Date: 6/10/26 10:04 am From: Pamela Hunt <phunt...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] Grasshopper pair Newington- question about behaviors?
Deb et al.,
Grasshopper Sparrows do indeed breed in NH. There are 7 reliable sites, including Pease, the Concord and Keene airports, capped landfills in Manchester and Rochester, and small fields in Hinsdale and Amherst. The statewide population was estimated at 40-50 pairs in 2024, almost half of which are at the Concord Airport. Grasshoppers show up in 1-3 additional unexpected places most years, usually in the southeastern part of the state, although one was in Lebanon in 2021 (at the airport). Most these latter sites are not occupied for more than one or two years to the best of our knowledge, but if you find one at such a site you are strongly encouraged to visit it multiple times over a summer and see if the bird(s) persist(s). They are easiest to find at Pease (as per Deb’s report), Amherst, and Concord, although most birds at most sites are in areas not accessible to the general public.
Enjoy,
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-- \_____
\ / \‘’’’’,,,,,\__
\/////////’’ _\======
[cid:<image001.jpg...>]
On Tue, Jun 9, 2026 at 7:27 PM 'DEBRA M POWERS' via NHBirds <nhbirds...><mailto:<nhbirds...>> wrote:
I made a quick stop at Pease in Newington today and saw two beautiful Grasshopper Sparrows. It got me wondering, do they actually nest in New Hampshire? From what I found online, it does not seem like it?
At first, I thought the bird on the rock was a juvenile. The one on the pole was acting like it might feed the bird on the rock fluttering its wings like it was begging. Then I watched the bird from the pole fly down into the grass and then over to the fence without the worm. After that, the other bird grabbed a bug and flew into the grass.
I decided to leave after that, just in case there was a nest nearby.
~Deb Powers-South Berwick Maine
Date: 6/9/26 5:58 pm From: Jane Rice <moultnews...> Subject: [NHBirds] Wouldn't have seen this 50 years ago
Barely got out of my cove for a quick after-dinner paddle when my attention was drawn by the calls of two Fish Crows who were monitoring the presence of an adult Bald Eagle, perched in a pine tree on a small island, just a short distance from Meredith Neck on Lake Winnipesaukee.
The crows kept fluttering around the eagle's perch, not quite daring to get right in its face, but coming in close and then hopping off to a slightly more distant branch. This continued for close to 20 minutes before the crows decided that they had to be home before dark. The eagle was not unduly concerned and was still there when I left. American Crows would have called in reinforcements, but there's only two Fish Crows in the area.
I've seen and heard the Fish Crows for a few weeks now in the same neighborhood, I think they must be nesting.
Date: 6/9/26 4:27 pm From: 'DEBRA M POWERS' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Grasshopper pair Newington- question about behaviors?
I made a quick stop at Pease in Newington today and saw two beautiful Grasshopper Sparrows. It got me wondering, do they actually nest in New Hampshire? From what I found online, it does not seem like it?
At first, I thought the bird on the rock was a juvenile. The one on the pole was acting like it might feed the bird on the rock fluttering its wings like it was begging. Then I watched the bird from the pole fly down into the grass and then over to the fence without the worm. After that, the other bird grabbed a bug and flew into the grass.
I decided to leave after that, just in case there was a nest nearby.
~Deb Powers-South Berwick Maine
Date: 6/9/26 1:30 pm From: KC <deedemail...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Grape Jelly as a condiment
LOL! And a couple of slices of bread. I wouldn't put it past the catbirds
to make pb&j sandwiches. :-)
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 4:21:06 PM UTC-4 Kurk Dorsey wrote:
> I wonder what would happen if you put out some peanut butter too.
>
> On the subject of unusual feeder behavior I have a robin that is visiting
> my sunflower feeder. I think it is actually eating the seeds but it might
> be an inspector from the health department
>
> Kurk Dorsey
> Durham
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* <nhb......> <nhb......> on behalf of KC
> <deed......>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 9, 2026 2:02 PM
> *To:* NHBirds <nhb......>
> *Subject:* [NHBirds] Grape Jelly as a condiment
>
>
> 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.
>
> I have now seen a Baltimore Oriole, a Gray Catbird, and a Downy Woodpecker
> bring an insect in its beak, dip the insect in the jelly in my jelly
> feeder, and then fly off.
>
> I saw this for the first time last year with an oriole and thought it was
> a fluke. Now, not so much. :-)
> ~ in Derry
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
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>
Date: 6/9/26 1:21 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Grape Jelly as a condiment
I wonder what would happen if you put out some peanut butter too.
On the subject of unusual feeder behavior I have a robin that is visiting my sunflower feeder. I think it is actually eating the seeds but it might be an inspector from the health department
Kurk Dorsey
Durham
________________________________
From: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...> on behalf of KC <deedemail...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 2:02 PM
To: NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Grape Jelly as a condiment
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.
I have now seen a Baltimore Oriole, a Gray Catbird, and a Downy Woodpecker bring an insect in its beak, dip the insect in the jelly in my jelly feeder, and then fly off.
I saw this for the first time last year with an oriole and thought it was a fluke. Now, not so much. :-)
~ in Derry
Date: 6/9/26 11:03 am From: KC <deedemail...> Subject: [NHBirds] Grape Jelly as a condiment
I have now seen a Baltimore Oriole, a Gray Catbird, and a Downy Woodpecker bring an insect in its beak, dip the insect in the jelly in my jelly feeder, and then fly off.
I saw this for the first time last year with an oriole and thought it was a fluke. Now, not so much. :-) ~ in Derry
Date: 6/8/26 12:52 pm From: <jim...> <jim...> Subject: [NHBirds] Birds of Late Spring -- PHOTOS
I put many photos of birds taken in late spring in the Upper Valley of NH and VT in a blog post. Almost half of the post consists of warblers: American Redstart, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Canada, Chestnut-sided, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia, Nashville, Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Palm, Pine, Wilson's, Yellow, and Yellow-rumped.
Date: 6/8/26 10:59 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, June 8, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for June 8th, 2026.
The Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon took a boat-cruise aboard the "Granite
State" out of Rye Harbor, on June 2nd. Highlights: COMMON EIDER 70,
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER 2, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE 123, THICK-BILLED MURRE 2,
COMMON MURRE 1, LAUGHING GULL 3
NORTHERN GANNET 20, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT 393, GLOSSY IBIS 11, SNOWY
EGRET 2, GREAT EGRET 2, TREE SWALLOW 1.
A BRIDLED TERN continues to be seen at the Isles of Shoals, and was last
reported on June 4th.
A BLACK-NECKED STILT was seen at Chapman’s Landing in Stratham on June 6th.
An AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER was seen along the Hampton coast on June 2nd.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen in Rye Harbor on June 2nd.
A COMMON MURRE was seen at the Isles of Shoals on June 5th.
An ATLANTIC PUFFIN was seen at the Isles of Shoals on June 6th
A WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at the Parsons Creek Salt Marsh (west of Wallis
Sands Beach) on June 1st.
MISSISSIPPI KITES were reported from Dover and Durham during the past week.
BLACK VULTURES were reported from Contoocook, Hooksett, Hopkinton,
Rochester, and Durham, all during the past week.
A LEAST BITTERN was heard and/or seen at the Rockingham Rail Trail in
Newfields on June 4th, 6th & 7th.
A SNOWY EGRET was seen at the Pickering Ponds in Rochester, and 1 was seen
at Adam’s Point in Durham, both during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen at the Pickering Ponds in Rochester on June 6th
.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen from Great Island Common in New Castle on June 7
th.
A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was seen at the Elm Brook Recreation Area in
Hopkinton on June 2nd.
A PURPLE SANDPIPER was seen at the Isles of Shoals on June 4th.
An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was seen at the Rockingham Recreational Trail in
Newfields on June 6th.
A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was seen at the Upper Coos Recreational Trail in
Colebrook on June 8th. This is far north for this species.
A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen on East Inlet Road and 1 was seen at Scott
Bog, both in Pittsburg during the past week.
A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was reported from Hall Stream Road in Pittsburg on
June 6th. This is far north for this species.
5 CANADA JAYS were seen in Dixville on June 5th.
A HOODED WARBLER that was discovered at Monson Village in Hollis/Milford on
May 23rd, was last reported on June 6th.
A PRAIRIE WARBLER was reported from Dixville on June 2nd. This is far north
for this species.
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: 6/7/26 11:05 am From: <ian...> Subject: [NHBirds] New post on my wildlife blog
This past week, I had a chance to visit the Easton and Middleton loon families. And had a surprise visitor in the yard. Lots of pix in the post, take a look: https://tinyurl.com/5t4z6pvh
Date: 6/5/26 11:29 am From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hanover Swans, Friday, June 5
A pair of swans was observed feeding off Foley Park just south of the Ledyard Bridge at about 10:30am today. I did not have a scope to get a close look, but their dusky plumage suggests mute swans. Blake Allison Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 6/5/26 9:48 am From: John Barth -he, him- <johnb.essay09...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bluebirds Teach Their Teenagers About Self Sufficiency
Then there's this Bluebird dad serving up a juicy caterpillar on our patio
table. :)
On Fri, Jun 5, 2026 at 11:09 AM jennifer Frost <jennfrost67...>
wrote:
> My fledglings are being lazy,parents leading to mealworm feeder and
> stuffing them with dried mealworms! I would think a juicy caterpillar would
> be more nutritional and easier to swallow!
>
> On Fri, Jun 5, 2026 at 7:08 AM Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> wrote:
>
>> Five young bluebirds have been chasing their parents around the yard for
>> about ten days now, begging constantly for food. Mrs. Bluebird has now
>> shown them how to feed themselves, on white pine sawfly larvae.
>>
>> Our driveway lies below several big white pine trees from which fall
>> hundreds of white pine sawfly larvae each year at the time. They are so
>> small that if they fall in the grass they are invisible. But on the
>> driveway they are eagerly sought out by catbirds, robins, chipping sparrows
>> and bluebirds. Yesterday Mrs. Bluebird calmly flew down to the driveway,
>> ignoring all her children, and began to scarf up larvae. One by one the
>> youngsters flew down to the driveway, stopped complaining and began to pick
>> up these tasty morsels. Soon there were seven bluebirds darting hither and
>> yon on the driveway and peace and quiet had returned.
>>
>> Al Maley
>> Hampstead, NH
>>
>> --
>> 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.
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>> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAAYdX4RcrNLdDz0zr-wgcehkgP8Cz_maoOfrh%3DdGo_0wpO4%<3Drw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAAYdX4RcrNLdDz0zr-wgcehkgP8Cz_maoOfrh%3DdGo_0wpO4%<3Drw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
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>
Date: 6/5/26 9:43 am From: John Barth -he, him- <johnb.essay09...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bizarre Bluebird Behavior
At least four times in the last two days, a male Eastern Bluebird nesting in our backyard has grasped the window sill and repeatedly tapped on our window. Once was on the bay window at the front of the house, but the other three times were all in the same corner of one of our kitchen windows. We don't have any reflective treatment on the windows. We have had previous occasions of birds flying into the windows and stunning themselves, but have never witnessed this repeated tapping behavior. Has anybody else seen this happen with Bluebirds or others?
Date: 6/5/26 8:09 am From: jennifer Frost <jennfrost67...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bluebirds Teach Their Teenagers About Self Sufficiency
My fledglings are being lazy,parents leading to mealworm feeder and
stuffing them with dried mealworms! I would think a juicy caterpillar would
be more nutritional and easier to swallow!
On Fri, Jun 5, 2026 at 7:08 AM Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> wrote:
> Five young bluebirds have been chasing their parents around the yard for
> about ten days now, begging constantly for food. Mrs. Bluebird has now
> shown them how to feed themselves, on white pine sawfly larvae.
>
> Our driveway lies below several big white pine trees from which fall
> hundreds of white pine sawfly larvae each year at the time. They are so
> small that if they fall in the grass they are invisible. But on the
> driveway they are eagerly sought out by catbirds, robins, chipping sparrows
> and bluebirds. Yesterday Mrs. Bluebird calmly flew down to the driveway,
> ignoring all her children, and began to scarf up larvae. One by one the
> youngsters flew down to the driveway, stopped complaining and began to pick
> up these tasty morsels. Soon there were seven bluebirds darting hither and
> yon on the driveway and peace and quiet had returned.
>
> Al Maley
> Hampstead, NH
>
> --
> 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/CAAYdX4RcrNLdDz0zr-wgcehkgP8Cz_maoOfrh%3DdGo_0wpO4%<3Drw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAAYdX4RcrNLdDz0zr-wgcehkgP8Cz_maoOfrh%3DdGo_0wpO4%<3Drw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 6/5/26 7:42 am From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] *** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30 - 10:30 AM Outdoor Program: Behind the Scenes - Habitat Management at Odiorne Point State Park***
Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30 - 10:30 AM Outdoor Program: Behind the Scenes - Habitat Management at Odiorne Point State Park
Odiorne Point State Park is not only a favorite birding Hot Spot, it is also where one of the largest and most successful invasive plant control projects in NH has been improving habitat for birds and other wildlife. During this outdoor program, we will look for birds and learn from the Rockingham County Conservation District about all of the incredible habitat work that has been completed and still planned at Odiorne.
Bio: Arianna Spear, Tracy Degnan and Lenny Lord of the Rockingham County Conservation District and Matt Tarr of the UNH Cooperative Extension.
This program is limited to 20 participants. To attend our Wednesday June 10, 2026 outdoor program, REGISTER BELOW. Note there may be an entrance fee to enter the park. The Outdoor program lasts from 8:30-10:30 AM. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group. Please click here to register for the Outdoor Program.
Al Stewart, Jr.
Date: 6/5/26 4:08 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bluebirds Teach Their Teenagers About Self Sufficiency
Five young bluebirds have been chasing their parents around the yard for about ten days now, begging constantly for food. Mrs. Bluebird has now shown them how to feed themselves, on white pine sawfly larvae.
Our driveway lies below several big white pine trees from which fall hundreds of white pine sawfly larvae each year at the time. They are so small that if they fall in the grass they are invisible. But on the driveway they are eagerly sought out by catbirds, robins, chipping sparrows and bluebirds. Yesterday Mrs. Bluebird calmly flew down to the driveway, ignoring all her children, and began to scarf up larvae. One by one the youngsters flew down to the driveway, stopped complaining and began to pick up these tasty morsels. Soon there were seven bluebirds darting hither and yon on the driveway and peace and quiet had returned.
Ben Griffith and I led an all-day pelagic trip yesterday for the
Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon aboard the "Granite State" out of Rye
Harbor, NH.
After leaving Rye Harbor, we headed offshore toward the Isles of Shoals
where we made a brief stop at the Tern colony at White and Seavey
Islands. Here we we tried (in vain) to locate the mega-rare Bridled
Tern seen recently. We then continued east to a southwestern portion of
Jeffrey’s Ledge known as Old Scantum and followed the inside edge of
Jeffrey’s Ledge east and then north until we crossed over to the outside
edge of Jeffrey’s Ledge into deep water (over 700’) before returning.
On the way back to Rye harbor we cruised through “The Gut” (between
Appledore Island and Lunging Island) and inspected a few islands before
returning.
Highlights for the trip included huge numbers of recently arrived
Wilson’s Storm-Petrels as well as high numbers of Red-necked Phalaropes
and Northern Fulmar. Only a small number of shearwaters were seen, but
we got nice close views of both Great and Sooty. One of the most
unusual sightings of the day was a Thick-billed Murre INSIDE RYE HARBOR
as we returned!
Thanks to Zeke Cornell and Holly Bauer for organizing this trip and to
Captain Pete Reynolds and crew for helping to spot whales and birds!
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Mostly sunny with some afternoon clouds, but excellent visibility. Calm
winds and long 4' seas created a roller coaster ocean in the morning.
The seas subsided a bit in the afternoon with a light breeze and chop.
Thanks to Ben Griffith for doing his best to estimate numbers for the day.
Canada Goose 61 - Mostly in Rye harbor, but also a single bird
swimming in the ocean by the Isles of Shoals.
Common Eider 70 - Including babies
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5 - Rye Harbor only
Mourning Dove 2 - Rye Harbor only
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 - OFFSHORE. Surprise bird over Jeffrey's
Ledge.
American Oystercatcher 2 - Includes one which was counted in both
Maine and New Hampshire as it flew across Gosport Harbor at the Isles of
Shoals.
Killdeer 1 - Rye Harbor only
Red Phalarope 0
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE 123
Willet 2 - Rye Harbor only
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Black Guillemot 32
THICK-BILLED MURRE 2 - Incredibly TWO Thick-billed Murres in June!
One distant flyby identified by photos. Another incredible bird INSIDE
RYE HARBOR!
COMMON MURRE 1 - Unfortunately a distant flyby only.
Bonaparte's Gull 24
Laughing Gull 3
Ring-billed Gull 1
American Herring Gull 302
Great Black-backed Gull 247
Common Tern 550 - Mostly over White & Seavey Islands, but many
foraging offshore
Roseate Tern 5 - Picked out over White & Seavey Islands
ARCTIC TERN 1 - Spotted by Eric Masterson and others on top deck.
Red-throated Loon 4 - Late migrating birds
Common Loon 12
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL 3,552 - Likely a record high daily count for
NH. The great majority of birds were concentrated over shallow waters
of Jeffrey's Ledge.
NORTHERN FULMAR 28 - High count for date. Many in area off the back
side of Jeffrey's Ledge.
GREAT SHEARWATER 3 - Finally got a nice close view of one.
Sooty Shearwater 1 - Only one, but nice close views.
Northern Gannet 20 - All immature birds.
Double-crested Cormorant 393 - Most at breeding colony at Lunging
Island. Some small groups of immatures apparently migrating.
Glossy Ibis 11 - Flying offshore going to or from the Isles of Shoals.
Snowy Egret 2 - Flying offshore going to or from the Isles of Shoals.
Great Egret 2 - Flying offshore going to or from the Isles of Shoals.
Bald Eagle 1 - Rye Harbor only
American Crow 1 - Rye Harbor only
Tree Swallow 1 - OFFSHORE. Strange bird out on Jeffrey's Ledge.
Purple Martin 3 - Rye Harbor only
Barn Swallow 6 - Rye Harbor only
European Starling 1 - Rye Harbor only
American Robin 2 - Rye Harbor only
House Finch 1 - Rye Harbor only
Song Sparrow 1 - Rye Harbor only
Red-winged Blackbird 2 - Rye Harbor only
Common Grackle 10 - Rye Harbor only
Northern Yellow Warbler 1 - Rye Harbor only
Marine Mammals
------------------------
Humpback Whale – 3 (Identified as "Scylla" & "Slope"
Fin Whale - 1
Minke Whale - 1
Gray Seal - 1
Ben Griffith and I led an all-day pelagic trip yesterday for the
Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon aboard the "Granite State" out of Rye
Harbor, NH.
After leaving Rye Harbor, we headed offshore toward the Isles of Shoals
where we made a brief stop at the Tern colony at White and Seavey
Islands. Here we we tried (in vain) to locate the mega-rare Bridled
Tern seen recently. We then continued east to a southwestern portion of
Jeffrey’s Ledge known as Old Scantum and followed the inside edge of
Jeffrey’s Ledge east and then north until we crossed over to the outside
edge of Jeffrey’s Ledge into deep water (over 700’) before returning.
On the way back to Rye harbor we cruised through “The Gut” (between
Appledore Island and Lunging Island) and inspected a few islands before
returning.
Highlights for the trip included huge numbers of recently arrived
Wilson’s Storm-Petrels as well as high numbers of Red-necked Phalaropes
and Northern Fulmar. Only a small number of shearwaters were seen, but
we got nice close views of both Great and Sooty. One of the most
unusual sightings of the day was a Thick-billed Murre INSIDE RYE HARBOR
as we returned!
Thanks to Zeke Cornell and Holly Bauer for organizing this trip and to
Captain Pete Reynolds and crew for helping to spot whales and birds!
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Mostly sunny with some afternoon clouds, but excellent visibility. Calm
winds and long 4' seas created a roller coaster ocean in the morning.
The seas subsided a bit in the afternoon with a light breeze and chop.
Thanks to Ben Griffith for doing his best to estimate numbers for the day.
Canada Goose 61 - Mostly in Rye harbor, but also a single bird
swimming in the ocean by the Isles of Shoals.
Common Eider 70 - Including babies
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 5 - Rye Harbor only
Mourning Dove 2 - Rye Harbor only
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 - OFFSHORE. Surprise bird over Jeffrey's
Ledge.
American Oystercatcher 2 - Includes one which was counted in both
Maine and New Hampshire as it flew across Gosport Harbor at the Isles of
Shoals.
Killdeer 1 - Rye Harbor only
Red Phalarope 0
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE 123
Willet 2 - Rye Harbor only
Ruddy Turnstone 1
Black Guillemot 32
THICK-BILLED MURRE 2 - Incredibly TWO Thick-billed Murres in June!
One distant flyby identified by photos. Another incredible bird INSIDE
RYE HARBOR!
COMMON MURRE 1 - Unfortunately a distant flyby only.
Bonaparte's Gull 24
Laughing Gull 3
Ring-billed Gull 1
American Herring Gull 302
Great Black-backed Gull 247
Common Tern 550 - Mostly over White & Seavey Islands, but many
foraging offshore
Roseate Tern 5 - Picked out over White & Seavey Islands
ARCTIC TERN 1 - Spotted by Eric Masterson and others on top deck.
Red-throated Loon 4 - Late migrating birds
Common Loon 12
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL 3,552 - Likely a record high daily count for
NH. The great majority of birds were concentrated over shallow waters
of Jeffrey's Ledge.
NORTHERN FULMAR 28 - High count for date. Many in area off the back
side of Jeffrey's Ledge.
GREAT SHEARWATER 3 - Finally got a nice close view of one.
Sooty Shearwater 1 - Only one, but nice close views.
Northern Gannet 20 - All immature birds.
Double-crested Cormorant 393 - Most at breeding colony at Lunging
Island. Some small groups of immatures apparently migrating.
Glossy Ibis 11 - Flying offshore going to or from the Isles of Shoals.
Snowy Egret 2 - Flying offshore going to or from the Isles of Shoals.
Great Egret 2 - Flying offshore going to or from the Isles of Shoals.
Bald Eagle 1 - Rye Harbor only
American Crow 1 - Rye Harbor only
Tree Swallow 1 - OFFSHORE. Strange bird out on Jeffrey's Ledge.
Purple Martin 3 - Rye Harbor only
Barn Swallow 6 - Rye Harbor only
European Starling 1 - Rye Harbor only
American Robin 2 - Rye Harbor only
House Finch 1 - Rye Harbor only
Song Sparrow 1 - Rye Harbor only
Red-winged Blackbird 2 - Rye Harbor only
Common Grackle 10 - Rye Harbor only
Northern Yellow Warbler 1 - Rye Harbor only
Marine Mammals
------------------------
Humpback Whale – 3 (Identified as "Scylla" & "Slope"
Fin Whale - 1
Minke Whale - 1
Gray Seal - 1
A late post, however, we had a single whippoorwill calling in Center Conway last night around 9 pm. The call lasted for about 5 minutes, so it must have been moving through.
Deb
Debra Marnich, Stewardship Director Chocorua Lake Conservancy P.O. Box 105 Chocorua, NH 03817 603-323-6252 https://www.chocorualake.org/
American Oystercatcher 1 flying north close to shore. Unmistakable red/orange bill with white wing stripes. Vocalizing as it flew by; series of single “weeps.” If you are out to the north on the coast, worth keeping an eye out.
Rich Aaronian, Exeter
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/) was established in 1966 as a means of monitoring bird populations across the U.S. and southern Canada. It consists of thousands of 25-mile-long roadside routes that are surveyed once each year during the breeding season. Each route has 50 stops, at each of which the observer watches and listens for 3 minutes, recording all individual birds heard and seen. NH has 23 BBS routes, and the observer for one of them is planning to retire from the survey after this year or next. He is hoping a qualified replacement can join him this year (and/or next) to learn the route and protocol prior to taking on the route. The route in question begins in Gilmanton and ends in Northfield.
Key criteria for a BBS observer:
1. Ideally the new observer should be able to commit to the survey for several years, since switching observers regularly creates challenges in data analysis.
2. Observers need to be at the start of the route before sunrise, so consider travel time to Gilmanton when expressing interest.
3. Most importantly, observers must be able to identify all NH birds by sight and sound and be able to follow the BBS protocols.
If anyone is interested in taking on the Gilmanton BBS route, please respond to me directly at <phunt...><mailto:<phunt...>. I will consider all "applicants" against the skills listed above and possibly ask some follow up questions. I'm also happy to answer whatever questions interested parties might have.
Enjoy,
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: 6/1/26 12:39 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] eBird Report - Pickering Ponds nest walk, Rochester, May 31, 2026 66 species
Nineteen birders joined me for the annual Nest Walk at Pickering Ponds trails in Rochester. Some form of breeding behavior was observed for 19 species with active occupied nests for 10 (3 warblers). Probably the star performance was displayed by a pair of Brown Creepers that made numerous entrances to their nest under a large piece of bark to deliver food and remove a fecal sack. A redstart building a nest at the parking area was a good omen for the walk which also included a redstart giving the group the evil eye from her very convenient nest site trailside. Good views of Northern Yellow Warbler and Eastern Warbling Vireo nests were nice also. Of the 10 warbler species, the very shy Mourning Warbler was the highlight. Thanks to Holly Bauer for keeping the eBird list below and to nest sleuth Alan Murray and his eagle-eyed assistant Melissa Fleming for discovering the many nests. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Pickering Ponds, Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire, US
May 31, 2026 7:06 AM - 12:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.008 mile(s)Checklist Comments: Seacoast Audubon field trip led by Dan Hubbard focused on breeding birds. Alan Murray and Melissa Fleming provided the majority of the research on nest locations. Mostly sunny with temperatures in the 40s to the low 60s at the end. Vying for favorite bird of the day were a Mourning Warbler, two Brown Creepers feeding nestlings under bark, and an eye-level view of a nesting American Redstart.
66 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose 52
Wood Duck 5
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 1
Mourning Dove 4 failed nest with eggs
Chimney Swift 20
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4
Virginia Rail 1 heard by a few people
Killdeer 2
Spotted Sandpiper 4
American Herring Gull 1
Green Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 7
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Least Flycatcher 1
Empidonax sp. 1
Great Crested Flycatcher 2
Eastern Kingbird 3
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Eastern Warbling Vireo 11
Red-eyed Vireo 6
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 3
Bank Swallow 2
Tree Swallow 15
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
Barn Swallow 2
swallow sp. 20
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Northern House Wren 3
European Starling 6
Gray Catbird 10
Veery 3
Hermit Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 3
American Robin 6
Cedar Waxwing 4
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 7
Song Sparrow 9
Lincoln's Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Orchard Oriole 3
Baltimore Oriole 9
Red-winged Blackbird 7
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 3
Ovenbird 2
Black-and-white Warbler 5
Mourning Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 11
American Redstart 15
Magnolia Warbler 1
Northern Yellow Warbler 15
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Date: 6/1/26 9:19 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] more northern shorebirds
On May 30 (after the hard rain overnight) besides flocks of swallows concentrated at or bodies of water.
We saw at Magill Bay in Dummer:
Greater Yellowlegs- 9Shrot-billed Dowitcher- 1
Bob
Robert A. QuinnMerlin Wildlife Tours Land line 603-746-2535 (preferred)
Cell phone 603-568-8582
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 6/1/26 9:09 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, June 1, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for June 1, 2026.
A PARASITIC JAEGER, 2 NORTHERN FULMARS, a GREATER SHEARWATER, a SOOTY
SHEARWATER, and 2 ARCTIC TERNS were seen at Jeffrey’s Ledge on May 28th. 6
WILSON’S STORM-PETRELS were seen here on May 27th, and a NORTHERN FULMAR,
and a SOOTY SHEARWATER were seen here again on May 31st.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE, a LITTLE GULL, 2 BLACK TERNS, 7 ARCTIC TERNS, and 3
RED-THROATED LOONS were seen at Rye Harbor State Park on May 30th.
A LEACH’S STORM-PETREL, and 5 ARCTIC TERNS were seen in Hampton Harbor, and
a CASPIAN TERN was seen at North Hampton State Beach, all on May 30th. A
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen in Hampton Harbor on June 1st.
A BONAPARTE’S GULL was seen at Surry Mountain Lake on May 26th.
2 COMMON TERNS were seen at Spofford Lake in Chesterfield on May 25th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at Rye Harbor on May 23rd.
2 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on May 29th.
A HUSONIAN WHIMBREL was seen at the Walpole Town Common on May 29th.
A flock of 112 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS was seen at Magill Bay along the
Androscoggin River in Dummer on May 25th.
A flock of 39 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen
at Boggy Meadow Farm along River Road in Walpole on May 25th, 5
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and 3 DUNLIN were seen at/or near the Charlestown
Wastewater Treatment Plant, on May 30th, 2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 7
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and 2 DUNLIN were seen
at Surry Mountain Lake in Surry on the 25th, 2 SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPERS (on
May 30th), and 1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was reported from Cherry Pond in
Jefferson on the 27th.
A GLOSSY IBIS was seen in Peterborough on May 30th.
At least 3 adult LITTLE BLUE HERONS were seen along the coast on multiple
days during the past week. They were mainly seen at Huckleberry Lane in
Hampton, and Parson’s Creek Salt Marsh in Rye.
A LEAST BITTERN was seen in Meadow Pond in Hampton on May 26th, and 1 was
heard at the Rockingham Rail Trail in Newfields on May 31st.
A pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL and an AMERICAN COOT were seen at the Groveton
Wastewater Treatment Plant during the past week.
A male KING EIDER continues to be seen along coastal Rye and was last
reported on May 27th.
A SANDHILL CRANE was seen on Sam Hill Road in Andover on May 26th.
MISSISSIPPI KITES were reported from Dover and Durham during the past week.
BLACK VULTURES were reported from Rochester, Barrington, Dover, Newfields,
Newmarket, and Durham all during the past week.
There were 2 unconfirmed reports of ACADIAN FLYCATCHER during the past week
- 1 at Deer Hill WMA in Brentwood on May 27th, and 1 at 60 Fourth Street in
Dover on May 30th.
A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was seen at Bedell Bridge State Park in Haverhill on
May 30th.
A CERULEAN WARBLER was seen at the Wantastiquet Natural Area in Hinsdale on
May 17th- 23rd, and last reported on the 29th.
A HOODED WARBLER that was discovered at Monson Village in Hollis/Milford on
May 23rd, was last reported on May 31st.
A LAWRENCE’S WARBLER (Hybrid) was seen at the Deer Hill Wildlife Management
Area in Brentwood on May 23rd and 24th, and last reported on the 27th.
4 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were seen at the Concord Airport, 7 were seen at the
Keene Airport in Swanzey, 2 were seen at High Mowing School in Wilton, and
1 was seen at the Cemetery Field in Amherst, all during the past week.
There have been several colonies of PURPLE MARTINS established during the
past few weeks.
8 BICKNELL’S THRUSHES were reported from the White Mountains 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:
First of season on the home property, at least two chattering males heard but not seen.
The incapacity of my riding mower has resulted in an unintended, full on "No Mow May" result. Sorry, no pictures unless you'd like to request one directly. I have ongoing, ever present, male red-winged blackbirds at the feeders daily (five+/-) and an occasional female but have not been able to confirm a nesting presence. Bobolinks have been visitors the last few years but do not stay. Still, am anxious about restarting mowing that could be disruptive when my machine returns. Likely, will make paths to key areas, vegetable and herb gardens.
Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 5/31/26 8:06 am From: <ian...> Subject: [NHBirds] See the news from the loons and we've got heron chicks.... new blog post
I visited the Weston loon family on a foggy morning last week. And, there are chicks in the great blue heron rookery I've been visiting. There are lots of photos up in my new blog post at:
Date: 5/30/26 9:01 am From: Roger Stephenson <rstephenson...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Pelagic this Tuesday June 2nd
Thanks Holly! Unfortunately I will be unable to make it.
Cheers
Roger
On Fri, May 29, 2026 at 6:17 PM <hbaue......> <hbauer0579...>
wrote:
> Due to an opening in the Granite State Whale Watch calendar we are hosting
> a pelagic out of Rye Harbor on the MV Granite State this Tuesday, June 2nd.
> Recent off-shore trips have turned up Sooty and Great Shearwaters,
> Northern Fulmar, Wilson’s and Leach's Storm- petrels and Red-necked
> Phalaropes. (But obviously as with any trip no bird species is guaranteed
> or should to be expected!). Veteran birders Steve Mirick and Ben Griffith
> will lead the trip. The boat will depart at 7:30 with a 7:00 dockside
> check-in and we will return by 3:00. The cost is $75 per person to cover
> fuel and boat time.
>
> The trip will be limited to 50 people. Please visit the Seacoast Chapter
> website for a link to register and for more information:
> https://www.seacoastchapter.org/field-trips >
> Holly Bauer
>
> Hampton
>
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
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>
Date: 5/29/26 3:17 pm From: <hbaue......> <hbauer0579...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pelagic this Tuesday June 2nd
Due to an opening in the Granite State Whale Watch calendar we are hosting
a pelagic out of Rye Harbor on the MV Granite State this Tuesday, June 2nd.
Recent off-shore trips have turned up Sooty and Great Shearwaters,
Northern Fulmar, Wilson’s and Leach's Storm- petrels and Red-necked
Phalaropes. (But obviously as with any trip no bird species is guaranteed
or should to be expected!). Veteran birders Steve Mirick and Ben Griffith
will lead the trip. The boat will depart at 7:30 with a 7:00 dockside
check-in and we will return by 3:00. The cost is $75 per person to cover
fuel and boat time.
The trip will be limited to 50 people. Please visit the Seacoast Chapter
website for a link to register and for more information:
https://www.seacoastchapter.org/field-trips
Report of birds encountered during research trip aboard UNH Research
Vessel Gulf Challenger. Boat did not stop or steer toward birds. I was
a guest yesterday on a UNH boat that was performing ocean experiments
offshore. The boat traveled offshore to a point north of the Isles of
Shoals (CO2 buoy) and collected water samples. It then continued east
over Jeffrey's Ledge to the "Wilkinson's Basin" location where it
deployed the water sampler, collected plankton samples, and deployed a
specialized plankton laser camera aboard "wire walker". It then
returned following the outbound route.
The bird highlights included the return of southern hemisphere nesting
species, three nice rarities, and an overall good diverse list of
pelagic species. Wilson's Storm-Petrels are back in good numbers. And
although there were only a small number of shearwaters, both Great and
Sooty are back and a handful of Northern Fulmar are lingering from the
winter. Rarities included a Leach's Storm-Petrel, two Arctic Terns and
two Atlantic Puffins. The only offshore migrant of note was a single
hummingbird over Jeffrey's Ledge!
Weather and seas - Light northerly winds becoming calm, then increasing
out of south. Seas 2 feet becoming flat late in day. Sunny with brief
patches of fog offshore becoming mostly cloudy with nearby showers. We
mostly avoided spotty showers.
Time - 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM.
eBird checklists submitted and eBird trip list with documentation photos
at this link:
Total list of birds offshore (east of Isles of Shoals CO2 buoy)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 - Single bird buzzing over boat from over
Jeffrey's Ledge!
Red-necked Phalarope 8
Red/Red-necked Phalarope 3
ATLANTIC PUFFIN 2 - Nice flyby of two adults inside of Jeffrey's
Ledge. Rarely seen in summer.
American Herring Gull 86
Great Black-backed Gull 48
ARCTIC TERN 2 - Although they've nested on White/Seavey, this species
is rarely recorded offshore. My first record from the boat.
Common Tern 13
Common Loon 2
Wilson's Storm-Petrel 464 - My first of year. High count as big
pulse of birds newly arrived. Very concentrated on center of Jeffrey's
Ledge.
LEACH'S STORM-PETREL 1 - Rare. My first record from this boat. While
stopped at Wilkinson's.
Northern Fulmar 7 - Lingering birds.
Great Shearwater 1 - My first of year.
Sooty Shearwater 4 - My first of year. 1 of these close to shore
near longitude of Isles of Shoals.
Northern Gannet 1
Double-crested Cormorant 9
Marine Mammals
------------------------
Harbor Porpoise - 2
Whales - 0. I think most of the whale activity recently has been
further south toward Old Scantum.
Date: 5/28/26 4:22 pm From: Charlie Nims <charlie.nims...> Subject: [NHBirds] Nice Nightjar Night
Last night, I joined Jane Rice to do her 10 stop Freedom Whip-poor-will Survey route. It turned out to be a nice night for nightjars! And, it started off with a good omen: we met at the Hobbs parking lot in West Ossipee (not part of the route) where we had 2 peenting Common Nighthawks which we were also able to see circling together.
The route, which covers much of the eastern part of Ossipee Lake, starts along Ossipee Lake Rd. at a TNC property where we again had both nightjars. All-in-all, we had 12 Eastern Whip-poor-wills, 4 Common Nighthawks, 2 calling Common Loons and a Barred Owl. Interestingly, at Freedom Town Forest, we had neither nightjar . . . I think primarily due to the overwhelming chorus of frogs!! My guess is that if we had gone out to the airstrip, we would have had at least EWPW’s with a good chance of CONI and perhaps American Woodcock. C’est la vie, at least it is good to know the frogs (guessing a lot of spring peepers) seem to be in good shape.
Sometime—weather dependent—I will do my survey route, Madison, which is just to the north.
Date: 5/28/26 2:40 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black-bellied Plover at Cherry Pond
A walk into Cherry Pond in Jefferson (part of the Sylvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge) was full of warblers and one black bear.
Black-bellied Plover- seen and heard from the Tudor Richards platform as it flew around for several minutes. A pleasant surprise especially since there are no mud flats there currently.
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 5/27/26 4:30 pm From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Final Feathered Friday Coming Up
Good morning.
NH Audubon's Mascoma Chapter will host a birding outing at Thetford's Union Village Dam park this Friday, the 29th beginning at 7:30am. All experience levels are welcome.
To reach the gathering spot, turn onto Buzzell Bridge Rd in Thetford Center on VT Route 113, opposite EC Brown's Nursery, and follow it about a half mile to the parking area.
The walking surface is a dirt road, mostly level and smooth. If there has been recent rain, the grassy "Mystery Trail" path out to the wetland overlook may be damp. Appropriate footwear is recommended.
Date: 5/26/26 10:53 pm From: 'Ducky Darrick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Take this with a grain of salt but
A co-worker of mine who is not much of a birder, asked me to help him identify a bird that he saw based on a verbal description and\nHe has concluded that it was a lark bunting, in richmond
Date: 5/26/26 4:07 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: [NHBirds] VCE Birdathon pledge for tomorrow's Birdathon Day by some dedicated folks
Hi All,
I just pledged $1.25 per species for this team of 4 or 5 that will set out at the early A-crack of dawn tomorrow morning for a Birdathon to support Vermont Center for Ecoscience (VCE). The ‘bot’ predicts 75 species but I know my comrades will attain more!! Go team! This is a good cause supported by good people. Here’s the link if you want to support their cause! https://charity.pledgeit.org/VCEbirdathon2026/@BecJoy <https://charity.pledgeit.org/VCEbirdathon2026/@BecJoy>
Date: 5/26/26 10:58 am From: Peter Newbern <pnewbern4...> Subject: [NHBirds] Northwestern Merrimack Co. Half Day Birding- Sand Hill Crane
I birded my old Birdathon route including parts of New London, Wilmot, Sutton, Andover and Salisbury. 94 Species Highlighted by a sand hill crane in field off Sam Hill Rd., almost total albino red-tailed hawk, an Osprey on nest, all in Andover. 19 warbler sp. highlighted by Wilson, and blackpoll biggest misses- rock dove, house finch, purple finch, chimney swift, barn swallow!
Birders
On Saturday, I had a not too serious day of birding in Durham with some nice finds.
I did not get up early Saturday by the standards of May or my dogs, in large part because I had landed in Manchester at 2 AM Friday morning. Had I known about Jane, Steve, and Aston's Big Day, I would have had them pick me up and take me along. Warblers were pretty slow in the neighborhood, but I had the pleasure of seeing a Green Heron about 30 feet up in a tree near the little pond at our park (then it flew to a neighbor's tree, also quite high up). At 49 species and with a nice day in store, I figured that I'd see what I could find in town without having to attend graduation for a 4-hour chunk of the day.
A stop at Oyster River Forest got me to 15 warblers and 7 flycatchers (Willow and Alder had returned), which was where I ended the day for both groups. Clearly I need to learn to quit while I'm ahead. The day progressed with odds and ends, like an Orchard Oriole at Spinney Lane right after I picked up a crushed can to recycle (trash karma seems like a real thing this month), ravens at the US 4 bridge (but no eiders this week), a mockingbird at the UNH Gables dorms (I was determined to find one before their bed time at 7:30), marsh wren and Virginia Rail at Surrey Lane Marsh, and meadowlark at Moore Fields.
Moore Fields produced two nice finds, a pair of pipits on the dirt field and then agitated geese, which led me to turn around to watch an adult bald eagle cruising over the field, which was #99 for the day. I had a long list of possible adds to make 100, but whiffed on most of them until I finally heard wheezing at Thompson Forest; after confirming that it wasn't me doing the wheezing, I located a gnatcatcher for 100.
At dinner, my wife asked how many I had seen, and I reported 100. She asked if I was done for the day, and I noted that my goal now was 103, because no one ever picks prime numbers for their target. Whatever you imagine about the look she gave me, you are correct. I had some ideas for what might get me to the magic 103 and headed to the state WMA on Bennett Road, where I picked up Woodcock and my only Swainson's Thrush. After 15 more minutes, I decided that I was stuck at 102 and started back to my car in ignominious defeat. Lo, a Whip-poor-will started chanting loud and clear from somewhere nearby. An unexpected and prime bird to end the day.
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
>
> --
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>
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.
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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
>
