Date: 3/31/25 1:12 pm From: Cynthia Nichols <cnichols...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fwd: First of year - 2 Eastern Phoebes
Sorry - that’s in Croyden
Cynthia Nichols, MS, BSN, RN
Volunteer & Board Member: Healthcare Workers for Climate Action:
nhclimatehealth.org
Certified Climate Change Resilience, Antioch University
(603) 508 - 1594
*Please Text Me *if you're not getting a quick response and need to reach
me - it's a challenge to get to my email these days!!
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Cynthia Nichols <cnichols...>
Date: Mon, Mar 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Subject: First of year - 2 Eastern Phoebes
To: NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Wetland north and adjacent to Spectacle Pond on Rte 10
Cynthia Nichols, MS, BSN, RN
Volunteer & Board Member: Healthcare Workers for Climate Action:
nhclimatehealth.org
Certified Climate Change Resilience, Antioch University
(603) 508 - 1594
*Please Text Me *if you're not getting a quick response and need to reach
me - it's a challenge to get to my email these days!!
Date: 3/31/25 11:34 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 31, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 31st,
2025.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on March 29th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A flock of 45 SNOW GEESE was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord on March 31st,
and a flock of 40 was seen at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis on the 29th.
6 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at 55 Ring Road, Loudon on March 29th..
A CANVASBACK was seen from the Great Bay Discovery Center in Stratham, and
a REDHEAD was seen at the mouth of the Sugar River in Claremont, both on
several times during the past week.
7 GREATER SCAUP and a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER were seen on the Connecticut
River, and 4 LESSER SCAUP were seen at Great Meadow, all in Charlestown,
during the past week.
2 pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen at Sawyer Farm in Walpole, 3
BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen along Krif Road in Keene, 1 was seen at Elm
Brook Park in Hopkinton, and 1 was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord, all
during the past week.
3 HORNED GREBES and 2 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen at the Wilder Dam
Reservoir in Lebanon, all during the past week.
3 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were seen at the Mouth of the Sugar River in
Claremont, 2 were seen at Hoit Road Marsh in Concord, and 1 was seen at the
Wilder Dam Reservoir in Lebanon, all on March 30th.
A LESSER YELLOWLEGS was seen at Mine Falls Park in Nashua on March 27th.
2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS were seen at Longmarsh Preserve in Durham, 2 were seen
along Route 1A in Rye, 2 were seen at Parson’s Creek in Rye, and 2 were
seen at Witch Island in Hampton, all during the past week.
A PECTORAL SANDPIPER was seen at Surry Mountain Lake on March 25th, and 1
was seen at Witch Island in Hampton on the 26th.
10 WILSON’SNIPE were seen at Krif Road in Keene on March 28th.
A PIPING PLOVER was seen at Hampton Beach on March 28th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen in Rye Harbor on March 26th, and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester on the 28th.
3 BONAPARTE’S GULLS were seen at Surry Mountain Lake, and 1 was seen at Elm
Brook Park in Hopkinton, all on March 31st.
At least 4 SNOWY EGRETS and 2 GREAT EGRETS were seen along the coast during
the past week.
Single BLACK VULTURES were reported from Alstead, Amherst, Bow, and
Hancock, during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at the Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area in
Dover on March 27th.
A flock of 20 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen along Wolfeboro Road in Hanover on
March 28th.
A flock of 36 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen at Reed Road in Colebrook on March
29th.
Lingering and/or returning species reported during the past week included:
KILLDEER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, AMERICAN KESTREL, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, EASTERN
PHOEBE, TREE SWALLOW, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, AMERICAN PIPIT, PINE WARBLER,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, FISH CROW, EASTERN TOWHEE, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING
SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD SPARROW.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
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:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 3/31/25 8:09 am From: John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] FOY Phoebe
Oops, sorry. “Here” is Hancock. We’ve had phoebes nesting here every summer for 15 years. Jr
> On Mar 31, 2025, at 10:34 AM, JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> wrote:
>
> Where is here?
> Jeanne-Marie
>
>> On Mar 31, 2025, at 10:08, John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> wrote:
>>
>> One of our phoebes showed up today as well. jr
>>
>>> On Mar 31, 2025, at 9:41 AM, 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>>>
>>> An Eastern Phoebe appeared this morning behind my house.
>>>
>>> Bruce Boyer
>>> Jaffrey, NH
>>>
>>> --
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>> --
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Date: 3/31/25 7:08 am From: John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] FOY Phoebe
One of our phoebes showed up today as well. jr
> On Mar 31, 2025, at 9:41 AM, 'Bruce Boyer' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> An Eastern Phoebe appeared this morning behind my house.
>
> Bruce Boyer
> Jaffrey, NH
>
> --
> 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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Date: 3/31/25 5:33 am From: '<rsuomala2...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Waterfowl in Concord
There has been a nice selection of waterfowl in the Concord area recently, especially at Horseshoe Pond and Turtle Pond. Highlights from yesterday (3/30/25) included:
Enjoying a fox sparrow, song sparrow chipping sparrow, and a white throated sparrow along with the usual customers in the driveway feasting on scattered sunflower and other seeds mixed with cracked corn. Guessing they're all preparing for the mixed weather over the weekend. Randy in Meredith
Date: 3/28/25 8:00 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] waterfowl on Lake Winnepocket, Webster
The Lake is a patchwork of ice and open water but the ducks are arriving (finally).
Wood Duck- one (the marshes are still mostly frozen)Black Duck- fourGreen-winged Teal- eight (surprisingly rare in Webster)Hooded Merganser- severalCommon Merganser- severalGreat Blue HeronBald Eagle- one adult and the ice fisherman saw three this winter
at my feeders- Fox Sparrow- one Pine Siskin- two House Finch- pair (rare in my wooded site)
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/26/25 4:48 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Cool Weather and record early bird arrivals
I've never been a big fan of March. It's a good time of the year to
search for rare ducks and geese after a dismal, cold February. But
March always seems to tease you with some warm days and then hit you
with cold days to shock you back into reality. I'm not sure whether
we've had above average or below average temperatures, but next week
looks miserably cold! Despite this, there have been a few early
arrivals in the last week with a few new apparent record early arrivals.
Comments below should all be qualified with "I think" regarding whether
they are record or 2nd earliest records, etc.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS - 3/21 in Walpole. Found and photographed by Wendy
Ward. RECORD EARLY. And ANOTHER reported by Marc Bouchard in Nashua on
3/23! Previous record early date of 3/30/77 in Rye. My early date for
NH is 4/8/06. Normally, the first Lesser Yellowlegs appear in late
April along the coast.
GLOSSY IBIS - 3/22 in Rye. Found and photographed by Ken Faucher.
RECORD EARLY. Previous record early date of 3/26/10 (Knapp). Normally,
the first Glossy Ibis appear in early to mid-April.
SNOWY EGRET - 3/26 in Rye. Found and photographed by me. RECORD EARLY
but just barely. Previous record early date of 3/27/16 on coast
(Lambert) and 3/27/97 in Rye (Stanley), and then 3/28/23 in Rye
(Duffy). Normally, the first Snowy Egrets appear in early April.
LEAST SANDPIPER - 3/23 in Hampton. Found and photographed by Zeke
Cornell. Not record early, but still remarkable. The record early is
3/13/20 in Hampton at the same spot! (McKillop). My earliest ever for
NH is April 13! Normally, the earliest Least Sandpipers don't arrive
until the last few days of April.
PECTORAL SANDPIPER - 3/23 in Chalestown. Found by Becky Suomala and
Zeke Cornell. Not a record, but close. The record early date 3/19/66
in Greenland (Lawrence). Normally, the first Pectoral Sandpipers
(uncommon to rare in Spring) appear in mid-April. So far, there have
been 3 total in the last week in NH!
Date: 3/25/25 7:33 am From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] BLUEBIRDS!
My first ever in 25 years of living here. There were two and they were eating from the suet. I ran out to put dried mealworms in the tray feeder and then they came back but weren't interested. They only stayed 10 minutes but it was wonderful. They were so beautiful, they took my breath away. Croydon New Hampshire
The snow/rain/sleet mix brought a goodly numberof species to our feeders today.
Of special note is a Yellow-rumped Warbler, healthy, but ravenous; he was here for most of the day. First came in with Juncos, but wasn't intimidated by sparrows, titmouse, etc. Male Cardinal not so much!
This is a full 3-4 wks. early!
Photos included with--https://ebird.org/checklist/S220435117
Date: 3/24/25 11:23 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 24, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 24th,
2025.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on March 20th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A flock of 9 SANDHILL CRANES was seen flying at the Hinsdale Setbacks along
the Connecticut River on March 21st, and a single SANDHILL CRANE was seen
at Reed’s Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Orford on the 22nd.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen at Great Meadows in Charlestown on
March 18th, and a SNOW GOOSE was seen at Lower Meadows in Charlestown on
March 23rd.
5 BRANT were seen at Rye Harbor State Park on March 23rd.
A pair of BARROW’S GOLDENEYES was seen on the Merrimack River in Manchester
on March 18th.
A CANVASBACK was seen from the Great Bay Discovery Center in Stratham on
March 18th.
A pair of BLUE-WINGED TEAL was seen along Krif Road in Keene on March 21st
-23rd, and a pair was seen at Sawyer Farm in Walpole on March 21st-22nd.
A BLACK SCOTER was seen at Terrill Park in Concord on March 21st.
2 RUDDY DUCKS were seen from Adam’s Point at Great Bay on March 18th.
90 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord on March 23rd,
9 were seen at Upper Suncook Lake in Barnstead on the 17th. and 8 were seen
along Old Lake Shore Road in Gilford on the 17th.
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen from Church Street in Walpole on March 23rd.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at Bedell Bridge State Park in Haverhill on
March 23rd.
An OSPREY was seen in Hinsdale and 1 was seen in Nashua, both on March 23rd.
2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Jackson’s Landing in Durham on March 23
rd.
A LESSER YELLOWLEGS was seen from River Road on Sawyer Farm in Walpole on
March 21st, and 1 was reported from Oxbow Lake in Nashua on the 23rd.
A PECTORAL SANDPIPER was seen at Lower Meadows in Charlestown on March 23rd.
A LEAST SANDPIPER was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on March 22nd.
A WILSON’SNIPE was seen at Jaffrey Center on March 16th.
A PIPING PLOVER was seen at Hampton Beach on March 15th, and 23rd.
2 RED-THROATED LOONS seen at Adam’s Point in Great Bay in Durham, and 1 was
seen at Hilton Park in Dover, all during the past week.
A PIED-BILLED GREBE was seen at Silver Lake in Hollis, 1 was seen at
Clair’s Landing on Lake Massabesic, and 1 was seen at Adam’s Point in Great
Bay in Durham all during the past week.
A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was seen at Adams Point in Durham on March 23rd.
4 GLOSSY IBIS were seen in the salt marsh just south of Odiorne Point State
Park along Route 1A in Rye on March 22nd.
2 GREAT EGRETS were seen in Portsmouth on March 20th, 1 was seen at Rye
Harbor on the 20th, and 1 was seen at Witch Island in Hampton on the 22nd.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at the Ines and Fredrick Yeatts Wildlife
Sanctuary in Warren on March 19th.
5 TREE SWALLOWS were seen in Charlestown, 3 were seen at Brentwood, 3 were
seen in Dover, 2 were seen in Newington, 2 were seen in Exeter, and a
number of single birds were reported from south of the Lakes Region.
A flock of 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen at Moore Reservoir in Littleton on
March 19th.
Lingering & returning species reported during the past week included:
KILLDEER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, AMERICAN KESTREL, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK,
EASTERN PHOEBE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, AMERICAN PIPIT, FISH CROW, EASTERN
TOWHEE, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD SPARROW.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
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:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in eachissue). This
quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the work of many
volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all NH Audubon
members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 3/24/25 9:38 am From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] So many birds!
52+ juncos, 3 fox sparrrows, 1 song sparrow, 1 redwinged blackbird, 2 starlings and all the other usual suspects. Snowing an inch an hour so it's hard to keep the ground clear for all my little ground feeders. Croydon
Date: 3/24/25 7:05 am From: Miller, Heather S <hmiller...> Subject: [NHBirds] Carolina Wren - Alton
This morning, around 8:30, I heard a Carolina Wren. I looked out and saw the wren and two juncos poking around the garden beds. At the same time, a robin was exploring the area beyond the garden. In a few minutes, they all left. A nice treat on a gloomy day awaiting rain and snow.
I have not had a Carolina Wren here in several years.
Date: 3/24/25 7:01 am From: Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> Subject: [NHBirds] Migration, Richmond, Swanzey, and Keene
On Krif rd in Keene their were lots of waterfowl. Among the usual mallards and Canada geese were a pintail and a green winged teal. I have yet to upload the photos on my computer to take a closer look and try and see if their were other ducks or what the shore birds were.
In Swanzey, Wilson Pond was full of Common Merganser and three Bald Eagle were flying over.
In Richmond the Song Sparrows finally returned up hill, a chipping sparrow has returned, and for the first time a Carolina Wren actually stayed through the whole winter. (Usually they eventually disappear but linger in lower lying towns).
Date: 3/24/25 6:38 am From: Lori Charron <lpcharron...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Errol
Wow! 8 decades!
Sent from my iPad
> On Mar 24, 2025, at 9:08 AM, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> I noticed with excitement that Wendy Ward had recently found an exceptionally early Lesser Yellowlegs in Walpole last Friday the 21st. While researching this sighting in "The Birds of New Hampshire" (Keith & Fox), I found that it appears to be a record early date for the State! The previous early date appears to have been March 30, 1977 (Roger Lawrence), but the 2nd earliest arrival date was April 3, 1954 by a YOUNG 16-YEAR OLD DAVIS FINCH in Exeter! Amazing that Davis submitted 8 decades worth of bird records!
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
>
>> On 3/24/2025 8:53 AM, Lori Charron wrote:
>> This morning while watching my feeders a male house finch stopped in. While it is not a county bird for me it is a new yard bird! It brought back a great memory of a wonderful conversation with Davis. As he shared his stories of the house finch he found up here in Errol so many yrs ago! Thank you Davis for stopping in to say hello.
>> Happy birding!
>> Lori
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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Date: 3/24/25 6:09 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Errol
I noticed with excitement that Wendy Ward had recently found an
exceptionally early Lesser Yellowlegs in Walpole last Friday the 21st.
While researching this sighting in "The Birds of New Hampshire" (Keith &
Fox), I found that it appears to be a record early date for the State!
The previous early date appears to have been March 30, 1977 (Roger
Lawrence), but the 2nd earliest arrival date was April 3, 1954 by a
YOUNG 16-YEAR OLD DAVIS FINCH in Exeter! Amazing that Davis submitted 8
decades worth of bird records!
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
On 3/24/2025 8:53 AM, Lori Charron wrote:
> This morning while watching my feeders a male house finch stopped in. While it is not a county bird for me it is a new yard bird! It brought back a great memory of a wonderful conversation with Davis. As he shared his stories of the house finch he found up here in Errol so many yrs ago! Thank you Davis for stopping in to say hello.
> Happy birding!
> Lori
> Sent from my iPad
>
Date: 3/24/25 5:53 am From: Lori Charron <lpcharron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Errol
This morning while watching my feeders a male house finch stopped in. While it is not a county bird for me it is a new yard bird! It brought back a great memory of a wonderful conversation with Davis. As he shared his stories of the house finch he found up here in Errol so many yrs ago! Thank you Davis for stopping in to say hello.
Happy birding!
Lori
Sent from my iPad
Date: 3/23/25 9:16 am From: '<cga......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Brant - Ragged Neck
I went down to plum island this morning and it was cold and windy. I saw 10 brant at emerson rocks. I decided to drive up the New Hampshire coast and ended up seeing 5 more brants at Rye St. Park - ragged neck. Didn't see anything else out of the ordinary except for 8 seals out on rocks somewhere between Rye and Odiorne.
Date: 3/23/25 9:09 am From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fix sparrow arrived today, song sparrow on Thursday. A starling just flew in also.
I believe it is my first song sparrow. Croydon, New Hampshire.
Date: 3/23/25 7:38 am From: <jim...> Subject: [NHBirds] Birds of Winter in the Upper Valley -- PHOTOS
The first half of my Winter 2025 blog post is filled with photos of birds from NH and VT in the Upper Valley. Included are Bald Eagles mating, Barred Owls, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Fox Sparrow, Pine Siskin, and several species of ducks including beautiful Wood Ducks. Also, the answer to the question, can a rare Audubon's (yellow-rumped) Warbler survive a bitter winter in Hanover.
If you are interested, you can find the photos here:
Date: 3/22/25 9:24 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Opechee Bay
17 ringneck duck, two adult bald eagles together out on the ice flow, one bufflehead, six hooded merganser, three common goldeneye, 23 common merganser, five black duck. Randy
Squamscott River near end of Swasey Pkwy Red-breasted Merganser 3 - this species is somewhat uncommon on this section of river Common Merganser 3 - way down as compared with numbers last week
Date: 3/21/25 11:27 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ahern/state school shrike
Spent 30 minutes trying to relocate/ID the shrike, high winds and cold temps most likely kept it from appearing, hope to relocate again when the winds die down. Only two birds braving the winds, one cooper's hawk and one mocking bird. Randy
Date: 3/21/25 10:33 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Gadwall and Ring-necks Horseshoe Pond, Concord
Yesterday, March 20, there was one Gadwall and 50 or so Ring-necks at Horseshoe Pond in Concord. That many Ring-necks is unusual for Horseshoe for several reasons. All the larger ponds where they normally forage are still frozen. And the population of this duck is booming. I bet today there are even more Ring-necks.
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/20/25 6:02 am From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lyme American Robins - Thursday Morning, March 20th
Apropos of the first day of spring, a large flock of American robins moved through the yard beginning around 8:20 am. The flock's size was estimated to be 80+/- individuals. By 8:45, they had moved on. Blake Allison Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 3/19/25 9:50 am From: Carol <saltbird456...> Subject: [NHBirds] Shrike at Ahern/Laconia State School grounds
I saw Randy’s earlier email about the shrike while I was out running
errands, and headed there. Unfortunately, I didn’t have scope or camera
with me, but I did see the bird as soon as I got here.
It was actively hunting from a bush and the rock stone formations in the
field Randy described. I watched it jump down into a culvert with a tall
grass, grab something and return to the stone formation, slamming the prey
against the stone in typical shrike fashion. It flew after eating, and 10”
later I haven’t relocated it yet.
It had a very prominent facial mask, and a short, dark beak. The wings
were very black. I did not see any barring on the sides. I’m thinking it
is the same Loggerhead Shrike I saw here last year.
Date: 3/19/25 8:17 am From: Heidi Rogers <hrogers.gm...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring birds
In the past week our yard has sprung to life with bird activity. Song sparrows (3) are under the feeders and sing early in the morning. Robins (4) are searching for food on the lawn, Eastern Bluebirds (4) have been checking out the nest boxes, eating suet, and singing, two red bellied woodpeckers have been calling from opposite sides of the yard, also visiting suet most of the winter. A pair of Mourning Doves have taken over last years Robins nest under the extended roof of the potting shed, and is now incubating two eggs. A Bald Eagle has flown over twice in the last week. I noticed several of my domestic ducks looking skyward, otherwise I would not have seen the eagle. They can pick out a dot in the sky miles away!
And finally 22 hen turkeys, and 5 Tom’s spend much of the day in the yard. Tom’s with tails splayed, drumming, and gobbling.
Happy spring!
Date: 3/19/25 3:15 am From: Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hawks and others
Is the hawk migration on. Last week I had a coopers at my feeders in richmond a few times, a sharpshinned once, a red tails flying over calling.
Over the weekend I saw a large red tail in a very small tree in Swanzey.
I also saw hooded mergansers ib swanzey and a flock of small birds I could not relocate to identify land in the fields on Krif rd in Keene.
Just now when leaving work in Winchester I heard sonething making a killee killee killee sound. Sadly I can never tell killdeer, kestrel, and merlin apart from calls alone and it was too dark to see the bird
Date: 3/18/25 10:32 am From: Carol <saltbird456...> Subject: [NHBirds] Green-winged Teal, Gilford
Two Green-winged Teal (female and male) continue at the flooded field across from Beans and Greens in Gilford. In among lots of mallards. Seen at noon today.
Date: 3/17/25 7:44 pm From: Scott Spangenberg <sjspangenberg...> Subject: [NHBirds] Amherst Spring arrivals
Canada Geese have been back for nearly a week now. More Song Sparrow have returned, and they are now singing.
Hooded Mergansers and at least one Great Blue Heron returned on Saturday (March 15). A Hermit Thrush returned to the yard Sunday, and a Fox Sparrow was singing here this morning.
Scott Spangenberg Amherst, NH
Odd spellings, unusual grammar, and bizarre word substitutions are all creations of software of random quality, and not the ham-fingered soul who wrote this.
Date: 3/17/25 1:41 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] a few Webster/Warner migrants
Webster and Warner highlights March 16 and 17- Red-shoulderedHawk- two in different territories, Killdeer (FOS here), 25 Robins in a wet field flock, plus asingle American Tree Sparrow.
Still snow in the woods here and ice on LakeWinnepocket but the wetlands are flooded.
Bob Quinn, Webster NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/17/25 12:27 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 17, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 17th,
2025.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on March 16th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A PINK-FOOTED GOOSE was seen in fields along Krif Road in Keene on March 14
th, and 1 was seen on the Connecticut River in Haverhill on the 12th.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen on the Cheshire Rail Trail south of
the Route 123 bridge in Walpole on March 13th and 15th.
7 SNOW GEESE and a pair of GADWALL were seen at Morrill’s farm in Concord
on March 16th.
A BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen north of the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on
the Merrimack River in Concord on March 15th, and 1 was seen on the
Connecticut River from the north end of River Road in Plainfield on the 15th
.
A REDHEAD was seen at the Great Bay Wildlife Management Area from the
Greenland Access trails on March 15th.
A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and 2 RUDDY DUCKS were seen from Adam’s Point at
Great Bay on March 15th, and 5 RUDDY DUCKS were seen on Great Bay from the
Portsmouth Country Club on the 12th.
10 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord on March 12th.
3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over Durham on March 15th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in East Kingston on March 11th.
At least 6 BLACK VULTURES were seen in the area along the Connecticut River
between Hinsdale and Walpole during the last week.
A WILSON’SNIPE was seen at Jaffrey Center on March 16th.
A PIPING PLOVER was seen at Hampton Beach on March 15th.
3 RED-THROATED LOONS and a PIED-BILLED GREBE were seen from Adam’s Point at
Great Bay in Durham on March 16th.
A COMMON LOON was seen at McIndoes Reservoir in Littleton, and 5
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were seen along Route 135 in Monroe, all on March
15th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in open land along Route 10 in Orford on March 16
th.
2 TREE SWALLOWS were seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord on March 15th.
Lingering & returning species reported during the past week included:
KILLDEER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, AMERICAN KESTREL, NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN,
PEREGRINE FALCON, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN
FLICKER, EASTERN PHOEBE, CAROLINA WREN, WINTER WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, HERMIT THRUSH, FISH CROW, SONG SPARROW, SAVANNAH
SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD SPARROW.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
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:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 3/17/25 10:31 am From: Sam Stoddard <sstoddard3...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rochester WTP Birding RESTRICTIONS !!
The supervisor of the Rochester wastewater treatment plant alerted me today that heavy equipment operations will begin tomorrow for the season. Birders must stay clear of all equipment and contractor operations. Birders may park at the office parking area and walk across the first dam on the left to get to the east side of the complex for birding. Birders must stay away from the west side of the ponds where construction equipment and dredging equipment is located. Your compliance is important to assure continued access to this hotspot by the birding community! ___ Sam Stoddard Rochester, NH
Date: 3/17/25 8:37 am From: Jacob Rhodes <jacobrhodes100...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Snow Geese with Canada Geese, Concord
They have been hanging around for a few days now, traveling between those
fields, Morrills farm in Penacook, Horseshoe Pond, and the fields on West
Portsmouth Street.
On Mon, Mar 17, 2025, 11:26 AM Carol <saltbird456...> wrote:
Date: 3/17/25 8:26 am From: Carol <saltbird456...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snow Geese with Canada Geese, Concord
I just came across a very large flock of Canada Geese with seven Snow Geese in the cornfield to the west of Langley Parkway And to the north of Clinton Street.
Saturday morning we saw our first piping plover of the season at Hampton Beach State Park. I snapped a few quick phone photos then continued north for a half mile. On our return, the plover was gone. Photos attached to e-bird checklist.
My husband and I were walking the Philips Exeter Academy trails along the Exeter River this afternoon and near the athletic fields when I heard the familiar "killlll-deeeer" call coming from the third base line on the baseball-field! There were: 11 Killdeer(!) 1 Red-tailed Hawk 4 Mourning Doves 4 Blue Jays 6 Mallard 75 Common Grackles 3 American Crow 2 Tufted Titmice 2 Song Sparrows Patti Wood Exeter/Lempster, NH
Date: 3/16/25 8:00 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] First Ever
In nine years at this home in Meredith we've never had a single red-winged blackbird. This morning we had 27 in the driveway feeding on cracked corn and mixed seed. Randy
Date: 3/16/25 6:31 am From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ides of Durham birding
Birders
For the Ides of March, I threw caution to the wind and birded around the dangerous parts of Durham. My goals were to find 50 species and steer clear of Brutus (not that I have a Caesar complex, but I did enjoy visiting Gaul). A few highlights:
--the morning dog walk on the Woodridge playing fields produced some excellent games of fetch at the tennis courts, but none of the local rarities that had been hanging out
--Adams Point was very busy with clammers and ducks, although I was generally able to tell them apart; tide was low and water was calm. Most unusual bird was a pair of Ruddy Ducks hanging out to the southeast, fairly close in. Also had 3 Red-throated Loons closer to the causeway, four Green-winged Teal, and a White-winged Scoter at scope distance.
--at TNC's Lamprey River Preserve on Packers Falls Road I heard a noise that sounded like a squirrel being strangled (don't ask how I know, but I did grow up in southern Ohio). It turned out to be half of a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks yelling "et tu?" at a pair of Red-tailed Hawks. Quite an interesting aerial battle.
--Thompson Forest on Wednesday Hill Road had a pair of circling bald eagles and a Hairy Woodpecker, which struck me as an interesting juxtaposition
--Moore Fields had a Harrier cruising over Tecce's fields
--as I was coming home at one point, I ran into Ted Bradshaw, and we compared notes about the day. I expressed dismay that I hadn't found a Fox Sparrow, and he gave me some suggestions on where he had had them recently. As I pulled into my driveway, there were two Fox Sparrows kicking up leaves (this morning a third joined them). Later in the evening I had my first woodcock peenting in the yard as well. I conclude that I should start asking Ted about any species I would like to see, since it will then turn up in my yard.
Ended with 55 species and no betrayals on my way to faculty senate, so a good day. Tomorrow I will be looking only for green birds or those that eat snakes.
In croydon at the fire station field. The Blue Bird was sitting on top of the Blue Bird/ swallow houses. I went to clean out the houses to get rid of any mice droppings etc. And there are already 2 nests being built in there and I'm guessing it's the blue birds.. the swallows are mean and usually chase out the bluebirds so they don't even get a chance to lay :(
Date: 3/15/25 7:12 am From: '<cga......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] fish crows and GW teal in hooksett
I took my dog out for a walk today and almost immediately I was buzzed by a brown creeper. I then heard crows which I assumed were fish crows. My merlin app confirmed. Upon watching the crows I noticed a cooper's hawk fly by them which really put them into an uproar. Then while looking down at my merlin app I noticed that green winged teal popped up. I looked at the small body of water which has been full of mallards all winter and low and behold a single teal was chasing off the mallards trying to make some space for itself. Not a bad morning.
Chapman’s Landing
Wood Duck 47 (on far edge of river)
Hooded Merganser 5
Squamscott River, Exeter
Common Merganser 87 Probably an undercount. Interesting that there were very few hens. In one group of 43 individuals, only 4 hens)
Fish Crow 5 (by PEA boathouse)
Date: 3/12/25 7:10 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Use of 4-letter codes in NHBirds posts
Please try to either:
* Avoid using 4-letter codes for email posts
or
* Use 4-letter codes AND use the actual bird name in your posts.
4-letter codes are commonly used and a valuable way for data entry when
out birding. If you use eBird in the field, it is really helpful.
HOWEVER, many people are not familiar with the codes used so try to
avoid using only the codes in posts.
For those interested in learning about the codes, here is a good web site:
>
> Rules
>
> The basic rules for determining the codes are simple and are similar
> in both systems:
>
> * For a bird with a one-word name, use the first four letters of the
> name, e.g., mallard <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallard> is MALL.
> * For a bird with a two-word name, use the first two letters of the
> first word followed by the first two letters of the second word,
> e.g., wood duck <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_duck> is WODU.
> * For a bird with a three-word name the first two of which are
> hyphenated, use the first letter of the first word, the first
> letter of the second word, and the first two letters of the third
> word, e.g., blue-winged teal
> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-winged_teal> is BWTE.
>
> and so on.
>
Date: 3/11/25 8:02 pm From: Pam Weeks <pamela.weeks...> Subject: [NHBirds] Great Blue Herons
Hi all,
I commute to Lowell 2-3 times a week. This morning I saw two GBH's circling trees in the roost in Methuen, MA. When headed south on I-93, the roost can be seen on the right of the highway just over the Mass/NH border, just north of Exit 45.
It's been in our yard for four days. Finally got a picture of it today -- posing on the roof of one of our feeders. A smaller bird compared to our resident Cooper's Hawk.
Squamscott River (end of Swasey Pkwy) Common Merganser 11 - as soon as ice begins to break up, this species shows up here Downtown Exeter (over PEA boathouse) Fish Crow 4
Date: 3/11/25 8:32 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] more owls in Webster
On 3-11-25 I went owling between 5:30-6:30 a.m. along a 0.5 mile stretch of Call Road in Webster where I heard two Northern Sw-whet Owls and three Barred Owls.
Typically, I heard one bird calling that I could not ID. I say typically because during hundreds of nocturnal forays for night-birds it is not unusual for me to hear sounds that cannot be identified, at least by me. Some are likely mammals and others are not well-known bird sounds.
Mammals seen- Bobcat and Striped Skunk.
Bob Quinn Webster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/10/25 1:42 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 10, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 10th,
2025.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on March 8th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester on March 6th.
2 BLACK VULTURES were seen along Donna Drive in Exeter on March 5th, 1 was
seen at Spinney Lane and Durham Reservoir in Durham on the 9th, 2 were seen
at the Hinsdale Bluffs on the Connecticut River on the 9th, and 2 were seen
at the boat launch in Westmoreland on the Connecticut River on the 9th.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Swasey Parkway in Exeter on March
6th, and 3 ICELAND GULLS were seen at Isenglass River Park and Gonic Tails
in Rochester on March 4th.
2 SNOW GEESE were seen at Great Bay Farm in Greenland on March 8th.
2 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen south of the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on
the Merrimack River in Concord on March 4th, 1 was seen at Morono Park on
the Merrimack River in Concord on the 8th,1 was seen at the Head of the
Merrimack River in Franklin on the 7th, 4 were seen at Stark Landing on the
Merrimack River in Manchester on the 6th, and 1 was seen on the Connecticut
River from the north end of River Road in Plainfield on the 10th.
A NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen at Witch Island in Hampton on March 5th.
A RED-THROATED LOON continued to be seen from Adam’s Point at Great Bay
during the past week, and 2 were seen from Hilton Park in Dover on March 8th
and 9th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Reed Road in Colebrook on March 8th.
A flock of 225 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Jefferson on March 5th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continues being seen at Pine Meadow Drive in Exeter, and
was last reported on March 8th.
8 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at Great Meadow in Charlestown on March 5th.
A PINE WARBLER was seen in Rye on March 5th.
4 AMERICAN PIPITS and a PALM WARBLER were seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on
March 5th.
4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Hatchland Farm in North Haverhill on March
`4th.
2 RED CROSSBILLS were reported from Gunstock Resort in Belknap on March 6th.
Several early-returning KILLDEER, and AMERICAN WOODCOCK were seen during
the past week.
Lingering species reported during the past week included: AMERICAN KESTREL,
NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK,
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, EASTERN PHOEBE, CAROLINA WREN,
WINTER WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, HERMIT THRUSH,
FISH CROW, SONG SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW,
FOX SPARROW, and FIELD SPARROW.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
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:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 3/10/25 8:44 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Redwings and Grackles
White Throated Sparrows spent the winter ground-feeding at my feeder in
Nashua. Observed one Red Wing, one Robin, one Northern Flicker, and a
couple Mourning Doves at the feeder over the weekend. Plenty of House
Finches and Bluebirds all winter here, along with Blue Jays, Titmouses,
Juncos, Cardinals, White Breasted Nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers, and House
Sparrows. At least one Red Bellied Woodpecker and one Carolina Wren
feeding here all winter. European Starlings have been showing up a couple
times a day for a few weeks. A rafter of 6 to 10 Turkeys pass through
almost daily. Still no Goldfinches here, none all winter, very unusual.
Two Gray Squirrels, and two Cottontails at the feeder all winter, despite
the cold and snow they don't hibernate. I maintain a squirrel-proof seed
tube, beef suet cage, and a thistle tube. Dried mealworms are mixed in the
seed tube to attract the Bluebirds. Spotted a Bobcat roaming through the
neighborhood earlier last week, and of course I didn't have my camera. The
Chipmunks and Groundhog haven't come out of hibernation yet, maybe in
another week with the warmer weather.
On Mon, Mar 10, 2025 at 2:46 PM Pam Weeks <pamela.weeks...> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> The first Red Winged Blackbirds showed up last Friday. Yesterday and this
> morning there was a large mixed flock of red wings (20+), grackles (4) and
> 3-4 Starlings. A flock of about 15 blue jays.
>
> My gang of Eastern Bluebirds remains steady between 6 and 12, the White
> Throated Sparrow is back, and yesterday there were two pairs of House
> Finches. Gold Finches numbered 12 yesterday, as well.
>
> Should I be surprised that the Junkos are still here? I heard but did not
> see robins and crows.
>
> Oh, we've regularly had 5-7 grey squirrels. The first chipmunk appeared on
> Friday, and yesterday I saw a red squirrel.
>
> Pam in Auburn.
>
> --
> 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
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> 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/<6ba09008-dd77-4b9f-b006-b96326fbfad8n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<6ba09008-dd77-4b9f-b006-b96326fbfad8n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 3/10/25 7:46 am From: Pam Weeks <pamela.weeks...> Subject: [NHBirds] Redwings and Grackles
Hi all,
The first Red Winged Blackbirds showed up last Friday. Yesterday and this morning there was a large mixed flock of red wings (20+), grackles (4) and 3-4 Starlings. A flock of about 15 blue jays.
My gang of Eastern Bluebirds remains steady between 6 and 12, the White Throated Sparrow is back, and yesterday there were two pairs of House Finches. Gold Finches numbered 12 yesterday, as well.
Should I be surprised that the Junkos are still here? I heard but did not see robins and crows.
Oh, we've regularly had 5-7 grey squirrels. The first chipmunk appeared on Friday, and yesterday I saw a red squirrel.
Date: 3/10/25 4:46 am From: Roger Frieden <roger...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ducks and Mergansers in Nottingham
There is a small area of open water in the South Channel of Pawtuckaway Lake in Nottingham. This morning there was a pair of Hooded Mergansers in the water, along with 3 Mallards, an American Black Duck, and a Ring-billed Gull.
Date: 3/7/25 3:23 am From: 'Rob Woodward' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Early Fish Crow - Laconia
I thought I could hear a Fish Crow from my living room amid the American Crow roost in Stewart Park in downtown Laconia this morning. I went outside to check and sure enough there was the continuous calling of at least one Fish Crow.
There was a letter to the editor in yesterday's paper about another crow roost in nearby Lakeport. The writer complains about how the crows are "taking over our streets, trees, and rooftops " creating a health hazard and disrupting daily life. He goes on to reason that the failure of city hall to do anything about this is a political conspiracy!
Date: 3/5/25 11:05 am From: 'Ann' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwings
225 plus or minus Bohemian Waxwings at St. Agnes Church across from the Old Corner Store on Rt. 2 in Jefferson at 12:15.
35° steady rain.
They flew across Rt 2 into the trees as I was driving by. This required a U-turn and going into the snow covered parking lot. Took a couple dozen photos. Got quite wet.
Home and dry now. Photos are all Bohemians.
Date: 3/5/25 9:24 am From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] siskins join the fray in Webster
Two Pine Siskins have joined my ever-increasing flock of 2 dozen Goldfinches.
The other recent treat was a Carolina Wren which is uncommon here in Webster and rare at my house.
Robert A. QuinnWebster, NH
PS Goldfinches are abundant in Coos County right now and that might be the reason for my local increase. One yard in Colebrook has 400+. raq
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/4/25 7:44 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday March 5, 2025 7:30 PM Program - Where the Beagle has Landed: American Tourists in Darwin's Shadow***
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!
* The program is on the 1st Wednesday this March!
Wednesday March 5, 2025 7:30 pm Program – Where the Beagle has Landed: American Tourists in Darwin's Shadow
In the summer of 2023, Kurk Dorsey and his family joined a tour of the Galapagos islands. In this illustrated lecture, we will see some of the highlights of that trip, learn some of the evolutionary history associated with the islands, and hear about how he lost a wedding ring and found a rare bird, almost at the same time.
Bio: Kurk Dorsey aspires to lead North America in submissions rejected by eBird moderators, a skill that he has taken to several other countries. When he is not confused by species that really should not be that tricky, he serves as the president of the New Hampshire Rare Birds Committee and the chair of the History Department at the University of New Hampshire, where he teaches environmental history among other things.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday March 5, 2025 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!
Spent a while on the beach front around 330 pm. Same species continuing on rocks and wrack. Palm W. 1 Horned Lark 4 American Pipit 4 Great Cormorant 1 American Robin 1
Date: 3/3/25 3:21 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 3, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 3, 2025.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on February 26th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A SNOWY OWL was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on March 2nd.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen in Dublin on March 2nd.
There was an unconfirmed report of a GOLDEN EAGLE from Candia on February 26
th.
2 BLACK VULTURES were seen at the Exeter Memorial Hospital on March 1st,
and 2 were seen at the Mount Wantastiquet Natural Area in Hinsdale on
February 28th.
A GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL was photographed at the Rochester Wastewater
Treatment Plant on February 24th, but has not been relocated. The treatment
plant is gated and the hours of operation are 7:30-2:00 on weekdays. If you
visit, please check in at the office and be out of the plant by 1:45 so
that plant personnel do not have to ask birders to leave. Do not drive on
the dikes and do not block the road. The Trails at Pickering Ponds, located
east of the plant, are not gated, and are always open during daylight hours.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen at the Icenter in Salem on February 28th, and an
ICELAND GULL was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester on March 2nd.
3 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen south of the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on
the Merrimack River in Concord on February 26th, 1 was seen at the Eastman
Falls Hydro Station in Franklin on the 28th, 1 was seen at Stark Landing on
the Merrimack River in Manchester on March 3rd, and 1 was seen at Lochmere
Dam at Silver Lake in Tilton on February 28th.
3 NORTHERN PINTAILS were seen on the Contoocook River in Hopkinton on
February 24th, and 1 was seen at Newfound Lake on March 2nd.
At least 11 WOOD DUCKS were seen at Chapman’s Landing in Stratham during
the past week.
A RED-THROATED LOON was seen from Adam’s Point at Great Bay on March 1st.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Morse Road in Manchester on March 1st.
A flock of 50 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Gorham on February 24th.
A flock of 76 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen along Bailey Road in Jefferson on
February 28th, and a flock of 18 was seen in Bethlehem on March 2nd.
3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen in East Kingston on February 28th.
2 PINE WARBLERS were seen in Hollis at a private residence on February 24th.
8 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Hampton/Seabrook Marsh on February 25th, and
4 AMERICAN PIPITS and a PALM WARBLER were seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on
March 2nd.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on March 2nd.
A flock of 50 SNOW BUNTINGS was seen on Forest Ledge Road in Glen on March 2
nd.
Several early-returning KILLDEERS were seen in Rye, Hampton, Salem,
Stratham, Durham, and Rochester. all during the past week.
Lingering species reported during the past week included: AMERICAN KESTREL,
NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, PEREGRINE FALCON, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK,
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, CAROLINA WREN, WINTER WREN,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, HERMIT THRUSH, FISH CROW, SONG
SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW,
and FIELD SPARROW.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
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:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 3/3/25 1:10 pm From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Call for Award nominations
It's Time to Nominate an Outstanding Candidate for NH Audubon Annual Awards
NH Audubon is seeking nominations for the Tudor Richards and Goodhue-Elkins awards to be presented at the Annual Member Celebration & Meeting held each year in September. Deadline for nominations is April 1, 2025.
The Tudor Richards Award is presented annually to the person who best exemplifies Tudor's love and knowledge of the outdoors and who has worked tirelessly and effectively on behalf of conservation in New Hampshire. Past recipients include Betsy Hardwick (2024), Karen Bennett (2023), and Sarah Thorne (2022).
The Goodhue-Elkins Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the study of New Hampshire birds. The award is named for Charles Goodhue, one of the state's great pioneer birders, and Kimball Elkins, the model of critical observation and insightful record-keeping. Past recipients include Tony Vazzano (2024), George Gavutis Jr. (2023), and Robert Woodward (2022).
Date: 3/2/25 6:07 pm From: 'Geoff Niswander' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] 2 FOYs this weekend
Yesterday (Saturday 3/1) we had a Red-winged blackbird at our feeder here, which is near East Washington village; then earlier this AM (3/2) we saw a Turkey vulture just above the treetops, right at Exit 11 on 89S.
Date: 3/2/25 6:09 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: [NHBirds] Saturday March 1 with the Lawrence MA Crows
What a difference a day can make in the weather and the response by the crows. Yesterday at 4:40 pm we met a group at the New Balance Parking lot. As we headed to the city, the sky to the north was a deep, dark gray and the wind began to blow. After a brief discussion, we headed to that first driveway on the NW corner of the Rt. 28 Broadway St, bridge to look out over the river and the dam. The temperature began to drop, the wind was brisk and the crows were already in great numbers to the west on the ice. Some were streaming in from the east over the bridge. Onto Riverfront State Park where we walked down the path to the river's edge. The crows had already arrived and were densely packed on the ice on the north side of the river. They were seeking shelter from the wind nearer to the trees on the other side of the river. The weather turned nasty - sleet and a cold wind. The crows were noisy and we periodically heard that buggeling call. Some would rise and drop back down. We never went up to the boat house as they were all there in front of us strung out peppering the ice. Try visiting on a sunny afternoon SOON.
I drove home this afternoon on I-93 north from Lowell, and at about 4:45 spotted a large number of vultures circling over the southbound on-ramp, exit 4. The light wasn't good, and I was driving too fast to make a good count, or to be able to tell if any were Black Vultures. My best guess would be 15 to 20 birds.
Date: 3/1/25 5:56 pm From: eric masterson <erictheirish...> Subject: [NHBirds] spring is here
And we're off. March 1st marks the beginning of the spring birding season, at least from a NH Bird Records perspective. Rockingham County now has three months in which to restore its honor after a disastrous showing in 2024, when the vaunted and celebrated coastal plain spectacularly failed to live up to its star billing. It wasn't until late May that Brett Hillman finally restored some honor by finding a Black-necked Stilt in Rye, but the crown had long since drifted inland by then, first to Laconia, then Dummer, before circling back and landing in Keene. Folks know what I'm talkin 'bout. If you don't, see the spring issue of NH Bird Records.
I will be doing my best to restore Rockingham's glory by manning Star Island, the state's premier vagrant trap, for 10 days in mid-May. Come on, Swainson's Warbler. You're gonna love it out here. However my commitment to the coastal plain is coming at great cost, as I have recently been informed of a pending investigation into my Rockingham County birding activities by the Hillsborough County Board of Ornithological Oversight. Some members feel that my commitment to my home county has been derisory. Someone even used the word unHillsborough. I will be mounting a robust defence.
In the meantime, let's not lose sight of the real enemy - the fall season. Spring species count has come close a few times, but we've always fallen short. It's those damn western vagrants. There just aren't enough spring overshoots to compete. However, it's long past time to make spring great again, so let's get busy birding.
First up, Bean Goose in Charlestown on St. Patrick's Day. Tundra or Taiga, I'm not fussy. Rockingham - over to you.
Spent 830-11 this morning birding with a former Ornithology student. Ran into a birding group from Joppa Flats. Marshes full with choppy seas and steady wind
Hampton BSP Razorbill 1 unexpected; Hampton River (in close) and then seen near bridge. Called group over and all had good looks. Common Eider x C. Loon 4 Red-breasted Merganser x Greater Scaup 1 (by jetty) Great Cormorant 2 White-winged Scoter 3 Black Scoter x Surf Scoter x Snow Bunting 15-17 Horned Lark x Lapland Longspur 1
Plaice Cove Palm Warbler 1 continues Horned Lark 3 American Robin 1
Date: 3/1/25 5:28 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: [NHBirds] SPECTACULAR The Lawrence Winter Crows Yesterday
The Winter Crows in Lawrence yesterday were spectacular. As they have done in cold winters in the past, they have *abandoned* their earlier winter *staging areas* (where they gather somewhere east of the Rt. 28 bridge beginning an hour before sunset) to wait for the sun to set and darkness to set in) and even abandoned their earlier *roosting spot* in the trees between the New Balance Factory Store on So. Union St. and the Merrimack River.
There is a large stone dam just to the east of Rt. 28 which causes the river to slow down, widen and easily freeze during winter cold spells.
Yesterday afternoon at 4:30 (an hour before sunset) Bob and I saw ONE crow between our home in North Andover and the Rt. 28 bridge (Broadway St.) We pulled into our favorite spot, the first driveway on the northwest side of the river and looked out over the dam and the frozen river.- 400+ crows were sitting on the snow covered ice.
We then went to the Riverfront State Park at the junction of Rowe and Everett Street via the first right going south of the river off Broadway (Shattuck St.) and looked out over the river. Not too many more crows beyond the ones we had just seen. On the most eastern side of the park , you can walk right down to the river.
Then on to Eaton Street to the Greater Lawrence Community Boat House parking lot where we parked in line with the river to our left. *We hit the jackpot* - Thousands of crow stretched across the frozen river - some even stretching further west behind the boathouse out of sight and others gathered in the trees across the river in line with those on the ice, At 5 pm thousands more poured in from the west out over the trees far beyond the right hand side of the Boat House. They frolicked around, noisy, lifting, coming down onto the ice from the trees. Aout 5:15 pm suddenly, small groups began to stream to the east along the far shore. By 5:30 pm some began to lift off the ice.
We then drove back to the Riverfront park and parked facing the river. What a show, thousands on the ice, thousands more pouring in. They were stretched out on the river as far as you could see peppering the ice. Slowly they began to more eastward and by the time we left at 6:15 pm they were closely massed on the ice to the east nearer the dam.
Why not try to see this spectacle for yourself. Just follow these directions.
Go soon as the crows will be either moving back to the north or out to their breeding sp[ots later in March.
