded. We made our way to the powerline corridor for better looks at Nighthawks when a Barred Owl finally called back from deep in the woods. Moments later, I heard Nighthawks flying overhead and got both Steve and Jane on them to finish the day.
We finished with 155 species after over 18 hours of birding. I couldn't have experienced my first Big Day with better people, and I will never forget this day of constant excitement. By the time I got home, I'd been up for over 24 hours...
Date: 5/24/26 3:45 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] GCFL Completes Nest in Three Days, Some Sort of Record
Mrs. Great Crested Flycatcher completed her nest in the Wood Duck nest box
in three days, a heroic effort. The first day involved countless 13-14
second trips down to a pile of pine needles and 4-5 seconds to dump them on
the 8x8” floor on the nest box. The second day was a repeat except that it
took 9 seconds to spread the pine needles to her satisfaction. This
“carpet” is 2 inches thick. Yesterday she completed the nest itself, in a
back corner, using finer materials and down feathers from a Wood Duck nest
that I cleaned out a week ago. Now Mr. Fly is eager to help with the most
important part, egg creation.
The Wood Duck nest , one of two in the yard, “jumped” a week ago. The
second nest is in the second week of incubation.
None of the 9 Barred Owl nest boxes that were occupied last year have
occupants this year. This is the time when I could easily see 25 Barred
Owls in a day in Hampstead, counting young and adults. That drove ebird
nuts.
Date: 5/22/26 5:12 pm From: Scott Spangenberg <sjspangenberg...> Subject: [NHBirds] More Nighthawks in Amherst
87 Common Nighthawks wheeled their way over the yard this evening, and they were still moving through when I went inside so the deer could graze peacefully in the meadow.
While searching for access to the Cocheco River Wildlife Management area I stumbled upon some cliff swallows. I was on Towne Dr. near some ballparks. I never found out how to access the trails to the WM area, but I did climb some odd dirt piles that overlooked the river. There were many swallows flying around - mostly cliff swallows. I was able to get a picture with 4 swallows all together collecting mud presumably for nests, but there were quite a few more than 4. Getting an exact count seemed impossible.
Date: 5/21/26 10:19 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Male GCFL Exhorts Female to Hurry Up and Build That Nest!
For years now the Great Crested Flycatchers have ignored the
Cornell-approved nest boxes and focused solely on empty Wood Duck nest
boxes in the yard. The female does all the work (naturally) while the male
screams encouragement. The task is significant as these birds feel that the
entire 8x8 inch floor space of level sawdust MUST be improved by adding 2
inches of pine needles across the entire floor except in one corner where
the actual nest is made.
Knowing this we save a bushel of pine needles each Fall and when the
flycatchers have made their selection, spread out the pine needles close to
the nest box. Today I timed Mrs. Flycatcher. She takes 13 seconds to drop
from the nest box, get a large mouthful of pine needles and return to the
nest box. It takes her 5 seconds to drop or spread the needles and emerge
from the box. This goes on for hours each day for a couple days until the
task is completed. Mr. Flycatcher peeks in every few minutes to do a
quality check.
Mrs. Flycatcher was heard to say “You mean I flew all the way here from
Guatemala to do this?” That said, these nests have always been successful
in our experience as the predator guards keep most all mammalian predators
at bay and the avian ones would have a hard time reaching the nest itself.
Date: 5/21/26 10:16 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue Jays
All, had a flock in the yard just now heard mimics of red-shouldered hawks broadwing Hawks crows and others I could not identify. Regards Randy Meredith
Date: 5/20/26 5:40 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pickering Ponds, Rochester, May 20, 2026 bird walk 60 species
Twenty-five birders joined me for a bird walk at Pickering Ponds trails in Rochester this morning. The weather was very nice if a bit toasty. A good variety of species was found; especially excellent views of a Yellow-throated Vireo. There were a number of active nests as a preview of the nest walk on the 30th. Scribe Zeke Cornell is responsible for the eBird list below. Thanks Zeke for many years of support. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Pickering Ponds, Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire, US
May 20, 2026 7:11 AM - 11:34 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.227 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter outing led by Dan Hubbard.
60 species
Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 9
Mallard 5
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2
Killdeer 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 3
Eastern Phoebe 1
Eastern Kingbird 8
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Eastern Warbling Vireo 5
Red-eyed Vireo 7
Blue Jay 8
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Northern House Wren 3
Carolina Wren 1
Gray Catbird 15
Veery 3
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 12
Cedar Waxwing 4
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 7
Chipping Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 7
Swamp Sparrow 2
Orchard Oriole 7 Males, females and one immature male
Baltimore Oriole 9
Red-winged Blackbird 30
Brown-headed Cowbird 11
Common Grackle 7
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 2
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 9
Northern Parula 1
Northern Yellow Warbler 22
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Blackpoll Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 2
Wilson's Warbler 1
Scarlet Tanager 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6
Date: 5/20/26 4:37 am From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] "Feathered Friday" Coming Up
NH Audubon's Mascoma Chapter is hosting a birding event this Friday, the 22nd at Union Village Dam park in Thetford Center. Start time is 7:30am. All experience levels are welcome.
To reach the gathering spot, take VT Route 113 to Thetford Center and turn onto Buzzell Bridge Rd. opposite EC Brown's nursery. Follow the road about a half mile to the parking area at the second gate.
The walking surface is mostly over a smooth, dirt road, but the path out to the "Mystery Trail" is grassy and could be damp if there has been recent rain.
Last Sat night I was coming home about 10:30 on Rte 4 when a large bared flew in front of the car and grabbed a rodent crossing the rodent. No time to check it out. Sylvia Miskoe Concord
Warbler Wednesday walk tomorrow at Boston Lot Lake beginning at 7:30am. Meet in the more northerly of the two parking lots on NH Route 10 opposite Wilder Dam. Good birding,
Huckleberry Lane, 620 AM
Wilson’s Phalarope 2 (seen by the Steve and Jane Mirick yesterday)
Little Blue Heron 1 adult
Glossy Ibis 4
Flurry of activity this afternoon around 1 PM at Plaice Cove
Bonaparte’s Gull 67
Common Tern x
Spotted Sandpiper 52 (highest number I have seen here and likely an undercount)
Semipalmated Plover 23
Semipalmated Sandpiper 8
E. Willet 1
Ruddy Turnstone 7
I heard my FOY Veery this evening while relaxing on my screened porch. It was almost dark and he was very close. The cat was as excited as I was! Susan Huter, Bedford
This Friday, the 22nd, the Mascoma Chapter will host a "Feathered Friday" event at Union Village Dam park in Thetford Center. Start time is 7:30am. More details to follow.
Next Wednesday, May 27, the chapter will revisit Boston Lot Lake park as part of its "Warbler Wednesday" series.
Date: 5/18/26 2:59 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] Strafford County Farm Complex Dover bird walk, May 17, 2026 70 species
Eleven birders joined me for a very enjoyable bird walk with optimal weather conditions at the Strafford County Complex in Dover. Highlights were warblers (especially Louisiana Waterthrush and Ovenbird) that posed for extended observations by the group (very unwarbler like). Many thanks to Holly Bauer for providing the eBird list below. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Subject: eBird Report - Strafford County Farm Complex, Dover, May 17, 2026
Strafford County Farm Complex, Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire, US
May 17, 2026 7:00 AM - 11:12 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.197 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon field trip led by Dan Hubbard. Beautiful day. Blue skies and 70's.
70 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 5
Chimney Swift 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4
American Herring Gull 4
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Least Flycatcher 2
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 2
Fish Crow 1
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
Tree Swallow 3
Barn Swallow 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Northern House Wren 3
Carolina Wren 2
European Starling 1
Gray Catbird 7
Eastern Bluebird 5
Veery 1
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 5
Cedar Waxwing 4
House Sparrow 5
House Finch 9
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 11
Chipping Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 4
Eastern Towhee 1
Bobolink 2
Baltimore Oriole 7
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 1
Ovenbird 5
Louisiana Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 2
Common Yellowthroat 9
American Redstart 12
Northern Parula 1
Magnolia Warbler 1
Northern Yellow Warbler 3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 5
Pine Warbler 2
Scarlet Tanager 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5
Date: 5/18/26 2:32 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ring-necked Duck in Derry
A group of us saw a male Ring-necked Duck on Ballard Pond in East Derry this morning (it should be 100+ miles north of here).
Best of the rest included Lincoln's Sparrow, and Canada and Wilson's warblers.
Bob
Robert A. QuinnMerlin Wildlife Tours
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Thank you to David Govatski for a lovely bird walk May 16 , 2026 at Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, a place David has been devoted to for many years. Betsy Chadwick
If you'd like to receive these updates directly, you can sign up on the website (there's a form on the homepage). This is a dedicated email for birding content. You won't be automatically subscribed to all NH Audubon emails.
Grace McCulloch
She/Her
Community Science Project Leader
New Hampshire Audubon
84 Silk Farm Road
Concord, NH 03301
www.nhaudubon.org<http://www.nhaudubon.org/> [cid:<image001.png...>]<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/>
Explore the Joy of Birding: joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/>
Date: 5/18/26 11:34 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, May 18, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for May 18, 2026.
There was an unconfirmed report of a MISSISSIPPI KITE from Tammany Park in
Dover on May 14th.
At least 700 COMMON TERNS and 3 ROSEATE TERNS were seen on the Isles of
Shoals during the past week.
There was an unconfirmed report of a LAUGHING GULL from Dover on May 16th.
A pair of WILSON’S PHALAROPES was seen from Huckleberry Lane in Hampton on
May 18th.
8 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen on Star Island, one of the Isles of
Shoals, on multiple days during the past week.
A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen at Bartlett Beach in Laconia on May 15th,
and 1 was seen in freshly turned earth in fields on West Locke Road in
Concord on the 16th.
5 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen on Wetherby in Charlestown on May 15th.
A RUDDY TURNSTONE was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on May 14th.
A flock of 20 GLOSSY IBIS were seen at Elm Brook Park in Hopkinton on May 15
th.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS continued to be seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh, Wallis
Sands State Beach, and Marsh Road Pond in Rye during the past week and was
lasted reported on May 17th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a LEAST BITTERN from East Kingston on
May 15th.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh on May 16th, and 1
was seen at Concord Point on the 14th.
A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen near the Squam Lakes Science Center in
Holderness on May 11th.
A GREEN HERON was seen at Fort Hill WMA in Stratford on May 12th, and 1 was
seen at Back Pond in Stewartstown on the 13th.
A SANDHILL CRANE was seen in the fields on either side of Langley Parkway
and in the fields along Birch Street in Concord, on multiple days during
the past week.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO continued to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park and 1
was seen on Star Island in Rye, all during the past week.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT first found on May 8th, was last seen at the Concord
Airport on May11th, and 1 seen at Odiorne Point State Park was also last
reported on May 11th.
A first-year male ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen in Errol on May15th.
A CERULEAN WARBLER was seen at the Wantastiquet Natural Area in Hinsdale on
May 16th, and 1 was seen on Star Island in Rye on the 11th.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was seen in Sanbornville on May 13th-15th.
A HOODED WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park on May 17th.
A PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was seen in Epping on May17th.
A LAWRENCE’S WARBLER (Hybrid) was seen at the Deer Hill Wildlife Management
Area in Brentwood on May 17th.
There was an unconfirmed report of an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER from Sandwich
on May 15th.
3 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were seen at the Concord Airport and 3 were seen at
the Keene Airport, all during the past week.
There was an unconfirmed report of a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW from Pickering
Ponds in Rochester on May 17th.
BLACK VULTURES were reported from Manchester, Goffstown, Concord, Dover,
Exeter, Contoocook, Haverhill, and Durham, all during the past week.
Additional species arriving during the past week, included: PALM WARBER,
TENNESSEE WARBLER, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, ALDER FLYCATCHER, YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOO, and HORNED LARK.
A few north-bound migrating ducks have been reported during the past week,
including:5 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen in Lyme, 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS were
seen in Lee, and 1 was seen in Hinsdale, a GREATER SCAUP was seen in
Concord, 2 BUFFLEHEADS were seen in New London, and 1 was seen in Lebanon,
a COMMON GOLDENEYE was seen in Bedford, and 1 was seen in Rye, and 5 COMMON
EIDER were seen in Dover, all during the past week.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 5/18/26 7:20 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] Concord mini-Big Day Saturday
Adding to the weekend big lists...
Kurk, Eric, Steve, and Jane weren't the only ones chasing 100 species in their local patches this weekend. On Saturday, after netting an impressive 77 species in 3.5 hours on my new 5-mile walk around Concord's south end, I decided it was as good a time as any for a century run. Over the next four hours I wandered around areas to the north of me, including my old stomping grounds in Penacook, and then took a 4 hour break in the afternoon. After a quick dinner I went back out to the airport for a bit, then another break before returning to the airport around 8:45 for whip-poor-will and woodcock.
Highlights included 18 species of warblers on the survey, including first of year Bay-breasted, Cape May, and Blackpoll. Total of 20 for the day, but missed Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, and Canada. Wilson's Warblers have been everywhere this year. After the survey, my target was the Black-bellied Plover that Jacob Rhodes found on West Lock Road, shortly after I got to the spot it took off, flew high, circled wide, and was lost from sight. If I'd been five minutes later I'd have missed a Merrimack County lifer: #267.
After our afternoon puttering in the yard, Unity spotted a sharp-shinned Hawk for both a new yard, year, and day bird. The airport didn't disappoint with Grasshopper Sparrow, towhee, and (barely) Field Sparrow, as well as a bonus flyover female Wood Duck. Another (or the same) Woodie was in the Steeplegate Mall pond with 8 ducklings, as was species #101: Belted Kingfisher. The Virginia Rail at South End Marsh cooperated (after being quiet on the morning survey), and I wrapped up as noted about with nightbirds back at the airport. The last bird of the day, and #105, was a Vesper Sparrow singing in the dusk.
All but one of those 105 species was within the Concord city limits. The exception was a Bald Eagle nest that's maybe 0.2 miles into Bow, and for all I know the adult I saw flying to it was on the Concord side of the river anyway.
Because this was never a maximum effort, there were lots of misses, the most egregious being hummingbird, raven, and Hermit Thrush. I didn't even try for owls.
Date: 5/18/26 6:55 am From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Star Island also tried for 100
I like the idea of a friendly competition—like the 2d or 3rd Saturday in May people could bird a town and see what they can find? The May Migration Meet!
Kurk
________________________________
From: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...> on behalf of eric masterson <erictheirish...>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 8:45 AM
To: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Star Island also tried for 100
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the University System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
We tried to hit 100 species yesterday but came up short with 91 species, however we did break the century for the weekend (102) - see first link, with 121 species for the 10 days from May 8-18 - second link. I'm up for a friendly competition next year.
Date: 5/18/26 5:46 am From: eric masterson <erictheirish...> Subject: [NHBirds] Star Island also tried for 100
We tried to hit 100 species yesterday but came up short with 91 species, however we did break the century for the weekend (102) - see first link, with 121 species for the 10 days from May 8-18 - second link. I'm up for a friendly competition next year.
Date: 5/18/26 4:34 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Odiorne this weekend - 97 species
While we weren't making a serious effort, Jane and I visited Odiorne
Point State Park both days this weekend with a couple of long walks. We
ended up with a respectable 97 species and highlights being the
continued WHITE-EYED VIREO along the Boy Scout Trail (can it be trying
to nest?) and a male HOODED WARBLER found by Brian Tucker yesterday
morning. We ended up with 18 species of warblers.
Date: 5/18/26 4:29 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Durham and Newmarket this weekend
I guess Jane and I can add one species to Kurk's list yesterday with the
sighting of 2 BLACK VULTURES at the Oyster River Town Forest in Durham.
While certainly an exciting find, this species has been expanding
rapidly from the south with recent sightings from Durham and other parts
of the State. Now we need to find a nest!!
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
On 5/17/2026 2:23 PM, 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds wrote:
> Birders
> I had a fun time poking around Durham yesterday in an effort to hit
> 100 species for the day, then added a few nice birds in Newmarket and
> Durham this morning.
>
> The dogs and I walked the Woodridge neighborhood yesterday, and we
> were rewarded with 51 species, highlighted by a pair of loons gaining
> altitude as they headed north. Canada was the most unusual warbler,
> but I counted 11 Parulas (well, 5 Puh-rulas and 6 Pair-uhlas). I
> noted the dearth of turkeys, flickers, and white-throats but figured
> that they'd be elsewhere (Narrator: "they were not").
>
> After a stop at home to feed one dog twice (their decision, not mine),
> I headed out to West Foss Farm. I ran into Ted Bradshaw who pointed
> out the Virginia Rail that was ducking in and out of cover on the
> trail in the increasingly wet field. I was lucky to get a great look
> as a Black-billed Cuckoo clocked in, and totaled 15 species of
> warblers. Also finally had a pewee, and heard an orchard oriole and
> green heron in the swampy area near the RR tracks. I would also add
> that Phoebes are doing fine here in Durham (SNAPHU, situation normal,
> all phoebed up).
>
> I ran to the grocery store to acquire the breakfast of birding
> champions, chocolate milk and a donut, and noticed that downtown was
> very quiet for a UNH commencement Saturday. I headed toward Spinney
> Lane but hit gridlock just past the hockey arena, so I pulled an
> entirely legal U-turn (at least according to the one officer out of
> three watching who decided not to chase me). I stopped instead at
> Oyster River Forest, where the highlight was seeing Sam Stoddard and
> Mark Hatfield. After that, nothing really compares, but Cooper's
> hawk, Indigo Bunting, and Traill's Flycatcher were decent finds.
> Still, it was kind of quiet by comparison for mid-May.
>
> I made a quick stop at Thompson Forest for the usual scrub birds (no
> luck finding warbler #20), and then headed home because I needed to
> get ready for graduation. I am pleased to report that all present
> were allowed to move their tassels in the appropriate direction, but
> there were no birds in the hockey rink (not even an osprey to catch
> the fish thrown on the ice).
>
> I was at 84 species for Durham and felt good about hitting 100 for the
> day, so I headed to Moore Fields to pick up Bobolink, Meadowlark,
> Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper, and Kestrel in quick order ( I ended up
> with 4 solitaries for the day), then to the town landing and on to the
> end of Durham at the US 4 bridge, where I had the highlight of the
> day, 5 Common Eider looking quite pillowy. There were also a
> surprising number of people sitting in their idling cars (at
> $4.59/gallon?), probably waiting for the eiders to come closer.
>
> Anyhow, I sat down to dinner (the only turkey for the day—not sure if
> I can count that), at 98 species, so I was determined to pick up some
> obvious things, like a mockingbird. How hard can it be to find a
> mockingbird? And why was I driving around the various edges of campus
> looking for one for really no good reason? Yes, you should mock me
> for that, because it turns out that they all go to sleep at 7:30. I
> finally picked up Woodcock about 8:30 in the gloom, then left the
> windows open and watched hockey on mute for the eventual Barred Owl at
> 10 PM to put me at 100 for the days, and zero ticks.
>
> This morning I stopped at Lubberland Creek in Newmarket, where the
> highlights were multiple occupied heron nests, yellow-billed cuckoo
> calling, 26 Least SPs and 2 semi-palm plovers at the creek mouth, no
> saltmarsh sparrows, and almost no migrants. But I got to watch three
> otters munching on fish up close, had a bobcat sneaking around behind
> me (I heard the robin alarm calls that got my attention), and then a
> fox at the marsh on Beech Street.
>
> My last stop was the Bennett Road WMA, where I nearly stepped on a
> woodcock (not sure who was more surprised), and then had an
> olive-sided flycatcher calling on the wrong side of the tracks. As I
> was leaving I found a mylar balloon (3rd one this month!), which I
> picked up—got my karmic award when a Lincoln's Sparrow popped up just
> a few feet away (maybe it was his balloon?).
>
> And just as I finished typing this, a flicker landed on my suet!
>
> Kurk Dorsey
> Durham
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Very happy that I had what I think is my first graycat bird at my Croydon home. It stayed for hours. Fed a little bit from the ground seed. But then I brought out jelly and mealworms after I looked up what they eat. I put out blueberries and strawberries also and it did eat the strawberry. It never went for the jelly. It reminds me of my parents in heaven, they loved catbirds and orioles. They fed them every summer and it was just magical on their deck. So instead of cardinals, it's catbirds and Orioles for me as reminders of my parents in heaven <3
Date: 5/17/26 11:23 am From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Durham and Newmarket this weekend
Birders
I had a fun time poking around Durham yesterday in an effort to hit 100 species for the day, then added a few nice birds in Newmarket and Durham this morning.
The dogs and I walked the Woodridge neighborhood yesterday, and we were rewarded with 51 species, highlighted by a pair of loons gaining altitude as they headed north. Canada was the most unusual warbler, but I counted 11 Parulas (well, 5 Puh-rulas and 6 Pair-uhlas). I noted the dearth of turkeys, flickers, and white-throats but figured that they'd be elsewhere (Narrator: "they were not").
After a stop at home to feed one dog twice (their decision, not mine), I headed out to West Foss Farm. I ran into Ted Bradshaw who pointed out the Virginia Rail that was ducking in and out of cover on the trail in the increasingly wet field. I was lucky to get a great look as a Black-billed Cuckoo clocked in, and totaled 15 species of warblers. Also finally had a pewee, and heard an orchard oriole and green heron in the swampy area near the RR tracks. I would also add that Phoebes are doing fine here in Durham (SNAPHU, situation normal, all phoebed up).
I ran to the grocery store to acquire the breakfast of birding champions, chocolate milk and a donut, and noticed that downtown was very quiet for a UNH commencement Saturday. I headed toward Spinney Lane but hit gridlock just past the hockey arena, so I pulled an entirely legal U-turn (at least according to the one officer out of three watching who decided not to chase me). I stopped instead at Oyster River Forest, where the highlight was seeing Sam Stoddard and Mark Hatfield. After that, nothing really compares, but Cooper's hawk, Indigo Bunting, and Traill's Flycatcher were decent finds. Still, it was kind of quiet by comparison for mid-May.
I made a quick stop at Thompson Forest for the usual scrub birds (no luck finding warbler #20), and then headed home because I needed to get ready for graduation. I am pleased to report that all present were allowed to move their tassels in the appropriate direction, but there were no birds in the hockey rink (not even an osprey to catch the fish thrown on the ice).
I was at 84 species for Durham and felt good about hitting 100 for the day, so I headed to Moore Fields to pick up Bobolink, Meadowlark, Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper, and Kestrel in quick order ( I ended up with 4 solitaries for the day), then to the town landing and on to the end of Durham at the US 4 bridge, where I had the highlight of the day, 5 Common Eider looking quite pillowy. There were also a surprising number of people sitting in their idling cars (at $4.59/gallon?), probably waiting for the eiders to come closer.
Anyhow, I sat down to dinner (the only turkey for the day—not sure if I can count that), at 98 species, so I was determined to pick up some obvious things, like a mockingbird. How hard can it be to find a mockingbird? And why was I driving around the various edges of campus looking for one for really no good reason? Yes, you should mock me for that, because it turns out that they all go to sleep at 7:30. I finally picked up Woodcock about 8:30 in the gloom, then left the windows open and watched hockey on mute for the eventual Barred Owl at 10 PM to put me at 100 for the days, and zero ticks.
This morning I stopped at Lubberland Creek in Newmarket, where the highlights were multiple occupied heron nests, yellow-billed cuckoo calling, 26 Least SPs and 2 semi-palm plovers at the creek mouth, no saltmarsh sparrows, and almost no migrants. But I got to watch three otters munching on fish up close, had a bobcat sneaking around behind me (I heard the robin alarm calls that got my attention), and then a fox at the marsh on Beech Street.
My last stop was the Bennett Road WMA, where I nearly stepped on a woodcock (not sure who was more surprised), and then had an olive-sided flycatcher calling on the wrong side of the tracks. As I was leaving I found a mylar balloon (3rd one this month!), which I picked up—got my karmic award when a Lincoln's Sparrow popped up just a few feet away (maybe it was his balloon?).
And just as I finished typing this, a flicker landed on my suet!
Date: 5/16/26 3:11 pm From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lyme Raptors, Saturday, the 16yh
An American Kestrel was observed at 9:00am perched on a utility wire that runs parallel to E. Thetford and across its hay fields. About an hour later, a red-shouldered hawk, first of season, was seen on the home property positioned on a branch of a leafing out maple. Blake Allison Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 5/16/26 10:26 am From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lincoln’s sparrow Lee
Allen’s Ave.
Skulking on the edge of our big rhodo, where it takes cover at the least
disturbance. Took two days to get a decent view to make the i.d. This is
its 3rd day in the yard. Came online to report and saw Jim and Julie’s
post!
Also have black-throated blue warblers visiting the suet feeders.
Date: 5/16/26 4:52 am From: '<cga......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Tennessee Warbler - Hooksett, NH
I recorded a Tennessee Warbler outside my home this morning in Granite Hills condos in Hooksett. I caught a fleeting glimpse of it as it flew away, but I think the recording is good for a Tennessee.
No Solitary Sandpipers seen today up here in the Lakes Region but there were some shorebirds at Bartlett Beach, Laconia, again. See list below. I searched for scoters and such on the lakes this morning but no luck with that.
This is only the 2nd spring record in Belknap County for Semipalmated Plover. The last one was 20 years ago to the day.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S339310670 Rob Woodward Laconia, NH
On Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:40:35 PM EDT, '<rsuomala2...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
A number of Solitary Sandpipers have appeared in the Concord area today. I'm thinking there's a bit of a fallout going on. No huge numbers but more than usual.Becky SuomalaConcord, NH
Date: 5/15/26 12:17 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] West Foss Farm, Durham
Birders
After having seen the All-American Bittern flying in the direction of West Foss Farm (MIll Road, Durham) yesterday, I headed over there this morning in a light rain. In the increasingly wet field, I found the Bittern, a Snipe, and a Virginia Rail (heard only). The Bittern and Snipe were only the second records for the HotSpot, and the Rail was a first, indicating how much the beavers have been busy. I also had 15 species of warbler, including the first site record of a Cape May.
I'll let you know if I find a Wood Stork there next week.
Date: 5/15/26 11:59 am From: Steve Smith <kwedun...> Subject: [NHBirds] fledgling Bluebird on ground - Hancock
Our dog was trying to get at something on the other side of her dog yard fence - I was very surprised to discover it was a fledgling Bluebird. the bird seems healthy and can run around but can’t fly yet - when I investigated, I was repeatedly dive bombed by the parents. I will keep our dogs out of their dog yard just in case the fledgling crosses into the dog side. It seems very early for a Bluebirds fledging. This is very close to a bluebird house that I know there is a bluebird nest in.
Date: 5/15/26 9:40 am From: '<rsuomala2...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Solitary Sandpiper fallout?
A number of Solitary Sandpipers have appeared in the Concord area today. I'm thinking there's a bit of a fallout going on. No huge numbers but more than usual. Becky Suomala Concord, NH
Date: 5/15/26 8:32 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pondicherry Bird Day Update
Saturday’s Pondicherry migratory bird day will also have a later start for those who have a longer drive. Matt Tarr will be birding Airport Marsh from 0600-0800, then leading more birders in at 0845 from the Trailhead at 289 Airport Rd in Whitefield.
Date: 5/15/26 7:17 am From: Gail Coffey <gcoffeywriter...> Subject: [NHBirds] Big Warbler Migration this AM in Wilton
My woods were loaded with warblers this morning from 7:30-8:30 am. The Merlin app picked up some I did not hear: Bay-breasted and Cape May so can't confirm. I did confirm the following:
Yellow-rumped - 6 Northern Parula- 3 Chestnut-sided- 3 Ovenbirds-4 Redstarts - 2 Black-throated Green-2 Black and White -2 Blackburnian-2 Pine -1
A very birdy morning despite the cloudy and cool weather.
Date: 5/15/26 4:14 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day on Saturday
The 25th Annual Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day is Saturday 16 May 2026. The start time is 0600 at the Pondicherry Trailhead at 289 Airport Rd in Whitefield.
The event is free, open to the public, and no reservations are needed. We will be birding our way 1.5 miles along a flat rail trail to Cherry Pond where we will look for wetland bird species. From Cherry Pond we will have optional walks to Little Cherry Pond (1 mile r/t) and Moorhen Marsh (1/2 mile r/t).
The weather forecast is calling for clear skies, SW winds, and temperatures from 42 -70 F. I expect the birds will be hungry after three days of rain. Leaves are just starting to unfurl and insects are emerging. Don’t worry if you can’t join us early, you can always catch up with us on the rail trail or join a later starting group led by Matt Tarr. You can stay as long as you want and we typically end in the early afternoon. Bring water, lunch, curiosity, and dress for the weather. We have three portable toilets at the trailhead.
In Auburn, I heard Phoebes calling about 10 days ago, and we now have a nest in our Phoebe shelf on the shed behind the house. I've seen them in the yard, but seldom hear them.
I was in Durham today and saw one in a friend's yard there.
Yesterday's early morning walk in our neighborhood produced a male Scarlet Tanager, a Northern Parula, the usual Blue Jays, Gold Finches, and wonder of wonders, a Wood Thrush!
My phoebes also showed up on time, returning to two previous nests, and
then disappeared after a couple of days.
I wonder if there was a locus of avian flu where many phoebes became
infected en route. It would take a few days to kill them.
Our catbirds returned on schedule and are fine
On Thu, May 14, 2026 at 3:21 PM 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <
<nhbirds...> wrote:
> Here we are. almost halfway through May, and no Phoebes have been seen or
> heard on my property or in my neighborhood. What’s more, I have not seen or
> heard a single Phoebe while walking the rail trails down to Rindge or up
> beyond Peterborough. Something strange is obviously going on. Also, I have
> not seen or heard a Catbird.
>
> Bruce Boyer
> Jaffrey
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<A532FDF5-00B1-4865-ABE6-4E47DC603CEC...> > .
>
Date: 5/14/26 3:20 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Durham birds before the rain
Birders
I got out to two locations this morning and had a nice find in each. At the Woodridge playing fields, I had a flyover American Bittern, which turned left as it got over the partially flooded field at West Foss Farm, where Ted Bradhsaw had one a couple years back. Also had a spotted sandpiper in the park's small beaver pond, which was much lower yesterday ( I expect that the beaver has taken a vacation in Canada, since it was there over the weekend).
I then got dropped off at the entrance to Oyster River Forest on Packers Falls Road and walked the trail through to College Woods and Mill Road. The highlight there was an early Olive-sided Flycatcher. Also had a Solitary Sandpiper on the river bank. All told I had 17 warblers, but none were especially rare for mid-May.
My two pairs of Phoebes are nesting in Exeter as usual.
Sally Oxnard
Sent from my iPhone
Paradox Connemaras
Exeter NH
> On May 14, 2026, at 9:21 PM, 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> Here we are. almost halfway through May, and no Phoebes have been seen or heard on my property or in my neighborhood. What’s more, I have not seen or heard a single Phoebe while walking the rail trails down to Rindge or up beyond Peterborough. Something strange is obviously going on. Also, I have not seen or heard a Catbird.
>
> Bruce Boyer
> Jaffrey
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
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I have not seen Phoebes, but have several catbirds
Hopkinton NH
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 14, 2026, at 3:21 PM, 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> Here we are. almost halfway through May, and no Phoebes have been seen or heard on my property or in my neighborhood. What’s more, I have not seen or heard a single Phoebe while walking the rail trails down to Rindge or up beyond Peterborough. Something strange is obviously going on. Also, I have not seen or heard a Catbird.
>
> Bruce Boyer
> Jaffrey
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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Here we are. almost halfway through May, and no Phoebes have been seen or heard on my property or in my neighborhood. What’s more, I have not seen or heard a single Phoebe while walking the rail trails down to Rindge or up beyond Peterborough. Something strange is obviously going on. Also, I have not seen or heard a Catbird.
Another rarity for me. I had a male at my tray feeder. He got scared off by a woodpecker. Then 10 minutes later his wife showed up and had a snack too. I had a pine warbler and yellow-bellied sap sucker which was new for me also. Merlin also identified some birds that I did not hear or see. I am not counting them. It's risky keeping my feeders up but so worth it during the daytime. I love migration!
Date: 5/13/26 3:18 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: [NHBirds] Brown creeper building a nest
I just learned that the female builds the nest while the male sings nearby. In retrospect, I did hear singing nearby but I thought it was the bird building the nest, i.e. whistle while you work!
Date: 5/13/26 1:12 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Glen Oakes Conservation Area in Fremont - 5/12/26
Yesterday, Jane and I led a nice spring morning field trip for the
Southeast Land Trust to the Glen Oakes Conservation area in Fremont
located off Abenaki Drive. It is a connected to the large Spruce Swamp
area.
Glen Oakes Conservation Area, Fremont, Rockingham, New Hampshire, US
May 12, 2026 7:55 AM - 11:12 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.244 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Jane and I leading a May bird walk for the
Southeast Land Trust. 14 or so participants. Nice sun, but cold
morning. Barely reaching mid 50's by the end of the walk. Kind of
quiet start, but a decent variety of early arrivals and migrants.
Suet feeder left up?? I have lost 8 of them through the years! I think
the sister is just lucky!
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 4:02:17 PM UTC-4 Jill Thompson wrote:
> I don't know if my New Hampshire juvenile bear thief was interested in the
> thistle seed or just thought he might be, but he took it down, and carried
> it a ways down the trail into our woods. Top was pried off and contents
> gone. I haven't fixed it yet to try again.... Other feeders all
> (including hummingbird feeder) come in every night and so far, so good!
>
> On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:55:52 PM UTC-4 KC wrote:
>
>> I, now, take in all my bird feeders every night. But until last
>> September, I would leave the thistle feeder out because I, too, thought a
>> bear would not be interested in it. Then late one night, I heard a noise on
>> my deck. I peeked out the glass door and saw a juvenile bear standing
>> upright with its paws on the hanging thistle feeder. I’m not sure if the
>> bear was really interested in the thistle or he/she was just checking out
>> what looked like a bird feeder that might have tasty seed in it. From that
>> point on, I bring everything in at night and, so far, I have not had
>> another bear encounter.
>>
>> ~Derry, NH
>>
>> On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 2:07:44 PM UTC-4 sallie barker wrote:
>>
>>> Hello, My (older and usually wiser) sister in law has just told me that
>>> the bears of (Norwich)Vermont do not bother with thistle seed feeders! She
>>> says they are safe to keep up... She is an excellent birder, I hasten to
>>> add! Does anyone know if bears of New Hampshire, particularly in the
>>> Springfield/New London area, have a similar culinary distaste!?!
>>> PS. I do take my suet/sunflower feeders down every evening, but SHE does
>>> not! And thus far, she is proven right! Dare I try?
>>> Thanks,
>>> Sallie Barker
>>>
>>>
>>
Date: 5/13/26 8:48 am From: 'Greg Tillman' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Epping birds
Made an effort this morning to get up at dawn and check out last night’s migration. Had some nice birds, including an Osprey behind Walmart, Wilson’s Warbler at Two Rivers Conservation Area, and Canada Warbler and both Waterthrushes at Burley Farm. Lots of Nashville Warblers at multiple locations, including 6 or 8 at Mast Road Conservation Area.
Unfortunately, even if the migration was good, it seemed like the weather was keeping birds down a bit, cold or overcast or drizzle. And possibly a little early for some arrivals — no Bunting, no Wrens. Still, 76 birds total in about 5 hours before the rain drove me back inside. Nice to get out, even if the hills seem steeper than they used to be.
I, now, take in all my bird feeders every night. But until last September,
I would leave the thistle feeder out because I, too, thought a bear would
not be interested in it. Then late one night, I heard a noise on my deck. I
peeked out the glass door and saw a juvenile bear standing upright with its
paws on the hanging thistle feeder. I’m not sure if the bear was really
interested in the thistle or he/she was just checking out what looked like
a bird feeder that might have tasty seed in it. From that point on, I bring
everything in at night and, so far, I have not had another bear encounter.
~Derry, NH
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 2:07:44 PM UTC-4 sallie barker wrote:
> Hello, My (older and usually wiser) sister in law has just told me that
> the bears of (Norwich)Vermont do not bother with thistle seed feeders! She
> says they are safe to keep up... She is an excellent birder, I hasten to
> add! Does anyone know if bears of New Hampshire, particularly in the
> Springfield/New London area, have a similar culinary distaste!?!
> PS. I do take my suet/sunflower feeders down every evening, but SHE does
> not! And thus far, she is proven right! Dare I try?
> Thanks,
> Sallie Barker
>
>
Date: 5/12/26 5:43 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday May 13, 2026 7:30 PM Program: Belize, a Perfect Winter Birding Getaway ***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday May 13, 2026 7:30 pm Program: Belize, a Perfect Winter Birding Getaway
Join Becky Suomala on a (virtual) birding trip to tropical Belize in Central America. This English-speaking country has great birding, but also unique archeological sites, and snorkeling from its islands in the Caribbean. From birds to butterflies, fish and scenery, Becky will share highlights from these special places. Her photos are from a recent February trip with several friends that was a perfect winter birding getaway.
Bio: Rebecca Suomala is a Biologist Emerita with NH Audubon. She worked for NH Audubon from 1988 until 2024 in a variety of positions. In 2005, she completed her Master’s in Wildlife Ecology from the University of New Hampshire, conducting research into songbird migration stopover for her thesis. She studied Common Nighthawks for almost 20 years and has banded birds on Appledore Island since 1994. As an avid birder, she has explored much of New Hampshire and has traveled to many national and international birding destinations.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday May 13, 2026 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps, Seacoast Science Center) There will be refreshments starting at 7 pm. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 pm. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Thank You! Dunkin’ of 14 Central Ave (exit 7 off of Rte 16), Dover, NH (603) 740-9649 donates hot coffee and more for our programs. When you visit the location mention a thank you!
Al Stewart, Jr.
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Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
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Date: 5/12/26 12:12 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] RE: Pickering Ponds trails bird walk, Rochester, May 10, 2026
Hi Laura, Zeke should have shared it with you by the time you read this. Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: 'drawthislp' via NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Sent: May 12, 2026 12:47 PM
To: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...>, <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] RE: Pickering Ponds trails bird walk, Rochester, May 10, 2026
Thanks Dan (and Zeke and Becky also).
Can my ebird account be added to this checklist?
Laura Pagano <drawthislp...>
See you again soon.
Laura and Vic
-------- Original message --------
From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...>
Date: 5/11/26 9:58 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: <nhbirds...>
Subject: Pickering Ponds trails bird walk, Rochester, May 10, 2026
Twenty-seven birders joined me for the traditional Mother's Day bird walk on Sunday. A birdy month of May at Pickering continued as 90 species were recorded. Highlights included 16 species of warbler (one parula was especially photogenic) and 2 very cooperative Virginia Rails. Thanks once again to Zeke Cornell for producing the eBird list below. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Pickering Ponds, Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire, US
May 10, 2026 7:13 AM - 12:38 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.076 mile(s)
90 species
Canada Goose 7
Wood Duck 5
Mallard 10
American Black Duck 2
Bufflehead 4 Females. Very small ducks with a small white patch on the face. Smaller than Hooded Mergansers.
Hooded Merganser 9
Common Merganser 6
Wild Turkey 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 9
Chimney Swift 30
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Virginia Rail 2
Killdeer 6
Wilson's Snipe 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Least Sandpiper 1
American Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Common Loon 1 Flyover
Green Heron 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Least Flycatcher 11
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 10
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Eastern Warbling Vireo 9
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 1
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 4
Bank Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 50
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 60
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6
Northern House Wren 3
Gray Catbird 18
Eastern Bluebird 1
Veery 2
Wood Thrush 6
American Robin 8
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 7
Chipping Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 10
Swamp Sparrow 4
Bobolink 1
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 7
Red-winged Blackbird 44
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
Common Grackle 10
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 7
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 12
American Redstart 5
Northern Parula 4
Magnolia Warbler 3
Northern Yellow Warbler 20
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 8
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 9
Hello, My (older and usually wiser) sister in law has just told me that the bears of (Norwich)Vermont do not bother with thistle seed feeders! She says they are safe to keep up... She is an excellent birder, I hasten to add! Does anyone know if bears of New Hampshire, particularly in the Springfield/New London area, have a similar culinary distaste!?! PS. I do take my suet/sunflower feeders down every evening, but SHE does not! And thus far, she is proven right! Dare I try? Thanks, Sallie Barker
We had our first ever White-crowned Sparrow sighting in our yard on May
7th. It stayed for a couple of days before moving on. Glad we could be a
rest stop for him/her. :-)
~in Derry
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 9:26:15 AM UTC-4 Steve Lauermann wrote:
> First at home in Rochester.
>
> Steve Lauermann
> Sent from my iPhone
>
Date: 5/12/26 9:47 am From: 'drawthislp' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] RE: Pickering Ponds trails bird walk, Rochester, May 10, 2026
Thanks Dan (and Zeke and Becky also).Can my ebird account be added to this checklist?Laura Pagano <drawthislp...> See you again soon.Laura and Vic
-------- Original message --------From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Date: 5/11/26 9:58 PM (GMT-05:00) To: <nhbirds...> Subject: Pickering Ponds trails bird walk, Rochester, May 10, 2026 Twenty-seven birders joined me for the traditional Mother's Day bird walk on Sunday. A birdy month of May at Pickering continued as 90 species were recorded. Highlights included 16 species of warbler (one parula was especially photogenic) and 2 very cooperative Virginia Rails. Thanks once again to Zeke Cornell for producing the eBird list below. Dan Hubbard, RochesterPickering Ponds, Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire, USMay 10, 2026 7:13 AM - 12:38 PMProtocol: Traveling2.076 mile(s)90 speciesCanada Goose 7Wood Duck 5 Mallard 10American Black Duck 2Bufflehead 4 Females. Very small ducks with a small white patch on the face. Smaller than Hooded Mergansers.Hooded Merganser 9Common Merganser 6Wild Turkey 3Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2Mourning Dove 9Chimney Swift 30Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1Virginia Rail 2Killdeer 6Wilson's Snipe 1Spotted Sandpiper 2Solitary Sandpiper 1Least Sandpiper 1American Herring Gull 30Great Black-backed Gull 1Common Loon 1 FlyoverGreen Heron 2Great Blue Heron 1Turkey Vulture 4Osprey 1Bald Eagle 2Broad-winged Hawk 2Red-tailed Hawk 1Barred Owl 1Belted Kingfisher 1Red-bellied Woodpecker 3Downy Woodpecker 3Pileated Woodpecker 1Least Flycatcher 11Eastern Phoebe 2Great Crested Flycatcher 1Eastern Kingbird 10Yellow-throated Vireo 2Eastern Warbling Vireo 9Red-eyed Vireo 1Blue Jay 6American Crow 1Common Raven 2Black-capped Chickadee 10Tufted Titmouse 4Bank Swallow 2Tree Swallow 50Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5Barn Swallow 60Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3Red-breasted Nuthatch 2Brown Creeper 1Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6Northern House Wren 3Gray Catbird 18Eastern Bluebird 1Veery 2Wood Thrush 6American Robin 8Purple Finch 6American Goldfinch 7Chipping Sparrow 3White-throated Sparrow 1Savannah Sparrow 3Song Sparrow 10Swamp Sparrow 4Bobolink 1Orchard Oriole 3Baltimore Oriole 7Red-winged Blackbird 44Brown-headed Cowbird 7Common Grackle 10Ovenbird 10Northern Waterthrush 1Blue-winged Warbler 1Black-and-white Warbler 7Nashville Warbler 1Common Yellowthroat 12American Redstart 5Northern Parula 4Magnolia Warbler 3Northern Yellow Warbler 20Chestnut-sided Warbler 2Black-throated Blue Warbler 1Pine Warbler 5Yellow-rumped Warbler 16Prairie Warbler 1Black-throated Green Warbler 1Northern Cardinal 8Rose-breasted Grosbeak 9View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S336837767This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 5/12/26 6:39 am From: <c.gr......> <c.greg.c...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: lagte pine siskins?
I, too, have been surprised to see a small flock of pine siskins dominating
the feeder the past few days, especially since I didn't see a single siskin
on the feeder all winter. (Merlin did hear them occasionally in the
treetops, so I guess they were around.) I can't remember ever seeing them
in Amherst this late into spring, although due to bears I rarely have the
feeder up this late - just putting it out in the day until I finish up the
last bag of birdseed.
Greg Carter
Amherst, NH
On Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:07:04 AM UTC-4 <jennm......> wrote:
> I was surprised to have 4 or 5 Pine Siskins at my feeder this morning.
> Shouldn't they already be nesting on their breeding grounds far up North??
>
> Jennifer McKown
> Brookfield NH
>
Date: 5/11/26 6:58 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pickering Ponds trails bird walk, Rochester, May 10, 2026
Twenty-seven birders joined me for the traditional Mother's Day bird walk on Sunday. A birdy month of May at Pickering continued as 90 species were recorded. Highlights included 16 species of warbler (one parula was especially photogenic) and 2 very cooperative Virginia Rails. Thanks once again to Zeke Cornell for producing the eBird list below. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Pickering Ponds, Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire, US
May 10, 2026 7:13 AM - 12:38 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.076 mile(s)
90 species
Canada Goose 7
Wood Duck 5
Mallard 10
American Black Duck 2
Bufflehead 4 Females. Very small ducks with a small white patch on the face. Smaller than Hooded Mergansers.
Hooded Merganser 9
Common Merganser 6
Wild Turkey 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2
Mourning Dove 9
Chimney Swift 30
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Virginia Rail 2
Killdeer 6
Wilson's Snipe 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Least Sandpiper 1
American Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Common Loon 1 Flyover
Green Heron 2
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 1
Bald Eagle 2
Broad-winged Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Least Flycatcher 11
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 10
Yellow-throated Vireo 2
Eastern Warbling Vireo 9
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 1
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 4
Bank Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 50
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 60
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6
Northern House Wren 3
Gray Catbird 18
Eastern Bluebird 1
Veery 2
Wood Thrush 6
American Robin 8
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 7
Chipping Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 10
Swamp Sparrow 4
Bobolink 1
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 7
Red-winged Blackbird 44
Brown-headed Cowbird 7
Common Grackle 10
Ovenbird 10
Northern Waterthrush 1
Blue-winged Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 7
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 12
American Redstart 5
Northern Parula 4
Magnolia Warbler 3
Northern Yellow Warbler 20
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16
Prairie Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 8
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 9
Date: 5/11/26 4:44 pm From: Gail Coffey <gcoffeywriter...> Subject: [NHBirds] Finally Wood Thrush along with Hermit Thrush in Wilton
Last night after sitting outside for 30 minutes or so, I heard the blub, blub sounds of a Wood Thrush along with a short song. A Hermit Thrush sang for quite a while. There was no song at dawn today so will have to keep waiting for that- not hearing them any other places.
Date: 5/11/26 2:40 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, May 11, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for
May 11, 2026.
A BRIDLED TERN has once again returned to Star Island, one of the Isles of
Shoals, on May 9th.
2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at the Fish Pond Boat Launch in Columbia on May 6
th. and 1 was seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut River on May
9th. 4 COMMON TERNS were seen at the Scammell Bridge in Dover, and 2
ROSEATE TERNS were seen on the Isles of Shoals all during the past week.
A male KING EIDER that had previously been seen at Four Tree Island and at
Peirce Island in Portsmouth was relocated at Odiorne Point State Park and
was last reported on May11th.
4 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen on Star Island, one of the Isles of
Shoals, on May 9th
A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen at Bartlett Beach in Laconia on May 9th. An
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER and 4 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen in Hampton
Harbor on May 10th.
A PECTORAL SANDPIPER was seen in Parsons Creek Salt Marsh on May 5th, and a
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was seen in Hampton Marsh on May 10th.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS continued to be seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh, Wallis
Sands State Beach, and Marsh Road Pond in Rye during the past week and was
lasted reported on May 9th.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen on Huckleberry Creek in Hampton,1 was seen at
Massacre Marsh in Rye, 1 was seen at Boulter’s Cove from Appledore Avenue,
1 was seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh, and 1 was seen at Wallis Sands
State Beach, all during the last week. Some if these sightings my be of the
same individuals.
There was an unconfirmed report of a LAUGHING GULL from off of New Castle
on May 8th.
A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen in Nashua, 1 was seen in Holderness,
and 1 was seen in Success, all during the past week.
A SANDHILL CRANE was seen in the fields on the north side of Langley
Parkway in Concord on May 11th.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at the NH Audubon McLane Center property along
Silk Farm Road in Concord and also along the bike path that goes west
toward Little Turkey Pond on May 1st. It was last reported on May 5th.
Another was seen at Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield also on May 5th.
2 WHITE-EYED VIREOS have been seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, and
2 more were seen at the Piscassic River Wildlife Management Area, all
during the past week. They were last seen on May 10th.
A SUMMER TANAGER, and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were seen on Star Island, one
of the Isles of Shoals, on May 10th’
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at the Concord Airport on May 8th-11th, and
1 was seen at Odiorne Point State Park on May 11th.
A PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was reported from Kensington on May 7th.
A LAWRENCE’S WARBLER (Hybrid) was seen at the Deer Hill Wildlife Management
Area in Brentwood on May 6th.
Several GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were seen at the Concord Airport during the
past week.
BLACK VULTURES were reported from Manchester, Concord, Dover, Exeter,
Contoocook, Haverhill, and Durham, all during the past week.
There was an unconfirmed report of 2 GOLDEN EAGLES seen in Troy on May 10th.
There was an unconfirmed report of 4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS from coastal Rye on
May 10th.
Additional species arriving during the past week, included: CANADA WARBLER,
BLACKPOLL WARBLER, and BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, EASTERN WOOD PEWEE, WILLOW
FLYCATCHER, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, AMERICAN PIPIT, and SWAINSON’S THRUSH.
A flock of about 50 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Bow, and a flock of about
20 was seen in Rochester, all during the past week.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 5/11/26 2:15 pm From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] First "Warbler Wednesday" Coming Up
This Wednesday morning, May 13, NH Audubon's Mascoma Chapter will host the first of its annual "Warbler Wednesday" outings at Lebanon's Boston Lot Lake. All experience levels are welcome.
The start time is 7:30am. Meet in the more northerly of the two parking areas on NH Route 10 opposite the Wilder Dam. The ascent up the lake's access road is moderately steep on an uneven, dirt and gravel surface. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Questions? Please respond to this email.
Blake Allison, Chapter Chair -- Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon
Date: 5/11/26 7:00 am From: John Barth -he, him- <johnb.essay09...> Subject: [NHBirds] Big Day at Airport Marsh and Pondicherry
It was great to join David Govatski and several other birders on Saturday for a Big Day outing at Airport Marsh in Whitefield, and a side trip to Pondicherry NWR. I was able to get some pretty cool photos, which I have attached to my ebird checklists (below). I'm especially proud of the Brown Thrasher photos. If anybody would like copies of any of the photos, just let me know the which numbered photo for which species (i.e., 8th photo, Greater Yellowlegs).
Date: 5/11/26 6:39 am From: Steven Lamonde <slamonde...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] lagte pine siskins?
A colleague of mine found a loose colony of Pine Siskin nests in Strafford
this past Friday. The nests had begging young birds, actively attended by
their parents.
Steven Lamonde
Hancock, NH
On Mon, May 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM Bill Chaisson <wpchaisson...> wrote:
--
Steven Lamonde, MS
Affiliate Faculty - Department of Environmental Studies
Manager - Antioch Spatial Analysis Lab
Antioch University New England
Keene, New Hampshire
<slamonde...>
(339) 236-1421
Date: 5/11/26 5:07 am From: Bill Chaisson <wpchaisson...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] lagte pine siskins?
Many of the northern finches nest opportunistically. If there is a lot of
food wherever they happen to be, they sometimes build nests and reproduce
right there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*W.P. Chaisson*
1227 U.S. Route 4
Danbury, New Hampshire 03230
607-220-7425
On Mon, May 11, 2026 at 7:07 AM '<jennmckown1...>' via NHBirds <
<nhbirds...> wrote:
Date: 5/11/26 4:07 am From: '<jennmckown1...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] lagte pine siskins?
I was surprised to have 4 or 5 Pine Siskins at my feeder this morning. Shouldn't they already be nesting on their breeding grounds far up North?? Jennifer McKownBrookfield NH
Date: 5/10/26 6:10 pm From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] No intent on birding today but...
Saw a mockingbird up at Lebanon airport. At least 14 tree swallows with a couple of barn swallows at Croydon fire station. Lots of a mating going on. Also there was a bald eagle being chased by two crows. Had nine chipping sparrows at 8:00 p.m. tonight in my yard which was amazing and the most I've ever had. Keeping my feeders out in the day probably longer than I ever have because of all the cool migrants. Had a female or juvenile Baltimore Oriole for the first time ever the other day. The indigo bunting came back for a second bite a couple of days after it showed up last week. The oven bird showed up yesterday. And the female Hummer came back today. Happy spring migration to everyone and Happy Mother's Day.
Date: 5/10/26 6:38 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: [NHBirds] Request for Proposal from the Nuttall Ornithological Club Blake-Nuttall Grants
Date: 5/10/26 4:26 am From: Keith Chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black crowned night heron, Ashland
There is currently a pair of Black Crown night herons in Ashland. One is in an oak tree above the spillway on Main Street. The other is down below the spillway. We have never seen them before. Funny that Ian just reported one up the road. Happy birding.
Date: 5/10/26 3:57 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Airport Marsh in Whitefield Bird Day Report 60 species
Our Saturday birding morning at Airport Marsh in Whitefield wound up with 60 species recorded, including 13 warbler species. We had clear blue skies, calm winds, and a starting temperature of 27 degrees F rising to 49 by noon. May 9th is a bit early for many migratory species like bobolink in this Coos County location but we still found many migrants. We did have one wood thrush singing away in the woods by Hazen Junction. We were treated to 3 American Bittern and 5 Great Blue Heron on the marsh which is actually an open water pond. The 6 Brown Thrashers were cooperative at various locations around the pond. We also walked Localizer Road by the Airport and added a few species late in the morning. For details you can look at the eBird reports for the Airport Marsh Hotspot, or contact me offline for a consolidated list that Sue Santeusainio prepared.
Date: 5/9/26 8:22 pm From: Jim Moulton <jmoultons...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Luecistic American Robin in Dover
Nice find!
Had a partial leucistic Robin at the Keene YMCA the other day. Had to
assure my wife that we weren't seeing a mockingbird.
Fun,
Jim
Chesterfield, NH
On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:07:59 PM UTC-4 Cameron Johnson wrote:
> For the past week or so, a gorgeous Luecistic American Robin has been
> hanging out in the yard of the Dover Baptist Church. I hadn't seen them in
> a few days, but refound them this afternoon while walking the dog and
> managed to get some nice photos of the bird at sunset.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S334852975 >
Date: 5/9/26 8:19 pm From: Jim Moulton <jmoultons...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Re: Follow-up on Eastern Phoebe discussion and Wood Thrushes-Wilton Area
Same experience here where two "extra" Phoebes competed for traditional
nest sites under our porch.
And heard a Wood Thrush yesterday - first and only so far.
Cowbirds were absent that last few years, but a male has been hanging out
for a couple weeks. A female showed up with him, but I think she moved on.
Will hit the Hinsdale Setbacks Monday - a fun hotspot on the CT River.
Enjoy!
Jim
Chesterfield, NH
On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:21:21 PM UTC-4 Jon Woolf wrote:
> For what it's worth, I've been seeing the usual number of phoebes. In
> fact, I have a vague impression that there are slightly more of them around
> than usual. No thrushes yet, but I thought they usually arrive second week
> of May or thereabouts.
>
> -- Jon Woolf
> Manchester, NH
>
>
> On 5/8/2026 6:44 PM, <maryhof......> wrote:
>
> Plenty of Phoebes here (nesting again in my garage) but also a dearth of
> both Wood Thrushes and Hermit Thrushes. I noticed last year that their
> songs were not ringing in in my back woods as they have always been.
> Mary
> Peterborough
>
> On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:22:13 PM UTC-4 Gail Coffey wrote:
>
>> Hi All:
>>
>> I have noticed the lack of Eastern Phoebes in many areas where I usually
>> find them-especially wetland systems-over the past month. I do not have a
>> pair this year like I have had for the past 11 years so may be they did not
>> make it through a harsh winter.
>>
>> On another topic, I have not heard any Wood Thrushes in my area and
>> usually have 3-4 by now-singing away at dawn and dusk. I also have not
>> heard any over the past few days while out birding in places I see them
>> around Wilton.
>>
>> Gail Coffey
>> Wilton
>>
> --
>
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
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> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<53527700-bb15-42c7-90ed-36f64fa8ef45n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<53527700-bb15-42c7-90ed-36f64fa8ef45n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
>
Date: 5/9/26 10:27 am From: KC <deedemail...> Subject: [NHBirds] Missing the Wood Thrush song in Derry
Interesting that others are not hearing Wood Thrush songs this spring, too. We usually have one singing here by the first week in May. I did record one singing at 5am on May 8th. But haven't heard one again since. I'm still hoping one will arrive, but that hope is fading. We also have not heard an Eastern Phoebe in a number of weeks. There was one singing here on April 1st. But again, I haven't heard one since.
Other May migrants have returned to my yard only slightly later than in previous years: Baltimore Orioles, Gray Catbirds, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Date: 5/9/26 7:35 am From: Gail Coffey <gcoffeywriter...> Subject: [NHBirds] Wood Thrush sightings in Wilton
I have kept daily bird sightings for over 25 years and checked Wood Thrush arrival dates over the past 5 years in Wilton. They have consistently arrived between May 1-5 so hope it is just a weather delay :).
Date: 5/8/26 5:21 pm From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Re: Follow-up on Eastern Phoebe discussion and Wood Thrushes-Wilton Area
For what it's worth, I've been seeing the usual number of phoebes. In
fact, I have a vague impression that there are slightly more of them
around than usual. No thrushes yet, but I thought they usually arrive
second week of May or thereabouts.
-- Jon Woolf
Manchester, NH
On 5/8/2026 6:44 PM, <maryhof......> wrote:
> Plenty of Phoebes here (nesting again in my garage) but also a dearth
> of both Wood Thrushes and Hermit Thrushes. I noticed last year that
> their songs were not ringing in in my back woods as they have always
> been.
> Mary
> Peterborough
>
> On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:22:13 PM UTC-4 Gail Coffey wrote:
>
> Hi All:
>
> I have noticed the lack of Eastern Phoebes in many areas where I
> usually find them-especially wetland systems-over the past month.
> I do not have a pair this year like I have had for the past 11
> years so may be they did not make it through a harsh winter.
>
> On another topic, I have not heard any Wood Thrushes in my area
> and usually have 3-4 by now-singing away at dawn and dusk. I also
> have not heard any over the past few days while out birding in
> places I see them around Wilton.
>
> Gail Coffey
> Wilton
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> an email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<53527700-bb15-42c7-90ed-36f64fa8ef45n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<53527700-bb15-42c7-90ed-36f64fa8ef45n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
Date: 5/8/26 5:08 pm From: Cameron Johnson <camjohnsonphoto...> Subject: [NHBirds] Luecistic American Robin in Dover
For the past week or so, a gorgeous Luecistic American Robin has been hanging out in the yard of the Dover Baptist Church. I hadn't seen them in a few days, but refound them this afternoon while walking the dog and managed to get some nice photos of the bird at sunset.
Date: 5/8/26 3:45 pm From: <maryhof......> <maryhoffheimer...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Follow-up on Eastern Phoebe discussion and Wood Thrushes-Wilton Area
Plenty of Phoebes here (nesting again in my garage) but also a dearth of
both Wood Thrushes and Hermit Thrushes. I noticed last year that their
songs were not ringing in in my back woods as they have always been.
Mary
Peterborough
On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:22:13 PM UTC-4 Gail Coffey wrote:
> Hi All:
>
> I have noticed the lack of Eastern Phoebes in many areas where I usually
> find them-especially wetland systems-over the past month. I do not have a
> pair this year like I have had for the past 11 years so may be they did not
> make it through a harsh winter.
>
> On another topic, I have not heard any Wood Thrushes in my area and
> usually have 3-4 by now-singing away at dawn and dusk. I also have not
> heard any over the past few days while out birding in places I see them
> around Wilton.
>
> Gail Coffey
> Wilton
>
Date: 5/8/26 12:53 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Birding Event at Airport Marsh in Whitefield on Saturday
Just a reminder that the Friends of Pondicherry is hosting a morning birding event at Airport Marsh in Whitefield on Saturday from 0600-Noon. We will be birding around Airport Marsh for about three hours and then we will have an optional two mile easy walk along Localizer Drive for more wetland and grassland birds. Airport Marsh is along Airport Road in Whitefield.
The Pondicherry Migratory Bird Day is on Saturday 16 May. We will meet at 289 Airport Road at 0600 and walk the rail trail to Cherry Pond with optional side trips to Little Cherry Pond and Moorhen Marsh. I expect we will have a lot more warblers at that date. If you come late you can catch up with us along the rail trail. Both events are free and celebrate migratory bird day.
Date: 5/8/26 11:09 am From: Sheridan Brown (Birds) <birds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Request for Photos and Video of Goss Farm (Rye, NH) Barn Swallows
With moderator's permission to post, I have a request for information:
If you are birding Goss Farm in Rye, or plan to, I would appreciate any and all photos and videos that you would like to take and share of:
1.
Barn Swallows
2.
Barn Swallows on or around the Barn
3.
Construction of artificial nesting structures and ongoing construction.
4.
Barn Swallows investigating or interacting with the artificial nesting structures.
Please also feel free to share any notes that you would like to include regarding what you observe.
I filed a Motion for a temporary restraining order in Superior Court yesterday (on behalf of several Rye residents who are nearby property owners and birders) seeking to compel the Town to restore access the birds' access to the Barn (which is part of Town-owned conservation property). Suddenly, the Town is hurriedly building more artificial nesting structures.
Barn swallow experts have offered their opinion that the structures will not be utilized by significant numbers of Barn Swallows and irreparable damage will be done to the colony and local barn swallow colony by their eviction from the Barn after 70+ years of use.
Your photos and videos will be helpful to rebut any false claims regarding the birds' utilization of the artificial structures. It will be difficult to discern nesting activity because the Rye Conservation Commission removed nests from the barn and then attached them to the artificial structures.
As to not clog up the list—especially with so many returning birds that need to be shared—please send any info, criticism, commentary, etc. directly to me at this email address. If you have sizeable files, I can send you a link to my SharePoint server for upload.
Date: 5/8/26 9:22 am From: Gail Coffey <gcoffeywriter...> Subject: [NHBirds] Follow-up on Eastern Phoebe discussion and Wood Thrushes-Wilton Area
Hi All:
I have noticed the lack of Eastern Phoebes in many areas where I usually find them-especially wetland systems-over the past month. I do not have a pair this year like I have had for the past 11 years so may be they did not make it through a harsh winter.
On another topic, I have not heard any Wood Thrushes in my area and usually have 3-4 by now-singing away at dawn and dusk. I also have not heard any over the past few days while out birding in places I see them around Wilton.
Date: 5/8/26 8:50 am From: 'Iain MacLeod' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black-crowned Night Heron in Holderness
While the staff were opening up the trail at the Science Center this morning, they flushed a Black-crowned Night Heron at the pond outside the Water Matters Pavilion. I was tied up in meeting for the first part of the morning so didn't get out to look myself until 30 minutes ago. I could not relocate it.
I have recorded one here before and that was on May 9, 2019 on the very same pond.
Date: 5/7/26 7:47 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] *** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday May 13, 2026 7:30 PM Program: Belize, a Perfect Winter Birding Getaway ***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday May 13, 2026 7:30 pm Program: Belize, a Perfect Winter Birding Getaway
Join Becky Suomala on a (virtual) birding trip to tropical Belize in Central America. This English-speaking country has great birding, but also unique archeological sites, and snorkeling from its islands in the Caribbean. From birds to butterflies, fish and scenery, Becky will share highlights from these special places. Her photos are from a recent February trip with several friends that was a perfect winter birding getaway.
Bio: Rebecca Suomala is a Biologist Emerita with NH Audubon. She worked for NH Audubon from 1988 until 2024 in a variety of positions. In 2005, she completed her Master’s in Wildlife Ecology from the University of New Hampshire, conducting research into songbird migration stopover for her thesis. She studied Common Nighthawks for almost 20 years and has banded birds on Appledore Island since 1994. As an avid birder, she has explored much of New Hampshire and has traveled to many national and international birding destinations.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday May 13, 2026 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps, Seacoast Science Center) There will be refreshments starting at 7 pm. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 pm. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Thank You! Dunkin’ of 14 Central Ave (exit 7 off of Rte 16), Dover, NH (603) 740-9649 donates hot coffee and more for our programs. When you visit the location mention a thank you!
NH Audubon manages 18 nightjar survey routes scattered across the state, most of which have been surveyed for 20 years. This year the volunteers who survey the route in Raymond are stepping down and I'm looking for a replacement.
The commitment is fairly small. The route consists of ten roadside point counts lasting for six minutes each, yielding a total survey time of roughly 1.5 hours (not counting travel to and from the route), and it only needs to be surveyed once a year. The big catch is timing, since surveys need to be done just after dusk (or well before dawn) and only within a week on either side of the full moon - and when it's not cloudy. These parameters mean that sometimes it's hard to get a survey in, but the good news in 2026 is that there are two date ranges: May 23 to June 8 and June 21 to July 7.
If you live in or near Raymond and are interested in helping out, please reply to me at <phunt...><mailto:<phunt...>. You don't even need to be a highly experienced birder, since whip-poor-wills make a very distinctive noise and not much else is that vocal at night.
Best,
Pam
Pamela D. Hunt, Ph.D.
Senior Biologist for Avian Conservation
NH Audubon
603-224-9909 x328 (office)
Voicemail gets forwarded to email so please leave a message so I know you called and can get back to you.
How are NH's birds doing? Check out our "State of the Birds" report at:
https://stateofthebirds.nhaudubon.org/ ___
_/ -o-- \_____
\ / \''''',,,,,\__
\/////////'' _\======
Date: 5/7/26 9:47 am From: Pamela Hunt <phunt...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lee Purple Martins
Greetings NH birders,
At the risk of making the problem worse, I have some important information to convey about the Purple Martin colony at Coppal House Farm in Lee. As noted on the eBird hotspot, this is private property, and the landowners, while appreciative of the birds (after all, they just upgraded their martin housing this year), have had problems with birders visiting the site. This started in 2017 when a Sandhill Crane was there, and during the crane's visit birders blocked access to farm roads with their cars, wandered about as if they owned the place, and generally left a bad impression. This is one reason the word "private" is included in the eBird hotspot.
The landowner informed me this morning that someone was visiting and parked in the way of farm equipment, so I'm taking this opportunity to inform the NH birding community to please respect the farmers' wishes: people are welcome during farm events, and would perhaps be more tolerated if they parked at the farm stand and checked in with an employee prior to wandering around. Maybe even buy something at the farmstand! It's also likely that the martins are visible from Route 155, although they would obviously be more distant.
Thanks in advance for your understanding and willingness to respect private property when requested,
Pam
Pamela D. Hunt, Ph.D.
Senior Biologist for Avian Conservation
NH Audubon
603-224-9909 x328 (office)
Voicemail gets forwarded to email so please leave a message so I know you called and can get back to you.
How are NH's birds doing? Check out our "State of the Birds" report at:
https://stateofthebirds.nhaudubon.org/ ___
_/ -o-- \_____
\ / \''''',,,,,\__
\/////////'' _\======
Great views this morning of a Blackburnian Warbler across from Bradford Bog Boardwalk entrance (seems to be there every year!). Also good views down the road of Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers. And a bobcat that crossed the road a little further down East Washington Road.
Date: 5/7/26 6:32 am From: 'Corinne in Bedford, NH' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Male Bluebird Thinks House Infested By Rivals
I have the same situation in Bedford! First time with a bluebird though.
Last year it was a Robin who was larger and even more agressive.
They really mess up the windows and poop on the railings and decks!
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 8:59:30 AM UTC-4 Sallie Barker wrote:
> Hi Al,
> With a similar problem last year, we have taped long silver Mylar
> strips(wrapping paper ribbon) at our very window-y house for a bit. So far
> so good: no hammering and no window strikes. I wanted to avoid so many
> polka dots from window Alert’s UV Liquid.
> Having this problem is well worth it for the rest of us- I always love
> your story-writing skills!
> Sallie
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 6, 2026, at 7:25 AM, Alfred Maley <alfre......> wrote:
>
>
>
> A mate to the female Bluebird that is incubating in a box in our back yard
> believes that our house is infested with rivals, and that he must repel
> every one of them, all day long. He is assisted by many bushes live and
> dead trees arranged around the house as perches for flycatchers in summer
> and feeder birds in winter. They allow him to rest briefly between strikes
> on 14 windows on the house.
>
> Mrs. Blue was heard to comment “Where did I find this jerk?”. But soon all
> that energy can be directed to catching bugs on our “No Mow May” lawn,
> unless he actually beats his brain out first.
>
> Locally, a Sandhill cCane was photographed on May 3 in the Atkinson
> portion of the nearby Sawmill Swamp, a long-expected event.
>
> Al Maley
> Hampstead, NH
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
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>
>
Date: 5/7/26 4:43 am From: Andrea LeBlanc <andrea.aldvm...> Subject: [NHBirds] Phoebes
I have lived in the same house in Lee fr 53 years and there has always been phoebes nesting on the house. This year on April 8 - right n time - one appeared. It was around for a few days and seemed to disappear. Merlin picked up one this past week , but I haven’t heard one near the house. Louisiana waterthrushes and Chipping sparrows are in full voice, Baltimore orioles, Orchard orioles, Rose-breasted grosbeaks, Catbirds and hummers all have arrived this past week as usual. Merlin tells me there is a plethora of warblers in the woods surrounding me - Magnolia, Black and white, Black-throated blue and green, , Hooded, Yellow-rumped, Common yellow-throat, Northern yellow, Pine, - as well as Yello-throated and .Red-eyed vireos, Scarlet tanager, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned kinglets, Redstart, Ovenbirds, Wood thrushes, Pine siskin,Carolina and House wrens. All this to say it seems especially odd that phoebes are particularly few or absent..
Date: 5/7/26 4:34 am From: Anne H. <annehadshi...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
We have a phoebe nest under the carport. They were nesting when one day
they disappeared. I found four broken eggs on the ground. I presume the
nest was attacked by a bird (starling?) because it is not reachable by a
mammal. I have heard one phoebe singing in the yard since, but they have
abandoned the nest.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:07:29 PM UTC-4 barry whittemore wrote:
> We have several up here in Unity. 1 pair nesting in our shed.
> 1 nested in our carport last year.
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhb......>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:24 AM
> *To:* '<raqb......>' via NHBirds <nhb......>
> *Subject:* [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
>
> Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested somewhere
> on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the neighborhood.
> This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have been no signs of
> Phoebes.
>
> I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the
> way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
>
> Bruce Boyer
> Jaffrey
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
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> "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<u......>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<4F4308D9-D97D-46B6-93E1-F3F8860838EF...> > .
>
Date: 5/6/26 9:57 am From: KC <deedemail...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Migration Alert
Here, too, including the long-awaited Wood Thrush who was singing nearby
early this morning. Not sure if he'll stay to nest or was just passing
through. Fingers crossed he stays. :-)
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 9:52:15 AM UTC-4 Susan wrote:
> The Migration Report was absolutely correct ! Many new birds singing and
> buzzing around this morning including a Black Throated Green . I think
> these are the resident birds not the “passing through” ones.
> Susan hunter, Bedford
>
> On May 5, 2026, at 6:45 PM, KC <deed......> wrote:
>
> We had our first HB at our feeder today in Derry, and a Northern Parula
> stopped by for a dip in our small pond. Catbirds, orioles, and R-b
> Grosbeaks continue to visit the yard.
>
> Also, received a Migration Alert from Cornell's BirdCast saying that
> tonight, May 5, would have a high number of birds migrating through the
> region (southern NH) at night.
>
> Here's their recommendation for area residents:
>
> "Help protect these nocturnally migrating birds as they pass through your
> region by turning off all non-essential lighting from 11:00PM tonight until
> 6:00AM tomorrow morning. Bright lights attract and disorient nocturnally
> migrating birds, potentially causing fatal collisions with buildings or
> exposure to additional day time hazards."
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<u......>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<fc373186-0b0c-4b20-9f9b-93c0f5108f7bn...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<fc373186-0b0c-4b20-9f9b-93c0f5108f7bn...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
>
Date: 5/6/26 9:07 am From: barry whittemore <wb1edi...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
We have several up here in Unity. 1 pair nesting in our shed.
1 nested in our carport last year.
________________________________
From: 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:24 AM
To: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested somewhere on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the neighborhood. This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have been no signs of Phoebes.
I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
Date: 5/6/26 8:06 am From: Carol <saltbird456...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
I’m glad to report we have our usual pair of Phoebes beginning to nest in
their usual eave corner.
We also had a large influx of Blue Jays that dropped in yesterday afternoon
before the rain. They stayed nearby overnight and were back at the feeders
this am.
Carol McCluskey
Gilmanton
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 10:49 AM Brian R <reillybj49...> wrote:
> Just adding to the conversation. Single Phoebe here in Keene for a few
> days about 2 weeks ago. Have not seen since.
>
> Brian
>
>
> On May 6, 2026, at 10:16 AM, Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
>
> Bruce raises an interesting question. I feel like there are fewer phoebes
> than there "should" be in my new digs in South Concord, and attribute it to
> the weather this past winter. It was colder than usual, including a couple
> of major chilling events, in the southern US where phoebes winter, and this
> likely affected food supplies and/or survival. Other "half-hardy" species
> like Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush are known to show population dips on the
> breeding grounds in years following southern cold snaps, and I was
> predicting fewer wrens this spring as a result. But wrens are secretive
> little critters while phoebes are pervasive, and thus more likely to be
> noticed in absentia.
>
> Might not be the whole story, and there's certainly going to be spatial
> variation in where declines are observed, but its as good a working
> hypothesis as any.
>
> Pam Hunt
> Concord, NH
>
>
>
> On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <
> <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
>> Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested
>> somewhere on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the
>> neighborhood. This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have
>> been no signs of Phoebes.
>>
>> I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the
>> way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
>>
>> Bruce Boyer
>> Jaffrey
>>
>> --
>> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
>> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "NHBirds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<4F4308D9-D97D-46B6-93E1-F3F8860838EF...> >> .
>>
>
> --
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>
>
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>
Date: 5/6/26 8:02 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
Slightly different situation here in Webster.
A pair of Phoebes returned and eventually built a nest. During April 30-May 4 I was on the road during which time they abandoned the nest, without laying eggs.
Furthermore, I was in the Florida panhandle for a week in late February where Phoebes spend the winter and they seemed less numerous than I expected. I surmised that they had already migrated north but now I am thinking that Pam and Sue are both correct and it is a combination of factors.
Robert A. QuinnMerlin Wildlife Tours Webster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 10:16:45 AM EDT, Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
Bruce raises an interesting question. I feel like there are fewer phoebes than there "should" be in my new digs in South Concord, and attribute it to the weather this past winter. It was colder than usual, including a couple of major chilling events, in the southern US where phoebes winter, and this likely affected food supplies and/or survival. Other "half-hardy" species like Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush are known to show population dips on the breeding grounds in years following southern cold snaps, and I was predicting fewer wrens this spring as a result. But wrens are secretive little critters while phoebes are pervasive, and thus more likely to be noticed in absentia.
Might not be the whole story, and there's certainly going to be spatial variation in where declines are observed, but its as good a working hypothesis as any.
Pam HuntConcord, NH
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested somewhere on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the neighborhood. This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have been no signs of Phoebes.
I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
Date: 5/6/26 7:58 am From: Sallie Barker <salliebarker...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bluejays in Springfield
After a winter of our 3-5 old reliable bluejays, we have been presented with at least 40, maybe 50, for the last 2 days! They keep circling the house, so it’s hard to count. Fortunately their presence has not deterred our returning birds, so the Ovenbird and Chestnut Sided arrived this morning.
For the Phoebe, who has nested by our front door for years, we are concerned Without thinking of his presence, I opened our front door at 10:00 PM last week and startled him from his usual perch (or somewhere on front porch; he might have been IN our forsythia wreath) and BURST into the house! After 40 challenging minutes, he finally opted for one of the many open doors and windows and …left. Whew! However, there is no sign of him or even his call since this happened. Troubling.
Sallie -in Springfield
Date: 5/6/26 7:49 am From: Brian R <reillybj49...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
Just adding to the conversation. Single Phoebe here in Keene for a few days about 2 weeks ago. Have not seen since.
Brian
> On May 6, 2026, at 10:16 AM, Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
>
> Bruce raises an interesting question. I feel like there are fewer phoebes than there "should" be in my new digs in South Concord, and attribute it to the weather this past winter. It was colder than usual, including a couple of major chilling events, in the southern US where phoebes winter, and this likely affected food supplies and/or survival. Other "half-hardy" species like Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush are known to show population dips on the breeding grounds in years following southern cold snaps, and I was predicting fewer wrens this spring as a result. But wrens are secretive little critters while phoebes are pervasive, and thus more likely to be noticed in absentia.
>
> Might not be the whole story, and there's certainly going to be spatial variation in where declines are observed, but its as good a working hypothesis as any.
>
> Pam Hunt
> Concord, NH
>
>
>
> On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> <mailto:<nhbirds...>> wrote:
>> Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested somewhere on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the neighborhood. This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have been no signs of Phoebes.
>>
>> I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
>>
>> Bruce Boyer
>> Jaffrey
>>
>> --
>> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
>> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en >> ---
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>
> --
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Date: 5/6/26 7:21 am From: Linda Charron <lindacharron071...> Subject: [NHBirds] No Phoebes in New Boston
We have been in NB for over 20 yrs and the Phoebes have always been here by middle of April and have built a nest in the eaves of our shed. This year one came a few weeks ago and that was it. He never came back. Maybe they're just late to nest. I'll keep looking for him and his Mrs. Linda Charron 10 Pearson Ln New Boston, NH 03070
Date: 5/6/26 7:16 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
Bruce raises an interesting question. I feel like there are fewer phoebes
than there "should" be in my new digs in South Concord, and attribute it to
the weather this past winter. It was colder than usual, including a couple
of major chilling events, in the southern US where phoebes winter, and this
likely affected food supplies and/or survival. Other "half-hardy" species
like Winter Wren and Hermit Thrush are known to show population dips on the
breeding grounds in years following southern cold snaps, and I was
predicting fewer wrens this spring as a result. But wrens are secretive
little critters while phoebes are pervasive, and thus more likely to be
noticed in absentia.
Might not be the whole story, and there's certainly going to be spatial
variation in where declines are observed, but its as good a working
hypothesis as any.
Pam Hunt
Concord, NH
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <
<nhbirds...> wrote:
> Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested somewhere
> on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the neighborhood.
> This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have been no signs
> of Phoebes.
>
> I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the
> way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
>
> Bruce Boyer
> Jaffrey
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<4F4308D9-D97D-46B6-93E1-F3F8860838EF...> > .
>
Date: 5/6/26 7:07 am From: Tony Baldasaro <tbaldasaro...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lawrence's Warbler (Hybrid)
Good morning,
I came upon a Lawrence's Warbler this morning at Deer Hill in Brentwood.. It was singing like a Blue-winged Warbler, but I was totally thrown off by the black throat and eye coloring. It wasn't until someone else pointed out that it was a Lawrence's that I realized it wasn't just an odd Blue-winged.
Date: 5/6/26 6:52 am From: 'Susan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] FOY Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Migration Alert
The Migration Report was absolutely correct ! Many new birds singing and buzzing around this morning including a Black Throated Green . I think these are the resident birds not the “passing through” ones.
Susan hunter, Bedford
> On May 5, 2026, at 6:45 PM, KC <deedemail...> wrote:
>
> We had our first HB at our feeder today in Derry, and a Northern Parula stopped by for a dip in our small pond. Catbirds, orioles, and R-b Grosbeaks continue to visit the yard.
>
> Also, received a Migration Alert from Cornell's BirdCast saying that tonight, May 5, would have a high number of birds migrating through the region (southern NH) at night.
>
> Here's their recommendation for area residents:
>
> "Help protect these nocturnally migrating birds as they pass through your region by turning off all non-essential lighting from 11:00PM tonight until 6:00AM tomorrow morning. Bright lights attract and disorient nocturnally migrating birds, potentially causing fatal collisions with buildings or exposure to additional day time hazards."
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...> <mailto:nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<fc373186-0b0c-4b20-9f9b-93c0f5108f7bn...> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<fc373186-0b0c-4b20-9f9b-93c0f5108f7bn...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
Date: 5/6/26 6:24 am From: 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Why No Phoebes?
Ever since I’ve lived here (about 17 years), Phoebes have nested somewhere on my house, and I have heard other Phoebes calling in the neighborhood. This year, I thought I saw one, but since then, there have been no signs of Phoebes.
I suspect that hawks ate them. Sitting out in the open on a branch, the way they do, would seem to make Phoebes easy targets.
Date: 5/6/26 4:25 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Male Bluebird Thinks House Infested By Rivals
A mate to the female Bluebird that is incubating in a box in our back yard
believes that our house is infested with rivals, and that he must repel
every one of them, all day long. He is assisted by many bushes live and
dead trees arranged around the house as perches for flycatchers in summer
and feeder birds in winter. They allow him to rest briefly between strikes
on 14 windows on the house.
Mrs. Blue was heard to comment “Where did I find this jerk?”. But soon all
that energy can be directed to catching bugs on our “No Mow May” lawn,
unless he actually beats his brain out first.
Locally, a Sandhill cCane was photographed on May 3 in the Atkinson portion
of the nearby Sawmill Swamp, a long-expected event.
We had our first HB at our feeder today in Derry, and a Northern Parula stopped by for a dip in our small pond. Catbirds, orioles, and R-b Grosbeaks continue to visit the yard.
Also, received a Migration Alert from Cornell's BirdCast saying that tonight, May 5, would have a high number of birds migrating through the region (southern NH) at night.
Here's their recommendation for area residents:
"Help protect these nocturnally migrating birds as they pass through your region by turning off all non-essential lighting from 11:00PM tonight until 6:00AM tomorrow morning. Bright lights attract and disorient nocturnally migrating birds, potentially causing fatal collisions with buildings or exposure to additional day time hazards."
Date: 5/5/26 1:13 pm From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] Second hummingbird, black and white warbler FOY, Croydon
Merlin identified a northern parula. I am not a huge birder other than my backyard birds. I don't know this bird. Merlin identified it over and over again. I listened to the songs online and it sure sounds like the recording. Is it possible that that is what I heard? The hummingbirds are already fighting so I put out three feeders and some red petunias which he went right to.
Date: 5/5/26 12:24 pm From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Historic eBird Data Now Accessible
Since 2011, I have been working with volunteers to upload into eBird various historic data sets of bird sightings that were already computerized at NH Audubon. The biggest one was the New Hampshire Bird Records database from 1986 to 2009 which had more than 180,000 sightings from 257 towns across the state. We completed that in 2023 and since then we have added three more data sets. Once uploaded, all those sightings still had to go through the normal eBird review process which left thousands of records flagged for review. At long last, that review process has been completed! That means the sightings are now accessible in the eBird search functions for all to see.
With any project like this there are bound to be errors. If you see something in eBird under NH Bird Records Data, that doesn't look right, please let us know. You can email <birdrecords...><mailto:<birdrecords...> or me, <rsuomala...><mailto:<rsuomala...>.
It is very exciting to know that this data will not be lost and is now accessible to the public. A very big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with this long-running project. They put in thousands of hours to make this possible.
Date: 5/5/26 9:00 am From: Anne Ryc <annehadshi...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring in West Concord
I took a short walk in my neighborhood and saw and heard a lot of birds!
Seen:
Wild Turkey Turkey vulture Broadwinged hawk Yellowbellied sapsucker Eastern phoebe Warbling vireo Barn swallow Black-capped chickadee Tufted titmouse White-breasted nuthatch Carolina wren Northern House wren Eastern bluebird Wood thrush American robin Gray catbird Yellow warbler Black-throated green warbler Black-and-white warbler Scarlet tanager (male and female) Eastern towhee Chipping sparrow Northern cardinal Red-winged blackbird Common grackle American goldfinch House sparrow
Heard only:
Red-shouldered hawk Mourning dove Red-bellied woodpecker Northern flicker Blue jay Common raven Red-breasted nuthatch Brown creeper Pine warbler Prairie warbler Ovenbird Song sparrow Baltimore oriole
Date: 5/5/26 7:15 am From: Jay Pitocchelli <jpitocch...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barred Owl, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Winding Brook Rd., Newbury, NH 5/4/26
Barred Owl - at least 2 calling back and forth, Black-throated Blue Warbler singing yesterday and today (5/5/26) in back yard, Winding Brook Rd., Newbury, NH 5/4/26
Dr. Jay Pitocchelli, Professor Emeritus Biology Department Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH 03102
Date: 5/4/26 5:55 pm From: Fran Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] Chimney Swifts Are Back! Derry
I always scan the skies and keep my ears peeled for swifts in early May and tonight, I heard the telltale chittering and found them circling over Derry! Last year I saw them at the end of April but other years, my first sightings have been in this week.
I wonder if they have enough chimneys these days. So many people have capped theirs.
Date: 5/4/26 2:59 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, May 4, 2026.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for May 4, 2026.
A male KING EIDER that had previously been seen at Four Tree Island and at
Peirce Island in Portsmouth was relocated at Frost Point in Odiorne Point
State Park and was last reported on April 28th. It may still be in the area.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS continued to be seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh, Wallis
Sands State Beach, and Marsh Road Pond in Rye during the past week. 30
GLOSSY IBIS were seen at the Parson’s Creek salt marsh on May 4th, and a
GLOSSY x WHITE-FACED IBIS hybrid `Hampton on May 1st.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen on Huckleberry Creek in Hampton,1 was seen at
Massacre Marsh in Rye, 1 was seen at Boulter’s Cove from Appledore Avenue,
1 was seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh, and 1 was seen at Wallis Sands
State Beach, all during the last week. Some if these sightings my be of the
same individuals.
There was an unconfirmed report of a LEAST BITTERN from Plaistow on May 4th.
A SNOW GOOSE was seen in Hampton Harbor on May 2nd.
A LESSER SCAUP was seen in Piermont on May 3rd.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at North Beach in Hampton on May 3rd.
30 COMMON TERNS were seen in Hampton Harbor on May 3rd.
A GREAT CORMORANT was seen in Mascoma Lake in Enfield on April 30th, and 1
was seen in Hillsborough on the 28th.
2 SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over Fitzwilliam on May 3rd, and 1 was
seen at North Road in Deerfield on the 2nd.
A PECTORAL SANDPIPER was seen in the salt marsh located at the end of
Pollock Drive in Rye on April 29th.
Single BLACK VULTURES were reported from Manchester, Concord, Dover,
Charlestown, and Durham, all during the past week.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at the NH Audubon McLane Center property along
Silk Farm Road in Concord and also along the bike path that goes west
toward Little Turkey Pond on May 1st. It was last reported on May 4th.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on April 21st
and has been seen on multiple days since then. It was last reported on May 3
rd.
Several VEERIES, WOOD THRUSHES, EASTERN WARBLING VIREOS, and RED EYED
VIREOS were reported during the last week.
A flock of 42 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen at the UNH Durham campus on April
29th.
An INDIGO BUNTING was seen in Franklin on May 1st.
An ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester on May 4th.
A PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was seen at Benson Park in Hudson on May 3rd, and an
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at the Seabrook Town Forest & Wellfield on
May 4th.
Warbler species arriving during the past week, included: NASHVILLE WARBLER,
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. AMERICAN REDSTART. MAGNOLIA WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN
WARBLER, PRAIRIE WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, NORTHERN WATERHRUSH
3 FISH CROWS was reported from Plymouth on May 4th.
6 EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Deerfield on April 28th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Errol on May 1st.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 5/4/26 10:47 am From: 'Pam Kasnet' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] FOY hummingbird in Exeter
Yesterday around 5 pm I spotted my FOY hummingbird, a male, at the feeder. Starting in 2022, arrival dates were May 4, May 7, April 30, and last year May 1.
Date: 5/4/26 5:43 am From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] FOY Baltimore oriole, Lee
Allens Ave: A flock of at least six rose-breasted grosbeaks arrived yesterday, taking over the sunflower seed feeder from the flock of a dozen purple finches that have been parked here for several weeks.
Baltimore oriole, foy, male, feeding on suet this morning.
Date: 5/3/26 10:46 am From: Ashton Almeida <ashtonipod...> Subject: [NHBirds] May Migration Challenge - Seabrook Town Forest & Wellfield
It's that time of year again, and I am back on my grind of visiting the Seabrook Town Forest every day for the whole month. So far, each day has gotten increasingly better, and today was incredible with 55 species:
Canada Goose 4 Mallard 4 Ring-necked Duck 2 Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 1 Solitary Sandpiper 1 American Herring Gull 3 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 3 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 4 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tufted Titmouse 4 Tree Swallow 1 Barn Swallow 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Northern House Wren 1 Gray Catbird 8 Wood Thrush 3 American Robin 8 House Sparrow 1 House Finch 6 American Goldfinch 6 Chipping Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 3 Savannah Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 6 Swamp Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 5 Red-winged Blackbird 9 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Common Grackle 15 Ovenbird 5 Blue-winged Warbler 3 Black-and-white Warbler 7 Common Yellowthroat 2 Northern Parula 3 Northern Yellow Warbler 5 Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 Pine Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 23 Prairie Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 7 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3
If you like patch birding, follow along my Substack where I'm not only visiting every day, but also writing about it daily. Come along with me on this journey! Read here: https://thefieldfocus.substack.com/
Date: 5/3/26 5:45 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Indigo bunting? in Croydon
Yes! An Indigo Bunting. And an early one as most don't arrive until
the middle of May.
Sometimes Indigo Buntings get caught up in a southerly air flow and show
up in late April. This bird is a tad early and sometimes they'll hit a
bird feeder if the weather is cool and wet.
Date: 5/3/26 5:42 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Oops. Sent message too soon
I meant to comment more on that last message, but hit Send by accident!
A few comments......I ended up with 9 FOY (First of Year) birds
yesterday at the Seabrook Forest. I generally don't get the earliest of
FOY records over the years along the Seacoast as compared to others from
further inland, but a few early birds seemed interesting. Especially
considering the cool weather we've had recently.
* 9 species of warblers! But no Yellow-rumped Warbler!
* American Redstart is my 2nd earliest ever with my earliest being
4/30/16 at Pawtuckaway. My previous 2nd earliest was 5/6/10.
* Magnolia Warbler ties for my 2nd earliest ever with my earliest being
4/28/09 in Rye.
* 5 Ovenbirds and 5 Black-and-White Warblers seems like a high count for
the date.
* STILL LOOKING for our first Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole,
Eastern Kingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Full checklist:
Date: 5/3/26 5:31 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] SPRING IS HERE!
Lots of birds coming! And a few of early arrivals have sneaked in
already. Jane and I worked the Seabrook Town Forest and Wellhead area
yesterday and had a surprisingly good afternoon with
Mallard 2
Ring-necked Duck 2
Mourning Dove 1
Spotted Sandpiper 3
Great Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 1
Broad-winged Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Northern House Wren 1
Gray Catbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 1
American Robin 3
House Sparrow 1
American Goldfinch 5
Chipping Sparrow 3
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 8
Eastern Towhee 4
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Common Grackle 9
Ovenbird 5
Blue-winged Warbler 3
Black-and-white Warbler 5
American Redstart 1
Northern Parula 4
Magnolia Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 4
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 0
Prairie Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 4
If so, this is only the 2nd one I've seen here in 26 years. Please correct my ID if I am wrong. I looked in the book and google lens. https://ebird.org/checklist/S331415899
My husband and I got back last night from southeastern AZ and saw some magnificent hummingbirds like Rivoli's, Anna's, Violet-crowned and Lucifer.
This morning there were 2 Ovenbirds singing in our yard-one on the west and the other on the east side at the same time.
The Ruby-throated male hummingbird showed up and the female Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at our feeder this afternoon. They may have arrived earlier-but this is around the same time from last year-April 30-May 2nd.
A Broad-winged Hawk- most likely one of the pair that breeds in our area was flying through the woods.
Date: 5/1/26 11:51 am From: Sheridan Brown (Birds) <birds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Legal Action to Protect Goss Farm (Rye, NH) Barn Swallow Colony
*** Posted with Moderator's Permission ***
If: (1) you regularly bird Goss Farm in Rye, NH, and (2) enjoy observing the large barn swallow colony there, please read on. I would appreciate your help.
The Rye Conservation Commission has decided to close the Goss Farm barn to the large colony of barn swallows that has nested there for years. The stated reason is the prevention of a health risk from accumulation of bird waste. However, bird and health experts who have weighed in on the matter agree that there are better solutions that would allow humans and barn swallows to coexist (as they do on many farms). The eviction of the barn swallows is unnecessary, and will result in a net loss of birds by disturbing this highly productive colony.
Over two hundred Rye residents have petitioned the Board of Selectmen to hold a special town meeting for the purpose of considering an ordinance to protect the colony. However, the colony will already have had its nesting season disrupted by the time the meeting happens. The RCC and Rye BOS have stifled public debate on the action thus far, and they have refused to reverse course.
As a last resort, several individuals plan to file an action in Superior Court (on Monday) to compel the RCC to keep the barn open to the swallow colony. That action rests upon the argument that the RCC only possesses statutory authority to manage and control property for the protection of natural resources, while their decision regarding the swallows is one that contributes to the destruction of natural resources. It is uncharted legal territory, but worth a shot to this birder and the Rye residents who have been fighting the RCC's decision (which is why I offered to take this on pro bono).
For purposes of legal standing to file suit, it is helpful to have at least one birder who meets the criteria above as a plaintiff. There is no cost to you to participate in this capacity.
If you might be interested in joining the suit, please reach out to me via email or at the phone number below ASAP. Thank you!
Date: 5/1/26 9:24 am From: 'ROBERT SWEET' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hooksett - FOY male Oriole found orange and jelly right on schedule...
Date: 5/1/26 7:19 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue jays
Just had 20-30 blue jays swoop into the driveway and peck away at the food I had thrown out earlier this morning, as if they knew the food was here. Birds continue to fascinate me. Randy Meredith
For the past three days a pair of Broad-winged Hawks has been living in my yard. They perch in trees along the woods edge, and swoop down to the lawn to eat worms. At first I was concerned that they were after my bird feeder browsers, but they haven't even looked at them. They just eat worms from the grass. I enjoy watching the hawks, but was hoping they would move along down the road. The adult songbirds may be too big for them, but I know their future nestlings will be tasty morsels. Today the hawks were mating in the tree outside my window, so I think they are here to stay.
Date: 4/30/26 11:30 am From: Lisa Stolper <lkstolper...> Subject: [NHBirds] FOY Wood thrush, black throated blues, B&W
Yesterday 3 Black-throated Blue Warblers were back, along the carriage road behind my house, along with a Black and White. This morning I was outside and a beautiful Wood Thrush was singing in the woods.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:21:22 PM UTC-4 KC wrote:
> A male BaOr arrived in my yard this afternoon. This time the jelly feeder
> was out and ready for him, since he arrived 4 days later than last year. A
> catbird arrived on the 28th and was back again today. And a Black and White
> Warbler was climbing the trees in my backyard. Hooray!
A male BaOr arrived in my yard this afternoon. This time the jelly feeder was out and ready for him, since he arrived 4 days later than last year. A catbird arrived on the 28th and was back again today. And a Black and White Warbler was climbing the trees in my backyard. Hooray!
Date: 4/30/26 10:51 am From: Roger Frieden <roger...> Subject: [NHBirds] Broad-winged Hawk in Nottingham
This morning we saw a Broad-winged Hawk right next to the dirt road perched on a branch at eye level. After a few seconds it flew a little deeper into the woods, showing off the striped tail. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one at eye level before.
Date: 4/30/26 7:01 am From: Linda Charron <lindacharron071...> Subject: [NHBirds] The Hummers came back!
Saw our first 2 Hummingbirds at the feeder yesterday April 29th! Also the Eastern Towee has been around, going from shrub to shrub. Yesterday he was in the very top of our Maple tree doing his namesake call for a mate! Love seeing him every spring! Hearing him makes my day! Linda Charron 10 Pearson Lane New Boston, NH 03070
Due to a rainy forecast, the NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter's field trip to the Kwaks/Smith Sisters Audubon Sanctuary led by Doug Bechtel is postponed to the following Thursday, May 7th at 8:00. Fingers crossed for better weather then.
Date: 4/28/26 5:58 pm From: Jane Rice <moultnews...> Subject: [NHBirds] Osprey and woodcock
Something Ive never seen before, a woodcock peenting in my yard last night and tonight, and tonight I also got a good look at him. And earlier today I saw two ospreys circling over Berry Pond in Moultonborough, near the end of the runway of the Moultonborough Airport.
For the last 4 days I have had 6 or 8 Red Winged Black Birds (male) on the suet feeder, chowing down. The sunflower feeder has been put away for the summer. I have noticed numerous Northern Flickers in the neighborhood. The House Wren has also returned, an unwelcome visitor. I have taken down his box after he harassed the Blue Birds last year. Susan Hunter
I put my feeder out today (Campton) and had a customer within 15 minutes!
Paula Woodward.
Please forgive my typing errors- sent from my phone.
Cell: 410-294-8899.
> On Apr 28, 2026, at 5:25 PM, Steve Smith <kwedun...> wrote:
>
> Our first of year Hummingbird just showed up! Longview Road, Hancock
>
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Date: 4/28/26 5:14 am From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fly catbird, Lee
Allen’s Ave:
Catbird feeding on suet this morning.
We’ve been treated to a flock of at least nine purple finches (5 females, 4
males) at the sunflower seed feeder, and a pine warbler has been among the
regulars at the mealworm feeder worm feeder. Courtship feeding: cardinals,
white breasted nuthatches, red breasted nuthatches and purple finches.
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 41 with a couple of big - and loud- groups together, causing me to retreat to the far side of the mountain. The first Brown Elfin of the year was spotted.
Weather: Essentially a cloudless hawk eating blue sky until afternoon when some cumulus rolled in; light NE winds; 57 - 73 F.
Raptor Observations: When nothing moves until after 10:00 you know you are in for a slow day. On a day when I needed every Broad-wing I could get, FIVE seen were not migrating.
Non-raptor Observations: Where were those large black ashes falling all around coming from? I couldn't see or smell smoke but something was burning nearby. When is the peak for spring Broad-wing migration. When I looked at records for 3 other spring watches in the region, namely, Bradbury Mountain, Pownal, Maine; Adam's Farm, Athol, Mass; and Hook Mountain near Nyack, NY, I found that the peaks are all between the 15th of April and the 29th. The 3 most comon days for a peak count are on the 17th, 18th, and 19th. We had a good count here on the 17th but then it was topped by a later count on the 25th. Two of the biggest spring counts in NH have come on the late dates of 26 April 1961 (355) and 27 April 2011 (586). The latter may have been the product of an unusual weather phenomenon. So I feel satisfied that we know the peak time for spring Broad-winged Hawk migration. Next year we will look at the influence of weather.
Predictions: Tomorrow I take the day off and then after that I may watch on a few "select"days through the first week of May. On 3 May two years ago I had 57 Broad-wings with 63 more the following 2 days so May can produce some good flights. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Date: 4/27/26 12:13 pm From: 'Bill' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] brants at Rye State Park.
I went up the coast yesterday from Little Boars head to Seal rock.There were many Common Eiders.At Rye State Park on the north side----Brants 7...*I have never seen Brants there in many years of birding...A few Common Eiders.1 House Finch....--------------------------Bill PerryHampstead, NH
Date: 4/27/26 9:44 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, April 27, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for April 27th, 2026.
A male KING EIDER that had previously been seen at Four Tree Island and at
Peirce Island in Portsmouth was relocated at Frost Point in Odiorne Point
State Park and was last reported on April 27th.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS has been seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh, Wallis Sands
State Beach, and Marsh Road Pond in Rye during the past week.
A GLOSSY IBIS was seen along Birch Street in Concord on several days and
was last reported on April 21st, and 1 was seen at a pond in Maplewood in
Nashua on the 24th.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Parsons Creek salt marsh and Wallis Sands
State Beach on April 21st -24th.
3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over Bedford on April 21st, 3 were seen
flying over Ossipee on the 22nd, 1 was seen at Airport Marsh in Whitefield
on the 24th, 1 was seen along Airport Road in Keene on the 23rd, and 1 was
seen along Krif Road in Keene on the 23rd.
An AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER was seen along the coast at Rye Ledge on April 24
th.
A BAIRD’S SANDPIPER was seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut
River on April 22nd.
8 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen at the Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area on
April 25th.
2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen along Huckleberry Lane in Rye from April 20
th-25th.
10+ WILLETS were seen along the coast during the past week.
2 COMMON GOLDENEYE were seen at Concord Point in Rye on April 21st.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at Bedell Bridge State Park in Haverhill on
April 22nd.
4 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Langdon, 4 were seen in New Boston, 2 were
seen in Goffstown, and 1 was seen in Concord, all during the past week.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on April 21st.
There was an unconfirmed report of an EASTERN WARBLING VIREO from the
Hinsdale Setbacks on April 25th.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen along Mechanic Street in Gorham on April 25
th, and 1 was seen along Valley Road in Jefferson on the 26th.
A flock of 18 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen at the UNH Durham campus on April
26th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was reported from Litchfield on April 25th, and 1 was
reported from Raymond on the 21st.
A SCARLET TANAGER was seen in Dover on April 21st‘
2 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS were seen in Durham on April 26th.
A NASHVILLE WARBLER was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester, and a
NORTHERN PARULA was seen in Bow, both on April 25th.
2 EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILLS were heard at the Karner Blue Easement on Chenell
Drive in Concord on April 23rd.
There was an unconfirmed report of an EASTERN KINGBIRD from Farmington on
April 23rd.
A FISH CROW was reported from Plymouth on April 25th.
A flock of 10 HORNED LARKS was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on April 25
th.
10 EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Deerfield on April 24th.
There were unconfirmed reports of 3 CHIMNEY SWIFTS in Exeter, 1 in
Rochester, and 1 in Dover, all during the past week.
A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was seen in Hampton, 1 was seen in Raymond, 1
was seen in Newmarket, 1 was seen in Wilton, and 1 was seen in Nashua, all
during the past week.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 40, including a lady who found a shiny penny that must have been unfound for who knows how long. Her group made their wishes and she tossed it, Trevi Fountain-like.
Weather: Very similar to yesterday, plenty of high thin clouds to bring out the hawks with some lower cumulus; light winds from the NE swithching briefly in the afternoon to NW, then back to NE; 53 - 66 F.
Raptor Observations: A slow day, nothing like yesterday. 3 hawks were seen flying south!
Non-raptor Observations: Did you see this? The Pack is back! Pack Monadnock is running a spring count this year, the first in many years. Do they dare to challenge Alton Bay's supremacy of spring hawk watching in NH? Let the games begin.
Predictions: Similar weather to the past 2 days which does not translate into a big day or a average day, we will just have to get out and count. I will have some comments about the peak date of Broad-winged Hawk tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Date: 4/26/26 5:09 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Waxwings and Grosbeaks in Durham
Birders
Remarkably, there are still Bohemian Waxwings in Durham. Just before 7:30 this evening I had 18 in the trees at the front of the UNH Health Center; they were mainly on the east side of the building earlier. I see that Sam Guiles had the flock yesterday at Spinney Lane.
I also had two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks this weekend, one at Thompson Forest on Wednesday Hill Road and one at my feeder in the Fogg Drive IBA.
Date: 4/26/26 4:30 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Deer Tick information - BE CAREFUL!!!
Thanks Steve,
There’s also a strong correlation with mast production and the subsequent rodent population booms. For my immediate area, the past TWO YEARS have produced an overabundance of acorns. The time lag is 1 to 2 years after a 'mast year’. This is shaping up to be a really bad year from many reports despite the cold winter…and this would suggest next year also.
For peace of mind, I always save a tick if it was attached for a while and even slightly engorged (never save in scotch tape!). There are tick-testing labs that will do full workups on the tick using PCR. I don’t send every one off. But if I should start feeling ill, my backup is to send the tick off for testing in addition to a doctor visit. It is more reliable to test the source of the disease than to try and figure out the disease(s) in humans. I’ve used this company out of Amherst MA for years and have been very satisfied with their service: https://www.tickreport.com/ <https://www.tickreport.com/> But there are many out there. I’m not sure how a physician would respond if I sent them my tick report?? Fortunately, I’ve never had to.
There are also companies who will treat your personal clothing with pyrethrum as another option.
My heart goes out to anyone who has dealt with any tick-borne disease.
Elaine Faletra
Warren NH
> On Apr 26, 2026, at 1:55 PM, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> Over the last 3 days, I've pulled off 4 Deer ticks from my body and sadly 2 of them were attached....one overnight. This is due to me being lazy and not paying attention. There are now several tick infections that can impact us up here. It's NOT JUST LYME DISEASE ANYMORE. So, I decided to try to educate myself again, and am taking this opportunity to put together some information for everyone. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE:
>
> SUMMARY
> ---------------
> * This season appears to be shaping up to be bad in the Northeast. May through August are the most dangerous months.
> https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/2026-cdc-data-show-weekly-er-visits-for-tick-bites-higher-than-usual.html >
> * There are now many infections to consider from ticks. Almost all of them are transmitted through adult (female) and nymph (both sexes) Deer ticks. Dog Ticks can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia (both very serious), but almost all occurrences appear to come from Cape Cod and the Islands. The Lone Star Tick is advancing northeastward and can now be found in Massachusetts, but, again, mostly confined to Cape Cod and the Islands. The strange and potentially deadly "Alpha Gal Symdrome" causes a red meat allergy, but so far seems to be only transmitted by the Lone Star Tick and so should not (currently) be a problem in NH. There are currently 5 infections, all from Deer Ticks to be concerned about in New Hampshire. See discussion below.
> https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disease-prevention/infectious-disease-control/tickborne-diseases >
>
> DEER TICKS
> ---------------
> * Deer ticks, or Eastern Black-legged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) is the only species of "Deer Tick" around here. They are most common in southeastern NH, but can be found everywhere south of the White Mountains. It still appears to be scarce north of the White Mountains? They can be locally abundant, and for some reason, quite variable from year to year. Warmer winters seem to be a factor.
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=52339&subview=map&taxon_id=60598 >
> * Deer ticks go through a two-year life cycle including 4 stages of life (egg, larva, nymph, adult). The egg and larva stage are harmless. Diseases are only transmitted in the nymph and adult stages. Larva (incredibly small) are hatched from their egg without Lyme disease, but many acquire it from their host.
>
> * Adult Deer Ticks are most easily seen and removed, but are still very small compared to Dog Ticks. They are also very quick to grab on and bite you. They are chasing deer (and humans) which are their primary host species as adults. Only the female adults bite you as the males are just out looking for females. Adults hang out at about knee-high elevation on low branches and shrubs. They can be active all year (even in winter!), but are most active in early spring and later in the fall.
>
> * Nymphs are active from May through July, but perhaps most active in June...generally after the adults. They are out looking for chipmunks and white-footed mice, but also will readily bite humans. They are VERY SMALL and hard to see. I think I've only seen one once! But that makes them more dangerous as they can bite you and you don't even know it. The nymph stage is reported to be responsible for most of the human cases of Lyme Disease cases in Massachusetts.
>
> * For Lyme Disease, the Deer Tick needs to be attached FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS in order for the bacteria to be transmitted to humans.
> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5857464/ >
>
> INFECTIONS CONFIRMED IN NH
> -------------------------------------------
> * Lyme Disease bacteria - Lyme Disease is still the most common tick-transmitted disease and cases continues to grow in the Northeastern United States with 1,563 new cases in NH in 2021. There are initial symptoms for Lyme Disease (bullseye rash), but sometimes they are not present. Doctors often will prescribe an easy single-dose treatment of an antibiotic as a prophylactic if you find the tick before symptoms appear. If the disease goes undetected and untreated, it can sometimes cause long-term problems. Approximately 25% of nymph Deer Ticks carry Lyme Disease and 50% of adults carry Lyme Disease. Although Nymphs are less likely to carry the disease, they are the most likely to transmit it due to their difficulty in detection.
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease > https://wisdom.dhhs.nh.gov/wisdom/topics.html?topic=tickborne-disease > https://www.tickcheck.com/stats/state/new-hampshire/lyme > https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/diagnosis-testing/index.html > https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research/facts-stats/lyme-disease-case-map.html > https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/01/northeast-50-adult-ticks-carry-lyme-disease >
> * Anaplasmosis bacteria (HGA) - About 10% of people with Lyme Disease will also have Anasplasmosis as a co-infection. Tick must be attached for over 24 hours in order to transmit the bacteria. Causes flu-like symptoms 1-2 weeks after a bite. Fortunately, it is treated just like Lyme Disease with an antibiotic. Can be dangerous in elderly or people with compromised immune system.
>
> * Babesiosis parasite - Most common in MA, but increasing. Usually not fatal, but flu-like symptoms can last several months and can be more severe in elderly or people with compromised immune system. Can be treated if caught early. Tick must be attached for 24-36 hours in order to transmit the parasite.
>
> * Powassan virus - Fairly rare, but increasing. 61 cases detected in 10 years in MA and at least 8 detected in NH. Most people don't have symptoms, but For those with severe cases, there is no treatment and up to 10% of people WILL DIE. . Ticks may not need to be attached for very long.
> https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/data-maps/historic-data.html > https://www.lymedisease.org/massachusetts-powassan-death/ >
> * Borrelia miyamotoi bacteria (HTRF). Not a lot known (first described in 1995), but apparently much less common than Lyme. Presents flu-like symptoms 2 weeks after bite and does not appear to be generally serious. Treated with antibiotics.
>
>
> PROTECTION
> -----------------
> * Permethrin may be the best method for protecting yourself. Treat you socks and your pants especially. RETREAT EVERY 6 WEEKS OR 6 WASHINGS.
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TNYPQY4?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_image&th=1 > https://www.amazon.com/Bens-Clothing-Gear-Insect-Repellent/dp/B06X9Q2HJ2/?th=1 >
> * If you aren't wearing clothes coated with Permethrin, spray your clothes with Deet or Picaridin. I RECOMMEND A SPRAY BOTTLE (rather than a pump) to help with spraying downward over your legs.
>
> * If you don't spray or wear protective clothes. DO A FULL BODY TICK CHECK AT THE END OF THE DAY!!!!
>
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
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Date: 4/26/26 3:39 pm From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lyme Barred Owl at the Dinner Hour
Driving home late this afternoon on a Lyme back road, my wife and I were startled when a barred owl swooped low above our pickup landing and clearly visible in a roadside tree. The experience was further rarefied by the presence of a hapless rodent dangling from its beak.
Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 4/26/26 1:55 pm From: NHAtlatl <nhatlatl...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Deer Tick information - BE CAREFUL!!!
To add a little to what Steve said:
Although it varies year to year and by location, any given area in NH has
50-90% of the deer tick population infected with Borrelia Burgdorferi. We
are one of the hottest of the hotspots in the country.
There is NO minimum time frame for infections. The CDC has been ignoring
it's own studies for years. The bacteria, virus, and parasites that ticks
carry are in their stomach. Any irritation will cause them to regurgitate
them into your bloodstream. If you say "OMG! is that a tick?" and scratch
it back and forth, then you just injected everything it carries. That means
that there is no minimum time frame. If you find an imbedded tick, don't
play with it. Use a good tick removal tool.
I've worked in the woods and pucker brush most of my life and this is
shaping up to be one of the worst tick years ever.
On Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 1:55:28 PM UTC-4 Steve Mirick wrote:
> Over the last 3 days, I've pulled off 4 Deer ticks from my body and
> sadly 2 of them were attached....one overnight. This is due to me being
> lazy and not paying attention. There are now several tick infections
> that can impact us up here. It's NOT JUST LYME DISEASE ANYMORE. So, I
> decided to try to educate myself again, and am taking this opportunity
> to put together some information for everyone. TO THE BEST OF MY
> KNOWLEDGE:
>
> SUMMARY
> ---------------
> * This season appears to be shaping up to be bad in the Northeast. May
> through August are the most dangerous months.
>
> https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/2026-cdc-data-show-weekly-er-visits-for-tick-bites-higher-than-usual.html >
> * There are now many infections to consider from ticks. Almost all of
> them are transmitted through adult (female) and nymph (both sexes) Deer
> ticks. Dog Ticks can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia
> (both very serious), but almost all occurrences appear to come from Cape
> Cod and the Islands. The Lone Star Tick is advancing northeastward and
> can now be found in Massachusetts, but, again, mostly confined to Cape
> Cod and the Islands. The strange and potentially deadly "Alpha Gal
> Symdrome" causes a red meat allergy, but so far seems to be only
> transmitted by the Lone Star Tick and so should not (currently) be a
> problem in NH. There are currently 5 infections, all from Deer Ticks to
> be concerned about in New Hampshire. See discussion below.
>
> https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disease-prevention/infectious-disease-control/tickborne-diseases >
>
> DEER TICKS
> ---------------
> * Deer ticks, or Eastern Black-legged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) is the
> only species of "Deer Tick" around here. They are most common in
> southeastern NH, but can be found everywhere south of the White
> Mountains. It still appears to be scarce north of the White Mountains?
> They can be locally abundant, and for some reason, quite variable from
> year to year. Warmer winters seem to be a factor.
>
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=52339&subview=map&taxon_id=60598 >
> * Deer ticks go through a two-year life cycle including 4 stages of life
> (egg, larva, nymph, adult). The egg and larva stage are harmless.
> Diseases are only transmitted in the nymph and adult stages. Larva
> (incredibly small) are hatched from their egg without Lyme disease, but
> many acquire it from their host.
>
> * Adult Deer Ticks are most easily seen and removed, but are still very
> small compared to Dog Ticks. They are also very quick to grab on and
> bite you. They are chasing deer (and humans) which are their primary
> host species as adults. Only the female adults bite you as the males
> are just out looking for females. Adults hang out at about knee-high
> elevation on low branches and shrubs. They can be active all year (even
> in winter!), but are most active in early spring and later in the fall.
>
> * Nymphs are active from May through July, but perhaps most active in
> June...generally after the adults. They are out looking for chipmunks
> and white-footed mice, but also will readily bite humans. They are VERY
> SMALL and hard to see. I think I've only seen one once! But that makes
> them more dangerous as they can bite you and you don't even know it.
> The nymph stage is reported to be responsible for most of the human
> cases of Lyme Disease cases in Massachusetts.
>
> * For Lyme Disease, the Deer Tick needs to be attached FOR AT LEAST 24
> HOURS in order for the bacteria to be transmitted to humans.
> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5857464/ >
>
> INFECTIONS CONFIRMED IN NH
> -------------------------------------------
> * Lyme Disease bacteria - Lyme Disease is still the most common
> tick-transmitted disease and cases continues to grow in the Northeastern
> United States with 1,563 new cases in NH in 2021. There are initial
> symptoms for Lyme Disease (bullseye rash), but sometimes they are not
> present. Doctors often will prescribe an easy single-dose treatment of
> an antibiotic as a prophylactic if you find the tick before symptoms
> appear. If the disease goes undetected and untreated, it can sometimes
> cause long-term problems. Approximately 25% of nymph Deer Ticks carry
> Lyme Disease and 50% of adults carry Lyme Disease. Although Nymphs are
> less likely to carry the disease, they are the most likely to transmit
> it due to their difficulty in detection.
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyme_disease > https://wisdom.dhhs.nh.gov/wisdom/topics.html?topic=tickborne-disease > https://www.tickcheck.com/stats/state/new-hampshire/lyme > https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/diagnosis-testing/index.html >
> https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research/facts-stats/lyme-disease-case-map.html >
> https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/01/northeast-50-adult-ticks-carry-lyme-disease >
> * Anaplasmosis bacteria (HGA) - About 10% of people with Lyme Disease
> will also have Anasplasmosis as a co-infection. Tick must be attached
> for over 24 hours in order to transmit the bacteria. Causes flu-like
> symptoms 1-2 weeks after a bite. Fortunately, it is treated just like
> Lyme Disease with an antibiotic. Can be dangerous in elderly or people
> with compromised immune system.
>
> * Babesiosis parasite - Most common in MA, but increasing. Usually not
> fatal, but flu-like symptoms can last several months and can be more
> severe in elderly or people with compromised immune system. Can be
> treated if caught early. Tick must be attached for 24-36 hours in order
> to transmit the parasite.
>
> * Powassan virus - Fairly rare, but increasing. 61 cases detected in 10
> years in MA and at least 8 detected in NH. Most people don't have
> symptoms, but For those with severe cases, there is no treatment and up
> to 10% of people WILL DIE. . Ticks may not need to be attached for
> very long.
> https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/data-maps/historic-data.html > https://www.lymedisease.org/massachusetts-powassan-death/ >
> * Borrelia miyamotoi bacteria (HTRF). Not a lot known (first described
> in 1995), but apparently much less common than Lyme. Presents flu-like
> symptoms 2 weeks after bite and does not appear to be generally
> serious. Treated with antibiotics.
>
>
> PROTECTION
> -----------------
> * Permethrin may be the best method for protecting yourself. Treat you
> socks and your pants especially. RETREAT EVERY 6 WEEKS OR 6 WASHINGS.
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TNYPQY4?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_image&th=1 >
> https://www.amazon.com/Bens-Clothing-Gear-Insect-Repellent/dp/B06X9Q2HJ2/?th=1 >
> * If you aren't wearing clothes coated with Permethrin, spray your
> clothes with Deet or Picaridin. I RECOMMEND A SPRAY BOTTLE (rather than
> a pump) to help with spraying downward over your legs.
>
> * If you don't spray or wear protective clothes. DO A FULL BODY TICK
> CHECK AT THE END OF THE DAY!!!!
>
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
Observation start time: 11:00:00
Observation end time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Glen Chretien
Observers: Lori-Ann Chretien
Visitors:
17, beating the raptors by one. All asked great questions and some were
confused by a spring counter.
Weather:
Overcast with high Cirrus clouds that significantly dulled the day�s
sunshine. The sun was diffuse enough to never quite feel warm at the
viewing platform as temperatures stayed in the low 50�s F all day. Winds
were always less than 5 mph from the east until switching to the southeast
in the last hour.
Raptor Observations:
There were 5 raptor related species seen migrating today. Broad-winged
hawks led the count with 10 seen birds. All were flying one by one with no
kettles. Only the two sharpies were seen migrating closely together and
interacting. Two turkey vultures flew very high and due north unlike the
many wandering around the summit.
Non-raptor Observations:
A large group of Pine Siskin and four Red Crossbills kept the counters
company all day circling and visiting the platform frequently. A Pileated
woodpecker made a close pass at the end of day.
Predictions:
Similar to today and we are in peak broadwing season.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Glen Chretien (<b0ba_fet...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
I counted at least 40, there were likely more, yellow rump warblers in the
scrubby shoreline at the junction where the causeway starts on the railroad
track end of Commercial St.
I mostly stayed there and had fun watching them close up but the shoreline
looked busy as far as you could see.
One palm warbler and one Savannah sparrow too:)
Yay Spring!!
Altogether
14 Species
48 Canada Goose
3 Wood Duck
14 Ring-necked Duck
1 Mourning Dove
4 Turkey Vulture
1 Cooper's Hawk
1 Blue Jay
7 Tree Swallow
4 American Robin
2 American Goldfinch
14 Red-winged Blackbird
9 Common Grackle
1 Palm Warbler
40 Yellow-rumped Warbler
Cynthia Nichols, MS, BSN, RN
Volunteer & Board Member:
New Hampshire Healthy Climate: nhclimatehealth.org
Certified Climate Change Resilience, Antioch University
(603) 508 - 1594
*Please Text Me *if you're not getting a quick response and need to reach
me - it's a challenge to get to my email these days!!
Date: 4/25/26 3:11 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Seacoast Chapter Dawn Walk - 40 species
Jane and I led the annual "Dawn Walk" field trip today for the Seacoast
Chapter of NH Audubon. We starting bright and (very) early, meeting at
4:00 AM in Durham! The weather was clear and cold with temps starting
out near freezing, but no wind and a very nice morning. About 20
participants joined us for the trip which was over by 7:30.
We walked out to the beautifully quiet forests of Durham Point off
Longmarsh Road in Durham. We covered just a small area near the end of
the Sweet Trail in a huge area of land that has been protected by
development and owned by a group of several organizations including the
town of Durham, the Nature Conservancy, and the Forest Society. As
always, a beautiful walk in the woods in one of the most beautiful spots
in southeastern NH.
We were greeted by Barred Owls as soon as we arrived and probably heard
at least 4 birds. The last one flew in after dawn and we got some
obscured scope views of it. Colby Marsh had Wood Ducks and Green-winged
Teals; however, the old tree snags that used to hold an Osprey and a few
Great Blue Heron nests have fallen down and no nests are now visible.
Spring migrants were in short supply with only a single Yellow-rumped
Warbler and no Palm Warblers. Just a tad too early for them. The last
bird was likely one of the highlights when we were able to coax a
Virginia Rail out of the cattail marsh at the end of the trip.
Canada Goose 5
Wood Duck 7
Mallard 4
Green-winged Teal 2
Wild Turkey 4
Mourning Dove 3
Virginia Rail 1
Great Blue Heron 6
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 0
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 3
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Brown Creeper 2
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 1
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 2
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 19. One lucky child found a shiny penny placed under a rock last nignt by the little "Old Man of the Mountain." Some say he needs to up the coinage but he steadfastly refuses.
Weather: A cool morning followed by a pleasant afternoon high atop Pine Mountain, with high thin clouds covering the sky all day, creating ideal hawk watching conditions. A calm to light NE wind followed in the afternoon by variable NW winds. Temperature ranged from 43 to 55 F.
Raptor Observations: September in April - it was good to see hawks swirling in kettles again, 3 held 8 each of Broad-wings. A steady procession all day, most visible to the naked eye pinned against the high clouds. Today's count sets a new single-day high count for Alton Bay in spring, with new season-high counts set for Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, and most raptors in a season
Non-raptor Observations: A turkey strutted around the platform first thing in the morning. A single Evening Grosbeak passed overhead as did a migrating flock of Double-crested Cormorants. 35 Yellow-rumped Warblers were counted. At 3:50, a Barred Owl sang out from down below, as if calling an end to a most rewarding hawk watching day.
Predictions: Tomorrow's weather will be similar to today's so I expect another good count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
