Date: 1/5/26 2:15 pm From: <jim...> <jim...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagles in Lyme -- A four-year saga -- PHOTOS
I spent many hours observing, studying, and photographing a pair of bald eagles in Lyme, NH over the last four years. I saw and photographed: nest building in spring and fall, eagles mating, eagles incubating while covered with snow, eagle chicks getting fed and growing, and much more. Opportunities to study nature like this are very rare indeed. I feel blessed to experience it.
Date: 1/5/26 11:50 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 5, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 5th.
2026.
Birders on a fishing boat trip to Jeffrey’s Ledge on January 4th reported
seeing about 1,800 DOVEKIES, and 20 COMMON MURRES.
A SNOW GOOSE and 6 BRANT was seen in New Castle on January 3rd.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE, 12 LESSER SCAUP and 2 BUFFLEHEADS were seen from
Lower Bay Road in Sanbornton on January 1st.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE and a BUFFLEHEAD were seen at Stark Landing on
the Merrimack River in Manchester on January 2nd.
2 male BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen on Lake Winnisquam on January 1st, a
male was seen at Silver Lake in Tilton on the 3rd, and 1 male was seen at
the Merrimack Wastewater Treatment Facility on the 3rd.
A WOOD DUCK was seen on the Turkey River from Iron Works Road in Concord on
January 3rd and 4th.
A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen on Newfound Lake on January 1st.
A KILLDEER was seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on January 3rd and 4th
and a WILSON’S SNIPE was seen at 194 Whiteface Intervale Road in Sandwich
on the 4th.
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Exeter and 2 were seen in Durham, all on
January 3rd.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Hanover on January 1st, 1 was seen in
Milford on the 3rd, and 1 was seen in Rochester on the 4th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on January
1st.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on
January 3rd-4th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen in Rochester, and 1 was seen in Sunapee,
both on January 4th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Martin Park exit along Iron Works Road in
Concord on January 4th.
A flock of 5 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen in Sulivan on January 4th, and a flock
of about 25 was seen along the Mooseway Trail at the Pondicherry National
Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on January 1st.
A flock of 11 SNOW BUNTINGS was seen at fields along Spaulding Street in
Milford on January 3rd.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen in Derry on January 3rd, a FIELD SPARROW
was seen in Concord, on the 1st, and 2 FOX SPARROWS were seen in
Londonderry on January 1st.
A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen in Rochester on January 3rd.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen in North Hampton on December 30th.
A BROWN THRASHER was seen on Kimball Road in Exeter on 1st–3rd.
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen in Northfield on January 1st.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on January 1st, and 3
rd. and a MARSH WREN was reported from Hinsdale on January 1st.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at the Somersworth Wastewater Treatment Facility
on January 1st.
There were multiple reports of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and WINTER WRENS
from scattered locations during the past week.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on January 3
rd and 4th. A NORTHERN FLICKER was seen in Westmoreland on January 3rd.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 110+ in Jefferson.
3 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on January 3rd.
A FISH CROW was reported from Salem on January 3rd.
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: 1/5/26 11:43 am From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Lee
Female, feeding on suet in dead apple, Allen’s Ave. There are crevices
where downy and hairy w.p.’s wedge too-large pieces of suet and break them
down. She’s gleaning from these places, much as the brown creepers do.
Present since noon.
Date: 1/5/26 9:25 am From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwings in Meredith
Six with about 30 Cedars now across the road from Meredith docks. This flock showed up on Saturday (saw 4 Bowings on Saturday). Plenty of fruit, so should stick around.
Date: 1/4/26 9:53 am From: Milton Trimitsis <trimitsis...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine grosbeaks, Sullivan
I saw a tight flock of 5 pine grosbeaks late this morning at my farm in Sullivan feeding on the fruit of an oriental bittersweet vine about 35-50 feet up in a tree. They were also eating snow that had collected overnight in the branch junctions. It looked like 3 were females and 2 were immature males.
Date: 1/3/26 1:24 pm From: 'Stephen Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Juvenile White throated sparrow
I think you meant to say White crowned Sparrow. Not White throated!
Steve
On January 3, 2026 1:18:31 PM "'Paul Dionne' via NHBirds"
<nhbirds...> wrote:
> In our yard scratching millet.
> Paul Dionne,
> Derry
>
>
> “Let there be songs to fill the air.”
> R. Hunter/J. Garcia
>
>
> --
> 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/<41332D5D-6B0A-476F-A86D-40EAA7AC1280...>
Date: 1/3/26 5:00 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] New Hampshire Birds of 2025 - Summary and Bird of the Year Award! - Take 2
Apparently some screwy things happened with my last post, so I am
re-posting this.
- Steve
Approximately 326 Species of birds were reported to eBird in New
Hampshire during 2025. This is 2 species less than were reported last
year and on the high end of the average since 2010 of about 310 to 330
species. One new species was added to the overall State List which was
Common Cuckoo. The total for the State List now stands at roughly 422
species.
Once again, there were LOTS of great birds during 2025! Sadly, many of
these were "one-day-wonders" or even "one-observer-wonders" and some
were impossible to chase out on White & Seavey Islands! As of right
now*** I added no new birds for my NH State List which is stuck at 399.
Being retired, Jane and I got out quite a bit, and I won the prize for
the best "Big Year" with 284 species recorded in NH, beating Jane who
had 281 species!
Top Counties & County Birders Around the State with a couple of bird
highlights:
Overall State of New Hampshire - 326 species (Steve Mirick with 284 species)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockingham County - 304 species (Steve Mirick with 266 species) ---
Bridled Tern, Sabine's Gull, Loggerhead Shrike, Bell's Vireo,
White-winged Dove, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Lark Bunting
Strafford County - 231 species (Sam Stoddard with 189 species) ---
Glaucous-winged Gull, MacGillivray's Warbler, Harris's Sparrow
Grafton - 222 species (Wayne Scott with 200 species) --- Purple
Gallinule, Pink-footed Goose
Hillsborough - 220 species (Nora Hanke with 169 species) --- Townsend's
Solitaire, Swallow-tailed Kite, Long-eared Owl
Cheshire County - 216 species (Wendy Ward with 197 species) --- Rufous
Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Kite
Merrimack - 212 species (Pam Hunt with 186 species) --- Swallow-tailed
Kite, Western Kingbird, Western Meadowlark*** (?)
Coos - 205 species (Lori Charron with 176 species) --- Trumpeter Swan
Sullivan - 199 species (Jen Armstrong with 183 species) --- White-rumped
Sandpiper
Carroll - 196 species (K Klapper with 156 species) --- Painted Bunting
Belknap - 195 species (Rob Woodward with 149 species) --- Summer Tanager
Top Out-of-State Birder Award - Magill Weber from Maine. First of all
she found a Harris's Sparrow while trying (unsuccessfully) to see the
MacGillvray's Warbler in Dover
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S209165105). Then she finds a Loggerhead
Shrike while searching for a Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Exeter!
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S270439041)
Overall Bird of the Year Award - Among all the rarities, the rarest bird
of the year easily was the COMMON CUCKOO found and photographed by
non-eBirder Tori Simpson-Tucker in the South Cemetery in Portsmouth on
November 21st. Although the word got out very quickly, this bird
(sadly) was not relocated by any members of the birding community
despite people getting out later in the afternoon and an army of birders
combing the cemetery the next morning. Common Cuckoo is a Eurasian
species which rarely crosses the ocean to North America. This is a
first State record and only the 5th record for the United States and the
3rd record for New England.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S285494928
Most Common Rare Bird Award - Swallow-tailed Kite (4 widely separate
locations from 3 different counties. Cheshire, Hillsborough,
Merrimack). 2nd place goes to White-faced Ibis with numerous sightings
along the coast this spring (with record numbers of Glossy Ibis) from
Hampton to Rye and inland to Stratham. There were several reports of 2
at once and likely 3 different individuals represented.
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S230094791)
The "Lightning Strikes Twice (or 3 times!) Award - Incredibly, a
Townsend's Solitaire was seen again on Pack Monadnock! This is now the
3rd time that a Townsend's Solitaire has been photographed from the hawk
watch at the summit in 2017, 2023, and 2025. This year's bird was seen
on November 18th and was nicely photographed by Nora Hanke.
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S285108438)
Late Bird of the Year Awards - The Least Flycatcher on 11/29 established
a new record late date for NH (https://ebird.org/checklist/S286891446). A November Baird's Sandpiper and mid-December Rufous Hummingbird were
close to record late dates. The hummingbird even survived two sub-zero
mornings and was last reported on December 14th.
The Comeback Rarity of the Year Award - Mississippi Kites rebounded in
2025 (after a disastrous nesting year in 2024) with two brand new nest
sites and fledging one young in each nest. Don't count them out yet!!!
This incredibly rare satellite population has been tenuously hanging on
since at least 2008! (https://ebird.org/checklist/S271635209)
***The Most Enigmatic ID of the Year Award - Eastern/Western
Meadowlark. The identification is (as I type this) currently being
debated for a bird (irregularly) coming to a feeder in Northfield. THE
David Sibley has weighed in and gave a lengthy discussion on why he
thought it was an Eastern Meadowlark, but then he reversed and gave a
lengthy discussion on why he thought it was a Western Meadowlark!!! If
David Sibley can't tell, then how can I say for sure what it
is??????!!!!! I saw and photographed the bird but got poor views and
photos. If it gets accepted as a Western Meadowlark, can I put it down
as my 400th?!?!?! 🙂
Some other Megas which deserve mention include:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
MacGillivray's Warbler - Amazing find by Cameron Johnson in a bleak,
wintry, field on January 12th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S209036111 Bell's Vireo - Only the 3rd or 4th State record. Found by Brett Hillman
at Odiorne on November 3rd. https://ebird.org/checklist/S282728976 Black-necked Stilt - TWO birds found south of Odiorne on June 9th by
Stuart Varney for "one-day-wonder". https://ebird.org/checklist/S248565450 Lark Bunting - Fantastic find and ID by Debbie Lyons of Seacoast Science
Center at Odiorne on June 5th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S247015398 Worm-eating Warbler - Beauty found by Jim Sparrell at Odiorne on May
4th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S233206098 Pink-footed Goose - Another "one-day-wonder" on Krif Road in Keene on
March 14th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S218425124 Cave Swallow - A good Cave Swallow year in New England. The first one
found in NH by Dylan Jackson for his life bird!
https://ebird.org/checklist/S283513736 White-winged Dove - Sadly, out on Star Island. Found by Stuart Varney
on September 29th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S276339464 LeConte's Sparrow - My only mega find of the year. 🙁 I think I'm
losing my "edge"! This was a confusing juvenile I found on a field
trip. https://ebird.org/checklist/S277281544
I'd like to apologize in advance for any (likely some) errors and
omissions in my list!
Date: 1/2/26 8:24 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] New Hampshire Birds of 2025 - Summary and Bird of the Year Award!
Approximately 326 Species of birds were reported to eBird in New
Hampshire during 2025. This is 2 species less than were reported last
year and on the high end of the average since 2010 of about 310 to 330
species. One new species was added to the overall State List which was
Common Cuckoo. The total for the State List now stands at roughly 422
species.
Once again, there were LOTS of great birds during 2025! Sadly, many of
these were "one-day-wonders" or even "one-observer-wonders" and some
were impossible to chase out on White & Seavey Islands! As of right
now*** I added no new birds for my NH State List which is stuck at 399.
Being retired, Jane and I got out quite a bit, and I won the prize for
the best "Big Year" with 284 species recorded in NH, beating Jane who
had 281 species!
Top Counties & County Birders Around the State with a couple of bird
highlights:
Overall State of New Hampshire - 326 species (Steve Mirick with 284 species)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockingham County - 304 species (Steve Mirick with 266 species) ---
Bridled Tern, Sabine's Gull, Loggerhead Shrike, Bell's Vireo,
White-winged Dove, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Lark Bunting
Strafford County - 231 species (Sam Stoddard with 189 species) ---
Glaucous-winged Gull, MacGillivray's Warbler, Harris's Sparrow
Grafton - 222 species (Wayne Scott with 200 species) --- Purple
Gallinule, Pink-footed Goose
Hillsborough - 220 species (Nora Hanke with 169 species) --- Townsend's
Solitaire, Swallow-tailed Kite, Long-eared Owl
Cheshire County - 216 species (Wendy Ward with 197 species) --- Rufous
Hummingbird, Swallow-tailed Kite
Merrimack - 212 species (Pam Hunt with 186 species) --- Swallow-tailed
Kite, Western Kingbird, Western Meadowlark*** (?)
Coos - 205 species (Lori Charron with 176 species) --- Trumpeter Swan
Sullivan - 199 species (Jen Armstrong with 183 species) --- White-rumped
Sandpiper
Carroll - 196 species (K Klapper with 156 species) --- Painted Bunting
Belknap - 195 species (Rob Woodward with 149 species) --- Summer Tanager
Top Out-of-State Birder Award - Magill Weber from Maine. First of all
she found a Harris's Sparrow while trying (unsuccessfully) to see the
MacGillvray's Warbler in Dover
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S209165105). Then she finds a Loggerhead
Shrike while searching for a Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Exeter!
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S270439041)
Overall Bird of the Year Award - Among all the rarities, the rarest bird
of the year easily was the COMMON CUCKOO found and photographed by
non-eBirder Tori Simpson-Tucker in the South Cemetery in Portsmouth on
November 21st. Although the word got out very quickly, this bird
(sadly) was not relocated by any members of the birding community
despite people getting out later in the afternoon and an army of birders
combing the cemetery the next morning. Common Cuckoo is a Eurasian
species which rarely crosses the ocean to North America. This is a
first State record and only the 5th record for the United States and the
3rd record for New England.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S285494928
Most Common Rare Bird Award - Swallow-tailed Kite (4 widely separate
locations from 3 different counties. Cheshire, Hillsborough,
Merrimack). 2nd place goes to White-faced Ibis with numerous sightings
along the coast this spring (with record numbers of Glossy Ibis) from
Hampton to Rye and inland to Stratham. There were several reports of 2
at once and likely 3 different individuals represented.
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S230094791)
The "Lightning Strikes Twice (or 3 times!) Award - Incredibly, a
Townsend's Solitaire was seen again on Pack Monadnock! This is now the
3rd time that a Townsend's Solitaire has been photographed from the hawk
watch at the summit in 2017, 2023, and 2025. This year's bird was seen
on November 18th and was nicely photographed by Nora Hanke.
(https://ebird.org/checklist/S285108438)
Late Bird of the Year Awards - The Least Flycatcher on 11/29 established
a new record late date for NH (https://ebird.org/checklist/S286891446). A November Baird's Sandpiper and mid-December Rufous Hummingbird were
close to record late dates. The hummingbird even survived two sub-zero
mornings and was last reported on December 14th.
The Comeback Rarity of the Year Award - Mississippi Kites rebounded in
2025 (after a disastrous nesting year in 2024) with two brand new nest
sites and fledging one young in each nest. Don't count them out yet!!!
This incredibly rare satellite population has been tenuously hanging on
since at least 2008! (https://ebird.org/checklist/S271635209)
***The Most Enigmatic ID of the Year Award - Eastern/Western
Meadowlark. The identification is (as I type this) currently being
debated for a bird (irregularly) coming to a feeder in Northfield. THE
David Sibley has weighed in and gave a lengthy discussion on why he
thought it was an Eastern Meadowlark, but then he reversed and gave a
lengthy discussion on why he thought it was a Western Meadowlark!!! If
David Sibley can't tell, then how can I say for sure what it
is??????!!!!! I saw and photographed the bird but got poor views and
photos. If it gets accepted as a Western Meadowlark, can I put it down
as my 400th?!?!?! :-)
Some other Megas which deserve mention include:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
MacGillivray's Warbler - Amazing find by Cameron Johnson in a bleak,
wintry, field on January 12th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S209036111 Bell's Vireo - Only the 3rd or 4th State record. Found by Brett Hillman
at Odiorne on November 3rd. https://ebird.org/checklist/S282728976 Black-necked Stilt - TWO birds found south of Odiorne on June 9th by
Stuart Varney for "one-day-wonder". https://ebird.org/checklist/S248565450 Lark Bunting - Fantastic find and ID by Debbie Lyons of Seacoast Science
Center at Odiorne on June 5th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S247015398 Worm-eating Warbler - Beauty found by Jim Sparrell at Odiorne on May
4th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S233206098 Pink-footed Goose - Another "one-day-wonder" on Krif Road in Keene on
March 14th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S218425124 Cave Swallow - A good Cave Swallow year in New England. The first one
found in NH by Dylan Jackson for his life bird!
https://ebird.org/checklist/S283513736 White-winged Dove - Sadly, out on Star Island. Found by Stuart Varney
on September 29th. https://ebird.org/checklist/S276339464 LeConte's Sparrow - My only mega find of the year. :-( I think I'm
losing my "edge"! This was a confusing juvenile I found on a field
trip. https://ebird.org/checklist/S277281544
I'd like to apologize in advance for any (likely some) errors and
omissions in my list!
Date: 1/2/26 8:20 am From: 'CRAIG GIBSON' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Manchester NH Crow Roost!
Greetings all,
For those with an interest, the Crow Patrol has updated the blog with recent postings.
Dec. 5: update on 2 nearby roost locations, and spectacular video showing incoming flight streams, final staging locations, and stunning aerial action with the overnight roost trees, including regular and thermal video imaging.
Dec. 10: update on the second roost location downriver and video showing dazzling flight bursts as Crows arrive and settle into the overnight roost.
Dec. 16: update on growing downriver overnight roost location with video showcasing the arriving flight streams and chaos around the roost trees.
Dec. 18: recap of recent visit to overnight Crow roost located in downtown Manchester, NH with many thanks to David and Mark for the local tour.
Date: 1/2/26 6:55 am From: 'Matthew Tarr' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] 2026 Intro to Bird ID, Ecology & Habitat Course opens Feb 3rd!
Happy New Year fellow birders!
On February 3rd 2026, UNH Cooperative Extension will open registration for the:
2026 Introduction to Bird Identification, Ecology & Habitats Course.
This is a very popular online & field-based course with field trips offered in a variety of habitats at popular birding hotspots and at less-known birding locations throughout NH and into MA, ME & VT.
This course will improve your ability to: identify 50 common bird species by sight, songs & calls, habitat and behavior; predict what birds will occur in different habitats; and learn things you can do on your land to attract & benefit birds.
Weekly Online Lessons occur March 7 - May 29 and can be completed on your own schedule any time until December 31, 2026.
Optional Course Field Trips occur April 4 - June 27
This course fills up fast, so please plan to register on Tuesday February 3rd!
Email <matt.tarr...><mailto:<matt.tarr...> now to receive the course registration link!
This course is co-sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Fish & Game Department, NH Division of Forests & Lands, Harris Center for Conservation Education, Center for Wildlife, Monadnock Bird & Nature Club, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, NH Audubon, National Audubon Society, Southeast Land Trust of NH, NH Timberland Owner's Association, & NH State Parks.
Best,
Matt
(This message was approved by the moderator)
Matthew D. Tarr, Ph.D.
Extension Professor & State Specialist, Wildlife Habitat
University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
1771 NH Route 140
Gilmanton Ironworks, NH 03837
<matt.tarr...><mailto:<matt.tarr...> (603) 953-4425
Date: 1/1/26 4:42 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks in Jefferson
At least two dozen Pine Grosbeaks were seen along the Mooseway Ski Trail at the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on New Years Day. Eight Pine Grosbeaks were gritting on the access road to the Mud Pond and Mooseway Trailhead. Others were seen along the Mooseway ski trail itself. I met two birder friends who were also skiing and they reported a flock of over a dozen near Little Cherry Pond.
Our first bird of the new year was the Evening Grosbeak. Not just one, but 122 that I counted in four trees as I was going out to fill the tray feeders. They are actively feeding from around 0730 to noon and then sporadically for a few hours after that. We had 35-40 goldfinches, 4 tree sparrows, 3 purple finches, and two juncos.
This year’s count was conducted by 10 participants on December 20th. The day was pleasant weatherwise, having low winds, clear skies and temperatures around average for the time of year ranging from 22°F to 32°F. While only a few people participated, the circle was covered pretty well with people covering Croydon, Newport, Sunapee, New London, Newbury and Sutton. Despite the decent conditions, the birding came hard for most of the participants with Newbury coming out as the most productive area.
The smaller ponds and any slow parts of the surrounding rivers were frozen solid. Lake Sunapee was mostly open with only the northern end being frozen, and Pleasant Lake in New London had a large portion of open water as well. Despite the extent of open water, waterbirds were lacking this year. The snowpack this year was minimal after a recent warm rainstorm, so getting around was easy for all participants. Recent late winter frigidity had forced out most birds that would normally linger on milder winters. With all that said, the list this year was fairly routine without much as far as notable contributions. The highlights are as follows:
A Red-breasted Merganser was found on Lake Sunapee from Newbury by Peter Newbern. This was the third record for the Lake Sunapee Count and probably the bird-of-the-day for this year’s count.
Almost all woodpecker species were represented, even Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (count week) and Northern Flicker, but surprisingly Pileated Woodpecker was missed by all participants.
The high count for Carolina Wren was tied with 4 birds.
5 species of finch made the count with 13 Evening Grosbeaks and 7 Red Crossbills being the most notable.
A Swamp Sparrow found by Peter Newbern was a first-ever for the count.
The overall list and totals are posted below. I want to thank all the participants for their contributions and look forward to another good count next year:
Mallard 240
American Black Duck 5
Hooded Merganser 1
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Wild Turkey 31
Rock Pigeon 55
Mourning Dove 24
Cooper’s Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
Downy Woodpecker 14
Hairy Woodpecker 12
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 71
American Crow 76
Common Raven 11
Black-capped Chickadee 262
Tufted Titmouse 54
Golden-crowned Kinglet 10
White-breasted Nuthatch 33
Red-breasted Nuthatch 36
Brown Creeper 7
Carolina Wren 4
European Starling 94
Eastern Bluebird 13
American Robin 2
Cedar Waxwing 11
House Sparrow 36
Evening Grosbeak 13
House Finch 14
Red Crossbill 7
Pine Siskin 59
American Goldfinch 124
Snow Bunting 1
American Tree Sparrow 6
Dark-eyed Junco 59
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 18
Date: 12/31/25 8:50 am From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] Yardbirds in Croydon
I have 8 to 11 evening grosbeaks that have persisted for 5 days. Yesterday I had 50 plus goldfinches descend on me. And I am having titmice, Hairy and Downey woodpeckers, chickadees, mourning doves, blue jays, white breasted nut hatch, junco's and 11 turkeys.
Date: 12/30/25 3:50 pm From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] A Notable Winter Feeder Day in Lyme
Today's Acorn Hill Rd. feeder activity was notable not only for the number of species observed (13) but for the numbers of individuals recorded therein. The evening grosbeaks continue, a season high seven black-capped chickadees were present and a visit from two, adult male eastern bluebirds was unexpected but much appreciated.
Here's a link to the day's eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S291160470 Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 12/30/25 1:47 pm From: Tom McShane <tetamcfam...> Subject: [NHBirds] Redpolls in Hebron
While at an event at Grey Rocks Conservation Area today, we observed three Redpolls along with some goldfinch and a few other species. The recent addition of bird feeders at the conservation center should help in attracting some additional species. Link to the Ebird list with some photos. eBird Checklist - 30 Dec 2025 - Grey Rocks Conservation Area, Hebron - 8 species <https://ebird.org/checklist/S291225190>
Date: 12/30/25 7:15 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hampstead Unofficial Xmas Bird Count
Hampstead Xmas Bird Count
December 25 2025
Participants: Al & Linda Maley, Bob Preble
Comments:
Most water frozen, no finches or half-hardies, plus cold weather before and
on count day made for a challenging count .Best birds were a kingfisher and
a Great Blue Heron associated with bits of open water in the Sawmill Swamp.
Robins were missed for the first time, White-throated Sparrows were
hunkered down somewhere unknown and the daily Cooper’s Hawk after the
feeder birds was missed. Bright spot: sapsuckers seem to have discovered
bird feeders.
The count lasted a half day until we retired to enjoy a fine Christmas
dinner.
Date: 12/30/25 6:34 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks most common bird on Littleton CBC
The 53rd Annual Littleton Christmas Bird Count was held on the Winter Solstice, 21 December 2025. The most observed bird was the Evening Grosbeak with 247 noted. The black-capped Chickadee was second with 238, followed by American Goldfinch with 231. The weather was mild at the start with 36 degrees until a cold front moved in at 1000 AM with strong gusty winds and blowing snow. Lakes and ponds were frozen, and streams were mostly frozen. The lack of natural food such as mountain ash berries, crabapples, and spruce cones was an additional factor in lower than average numbers for this count. We had a small number of redpolls, pine grosbeaks, pine siskins, and purple finches observed during the day. One northern shrike was seen in Bethlehem. We had 33 participants in this years count, the highest number ever.
On another note, plans are being made to hold a Christmas Bird Count in Gorham, NH next year. The count circle center will be the Gorham Town Hall. The circle will include Shelburne, Randolph, Berlin, and south to the Glen House XC Ski Area. The count includes Mt Adams, the second highest mountain in the White Mountains, although I don’t expect any birds or birders above treeline. But Gray Knob Camp is high up on the mountain and could serve as a base to bird the trails in the forest above 3,000 feet for boreal species. We have the required ten people minimum for starting a new count and just need to ensure that the count date does not conflict with the other northern counts.
We have at least 90 evening grosbeaks at our feeders in Jefferson. I have not been able to get them to sit still in the maple trees to accurately count. I fill the four platform feeders three times a day.
Date: 12/29/25 4:40 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: [NHBirds] A simple observation of a Ruffed grouse sampling ice encased food
This bird has been here recently and successfully eaten cranberries out my kitchen window.
Today it flew directly to same bush today - but totally unsuccessful. Berries encased in ice, though it tried to eat, and perches slippery. It tried for about 10 minutes then gave up.
I think these freezing rain conditions are really tough on birds especially when temps will plummet to teens tonight and windy.
Date: 12/29/25 8:36 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 29, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 29th,
2025.
The annual Jeffrey’s Ledge Christmas Bird Count was held on December 28th.
Highlights included: 6 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, 84 RAZORBILLS, 1126 DOVEKIES, 3
THICK-BILLED MURRES, 15 COMMON MURRES,142 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 3
ICELAND GULLS, and 1 NORTHERN FULMAR.
Birders on a fishing boat trip to Jeffrey’s Ledge and Old Scantum on
December 23rd. reported seeing a POMARINE JAEGER, 8 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, 24
COMMON MURRES, a THICK-BILLED MURRE, and nearly 500 DOVEKIES
4 BARROW’S GOLDENEYE were seen from 88 Gale Avenue in Laconia on December 24
th, a male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen on Lake Winnisquam on the 26th, and
a pair was seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in Manchester on
the 24th.
2 WOOD DUCKS were seen on Johnston Island in the Connecticut River in
Lebanon on December 27th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at Seabrook Beach on December 27th.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Rochester, and 1 was seen in Dover, both
on several days during the past week.
A MERLIN was seen in Hollis and 1 was seen in Manchester, both on December
23rd.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
December 28th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on
December 25th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen in Rochester, and 1 was seen in
Harrisville, both on December 28th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Martin Park exit along Iron Works Road in
Concord on December 28th.
13 SNOW BUNTINGS were seen at Silver Ranch Airport in Jaffrey on December 28
th.
2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on December 28th.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at the Somersworth Wastewater Treatment Facility
on December 26th.
A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen in Walpole on December 28th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen in North Hampton on December 25th, 1 was seen
in Kingston on the 23rd, and 1 was seen in Barrington on the 27th.
A BROWN THRASHER was seen on Kimball Road in Exeter on December 26th.
A GRAY CATBIRD was seen in Durham on December 27th.
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen in Northfield on December 23rd.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on December 27th.
There were multiple reports of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and HERMIT
THRUSHES from scattered locations during the past week.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen in Lancaster on December 23rd.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 110+ in Jefferson.
5 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on December 26th
.
3 FISH CROWS were seen in Salem on December 28th.
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: 12/29/25 5:51 am From: Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> Subject: [NHBirds] Merry Finchmas in Richmond
On the 25th I took a walk on Fish Hatchery Rd. In Richmond from the
powerlines to 32 and back. I saw a mixed flock of 41 goldfinches and Pine
Siskins and a female purple finch.
I also had some uncertain sightings. A flock of 16 birds who flew over who
may be evening grosbeaks but I am not certain due to not being able to get
a good enough look to see details. I also heard a possible red crossbill
however it’s chip calls were not as evenly spaced as usual and varied from
two chips to three, sometimes with a pause before the third.
The Jeffrey's Ledge CBC ran today aboard the Gulf Challenger. Great group, great weather, great birds. Looking forward to next year already. List below.
Date: 12/28/25 9:56 am From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lyme Evening Grosbeaks, Sunday Morning
A flock of a dozen appeared at the feeders about 7:30am. It dispersed after about fifteen minutes, but individuals returned episodically to spar with the blue jays over the sunflower seed.
My wife Nancy got a good photo that can be seen at this work in progress eBird list link: https://ebird.org/checklist/S290765165 Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 12/28/25 9:07 am From: KCerutti <deedemail...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] B-c Chickadee Spring Song
It will be fun to listen and hear the amount of birdsong increase each day
until spring finally arrives. 😊
On Sat, Dec 27, 2025 at 3:04 PM Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...>
wrote:
> I also heard this song by one of my yard chickadees this morning!! Only
> one verse. ;-)
>
> Elaine
> Warren NH
>
>
> On Dec 26, 2025, at 7:40 PM, KC <deedemail...> wrote:
>
> I heard a B-c Chickadee singing its Hey Sweetie "spring song" today. ~in
> Derry
>
> *From Journey North:*
> Daylength, temperature, and limited food all tell a chickadee that it's
> still winter. But they're already singing their spring song--a clear,
> whistled "Hey, sweetie!"
> <https://journeynorth.org/jnorth/sounds/B-cChickadeeSongWaveform.wav> or
> "Spring-time!" Why? Because it takes a chickadee pair a long time to cement
> their pair bond and become physiologically ready for the breeding season.
> They start singing in earnest in January, in February they sing more, and
> in March and April the number of songs goes up even more.
>
> *Birdsong expert, Donald Kroodsma, on B-c C's spring song:*
> “It is the purest of whistles, this promise of spring.”
>
> --
> 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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> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<03305717-8369-4df7-b8d8-bd263836dbedn...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<03305717-8369-4df7-b8d8-bd263836dbedn...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
Washington St. yard Evening Grosbeak 1 continuing Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy WP 1 Dark-eyed Junco 17 American Goldfinch 3 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 N. Cardinal 4 Blue Jay 2 Carolina Wren 1 White-throated Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 2 Chipping Sparrow 1 House Finch 12 E. Bluebird 4 House Sparrow x European Starling 7
Date: 12/26/25 4:40 pm From: KC <deedemail...> Subject: [NHBirds] B-c Chickadee Spring Song
I heard a B-c Chickadee singing its Hey Sweetie "spring song" today. ~in
Derry
*From Journey North:*
Daylength, temperature, and limited food all tell a chickadee that it's
still winter. But they're already singing their spring song--a clear,
whistled "Hey, sweetie!"
<https://journeynorth.org/jnorth/sounds/B-cChickadeeSongWaveform.wav> or
"Spring-time!" Why? Because it takes a chickadee pair a long time to cement
their pair bond and become physiologically ready for the breeding season.
They start singing in earnest in January, in February they sing more, and
in March and April the number of songs goes up even more.
*Birdsong expert, Donald Kroodsma, on B-c C's spring song:*
“It is the purest of whistles, this promise of spring.”
Date: 12/26/25 8:11 am From: '<dhtucker...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Coastal CBC
The Coastal NH CBC took place on Sat, Dec 20. Forty-two birders and feeder-watchers found 18,209 birds of 104 species. There is also a count week record of Dunlin in Seabrook. The day began cold and windy but finished warmish and sunny. Rain on Friday wiped out snow cover, allowing species like Canada Geese to feed away from Great Bay in open fields. An absence of mergansers on the bay remains a mystery, however. Sea ducks, grebes and loons numbers were low, as in general numbers for species across the board are lowering.
Turkey vulture numbers remain strong, though as with many raptor type birds they may be double counted. Two Black Vultures haunted Kensington. Nineteen Bald Eagles indicate there's food for apex raptors out there. Sixty-eight Red Tailed Hawks declared a war on voles.
Gull numbers overall were low. Only 2 Bonaparte's, and 41 Greater black-backs. No Iceland or Glaucous Gulls.
A bright spot was the presence of 13 owls of 4 species, including 8 Great Horned Owls.
Passerines were fairly well represented by species though less so by number. Mourning Doves counted 165, Blue Jays 136, Tufted Titmouse 272. Eastern Bluebirds continue strong with 316 across the circle, with 85 in Greenland! A few species showed up in very small quantities: 1 Orange-crowned Warbler and a Common Yellowthroat in Hampton; 1 Yellow-breasted Chat in Portsmouth; 2 Pine Warblers in Kensington; and a Lapland Longspur in Seabrook no doubt adopted by larks and snow buntings. Len Medlock poached a Brown Thrasher on Kimball Rd. A Purple Finch and two Brown-headed Cowbirds also graced the Kensington list, along with an octet of Evening Grosbeaks! Overall numbers of Juncos (544) kept pace with Goldfinches (608) with House Finches bringing up the rear (428). American Robins appear to cleared out early this year with a count of only 84.
Many thanks to everyone who helped out with the count! A few extra thanks to Steve Mesick, May Buckingham and Emily who blanketed Hampton Falls, and added a Winter Wren to the count. And blessings to Caitlin Milhomme of Kingston, who, with her two boys aged 10 and 11, did some very useful counting in the Exeter area.
No thanks to the Urban Forestry Center this year however, as they neglected to send me the code to access the building for the annual compilation pot-luck dinner. Hopefully we can find somewhere more reliable to hold the compilation in the future.
Lastly, I now will hand over the compilership to Ben Griffith who will lead next year's effort. The CBC is becoming more technical with computer related "improvements" that I think he will be able to better navigate than can a dinosaur like me. Right on, Ben!
If anyone would like to receive a copy of the excel spreadsheet for the count please just let me know.
Two males we're here this morning. I saw them for 10 minutes but they could have been here longer. I have not had any and I'm pretty sure, for 10 to 20 years. I've had rose-breasted grosbeaks more recently. They were eating black oil sunflower seeds on the ground with the Blue Jays. So I put up a tray feeder in hopes that they will come back. Such brilliant colors. What a lovely Christmas gift.
Date: 12/25/25 5:40 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jefferson Evening Grosbeaks
On the morning of December 24th we had 112 Evening Grosbeaks, that I counted in trees, at our feeders in Jefferson. This was after a five inch snowfall overnight. The grosbeaks patiently wait like vultures in trees as I clean and fill the feeders each morning. We usually fill the feeders three times a day. American goldfinch numbers were an estimated 45, as they are harder to count. We also have a couple of tree sparrows, juncos, and purple finches. I have seen more redpolls out in the woods and I sense those numbers are increasing too. Two birder friends in the Northeast Kingdom have both reported over 200 evening grosbeaks on some mornings, and both use big platform feeders to handle these numbers. I am hopeful that evening grosbeaks will continue to move southward for others to enjoy.
Date: 12/24/25 5:34 am From: 'evyn' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Coastal CBC
anyone still recording? There's a Baltimore oriole in Kingston.
Evy Nathan
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 9:41:35 AM UTC-5 <dhtu......> wrote:
> With 92% of precincts reporting, the tally for the Coastal CBC stands at
> 100 species. I'll share more in depth once the picture is complete.
> Dave Tucker, compiler
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
> Get Outlook for Android <https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg> >
Date: 12/24/25 1:50 am From: 'Evelyn Nathan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Abridged summary of - 4 updates in 4 topics
I rarely see unusual birds at my feeders, but one caught my eye yesterday. An oriole? Can’t be! Yet it turned out to be a female Baltimore oriole . She was gorging on mealworms all day into dusk. Photos are on Birdwatchers of NH FB page and at Flickr at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/202720219@N07/55001818807/in/dateposted-public <https://www.flickr.com/photos/202720219@N07/55001818807/in/dateposted-public> On the down side, Ebird keeps kicking my observation out and won't allow me to report it. I sent them a message.
Nice early Christmas present, though I feel bad for her being here now!
Someone on FB said one has been seen in Hampstead, too. Wonder if it’s the same bird.
Evy Nathan
Kingston
Date: 12/23/25 12:51 pm From: Christian Martin <cmartin...> Subject: [NHBirds] Partial runs of Bird Journals ... free to good home
Hello all - I'm cleaning house and looking to part with the following partial sets of bird research publications: Journal of Raptor Research Vol 31(3)-47(4), 1997-2013 Journal of Field Ornithology Vol 63(1)-78(4), 1992-2007 NH Bird Records Vol 9(1) Spring 1990-Vol 43(4) Winter 2024-25 Contact me at <cmartin...><mailto:<cmartin...> or at <chris.martin59...><mailto:<chris.martin59...> , if interested. Happy Holidays! - Chris
Chris Martin Conservation Biologist New Hampshire Audubon 84 Silk Farm Road Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603.224.9909, x317 Email: <cmartin...><mailto:<cmartin...> Web: www.nhaudubon.org<http://www.nhaudubon.org/> [Audubon-logo_800pxX800_web] Protecting NH's natural environment for wildlife and for people.
Date: 12/23/25 6:41 am From: dhtucker via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Coastal CBC
With 92% of precincts reporting, the tally for the Coastal CBC stands at 100 species. I'll share more in depth once the picture is complete. Dave Tucker, compiler Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android
Date: 12/22/25 7:39 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 22, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 22nd,
2025.
Birders on a fishing boat trip to Jeffrey’s Ledge and Old Scantum reported
seeing 2 COMMON MURRES, a THICK-BILLED MURRE, and nearly 500 DOVEKIES on
December 16th.
An immature male KING EIDER, first reported from Rye Harbor State Park on
December 10th, continues to be seen, and was last reported on the 17th, and
an adult male KING EIDER was seen offshore between New Castle and the Isles
of Shoals on the 18th.
20 HARLEQUIN DUCKS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on December 18th, and 1
was seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on the 20th.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen from 88 Gale Avenue in Laconia on
December 16th, a male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen near the Granite Street
Bridge on the Merrimack River in Manchester on the 16th, and a pair was
seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in Manchester on the 20th.
2 WOOD DUCKS and 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen on Johnston Island in the
Connecticut River in Lebanon on December 17th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Errol December 18th.
1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Rochester on several days during the past
week.
There was an unconfirmed report of 2 GOLDEN EAGLES from Lempster Mountain
Road in Lempster on December 18th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen on Star Island, one of the Isles Shoals, on
December 18th, and 1 was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on December
20th.
2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on
December 17th.
An OVENBIRD was seen in Litchfield on December 17th.
A PALM WARBLER was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on December 20th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen in Rochester, December 21st.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at a private residence in Raymond on
December 19th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Martin Park exit along Iron Works Road in
Concord on December 21st.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at the Somersworth Wastewater Treatment Facility
on December 20th.
A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, and 1
was seen on Greenland, all on December 20th.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was seen in Marlborough on December 20th.
A BROWN THRASHER was seen on Kimball Road in Exeter on December 20th.
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen in Northfield on December 19th.
A MARSH WREN was reported from the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut
River on December 21st.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on December 17th.
There were multiple reports of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and HERMIT
THRUSHES from scattered locations during the past week.
15 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen in Pittsburg on December 20th.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 50+ in Jefferson.
2 RED CROSSBILLS were reported from Walpole on December 20th.
15 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on December 14
th.
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: 12/22/25 7:35 am From: eric masterson <erictheirish...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jeffreys Ledge CBC tomorrow
Late notice (just heard from the boat captain). There is a good window tomorrow morning, leaving from New Castle dock at 7:30am. Please let me know by 5pm whether you can make it. Cost will be $100 pp or less depending on how many can join, up to 22 max.
Our team, led by Dave Tucker, had a great day of birding for the Kensington CBC. Our total was 50 species, on the high end historically for our count. We divided up sections of the count circle and were able to cover a bit more territory. Though some of our traditional spots were fairly quiet, there were pockets of good bird activity. We were excited to find a flock of eight Evening Grosbeaks. Other notable finds were a Red-shouldered Hawk, Black Vulture (2), Brown-headed Cowbird (2), and Pine Warbler (2). Our total of nine Brown Creepers is a probable high count for our sector. Red-winged Blackbirds at a total of 33 were another high count.
We were joined this year by Ashton Almeida whose expertise in birding the Seabrook Town Forest, part of our circle, made him a great addition to the team. Ashton and George Gavutis spent mid-day birding an area in Kensington known as the Cove and added a number of species to our count. Thanks to Dave Tucker for organizing us and the entire coastal CBC. It was a beautiful day to be out.
Katie Towler for the Kensington team
Portsmouth, NH
Other team members:
Dave Tucker
Jim Sparrell
Ashton Almeida
George Gavutis
50 Species
Canada Goose 104
Mallard 277
American Black Duck 22
Wild Turkey 79
Mourning Dove 36
American Herring Gull 7
Black Vulture 2
Turkey Vulture 13
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper’s Hawk 2
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 6
Great Horned Owl 1
Barred Owl 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 9
Downy Woodpecker 16
Hairy Woodpecker 4
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 5
Blue Jay 26
American Crow 71
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 57
Tufted Titmouse 32
Golden-crowned Kinglet 12
White-breasted Nuthatch 22
Brown Creeper 9
Carolina Wren 7
European Starling 36
Northern Mockingbird 4
Eastern Bluebird 30
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 18
Cedar Waxwing 1
House Sparrow 76
Evening Grosbeak 8
House Finch 36
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 81
American Tree Sparrow 27
Dark-eyed Junco 91
White-throated Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 33
Brown-headed Cowbird 2
Pine Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 38
Date: 12/21/25 2:11 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rye North on coastal CBC
Happy Solstice!
As others have already reported, yesterday was the Seacoast CBC, on which Unity and I cover the area east of Route 1 and between Rye Harbor and Odiorne.
We ended up with 59 species. Nothing terribly noteworthy except the RC Kinglets (see below), and as Steve noted numbers of landbirds were low. Because this territory has shifted around and been subdivided over the years I don't have easy comparisons to the past, but comments are provided in the list below:
Canada Goose 28 Mallard 77 American Black Duck 8 Common Eider 41 Surf Scoter 93 White-winged Scoter 19 Black Scoter 10 Long-tailed Duck 21 Bufflehead 8 Common Goldeneye 33 Hooded Merganser 9 Common Merganser 1 Red-breasted Merganser 28 Wild Turkey 1 Rock Pigeon 6 Mourning Dove 9 Black Guillemot 1 (almost the last bird of the day - in the fading light from south of Odiorne Ring-billed Gull 2 American Herring Gull 86 Great Black-backed Gull 2 (geeting scarce on the CBC in this area in the last few years) Red-necked Grebe 14 Horned Grebe 18 (seemed a bit more common than usual) Red-throated Loon 6 (also more common than usual - twice inthe last month I've been down at Plum Island and had double-digits from Parking Lot #1) Common Loon 14 Great Cormorant 2 Turkey Vulture 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 (with the compilation cancelled, I had a bit of extra time for owling, and this little guy was in a usual spot along Bracket Road) Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 (opted out of serious owling due to the morning wind, but my first bird of the day was this one from a stand of hemlocks at Sea Glass Lane in Rye) Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpecker 12 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 1 Blue Jay 9 (very low, making me wonder how locally patchy the acorn crop has been) American Crow 31 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 29 (extremely low, and we spent a LOT of time walking in various wooded areas in the interior of Rye) Tufted Titmouse 13 Horned Lark 5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 (one at Chat Cove at Odiorne, and a second at Seavey Acres Conservation Area in Rye) Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 White-breasted Nuthatch 9 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 3 European Starling 47 Northern Mockingbird 1 (alonst missed, which makes no sense at all) American Robin 0 (they defintely cleared out in December, as did waxwings) Eastern Bluebird 17 House Sparrow 45 House Finch 72 American Goldfinch 53 American Tree Sparrow 2 (hard to find) Dark-eyed Junco 60 White-throated Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow 10 Red-winged Blackbird 11 Northern Cardinal 17
Date: 12/21/25 12:48 pm From: 'Len Medlock' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Tally - Exeter sector of NH Coastal CBC
Covered the home turf once again for this year's NH Coastal Christmas Bird Count (CBC). A brief return home midday for wife's homemade soup powered me through. Nice day to be outside. 39 species ----------- Canada Goose--56 Mallard--278 (Little River never disappoints. Perhaps I stayed a little too long feeling quite ducky there) American Black Duck--9 Green-winged Teal--1 Wild Turkey--11 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)--47 Mourning Dove--23 Ring-billed Gull--13 American Herring Gull--3 Turkey Vulture--16 (last year I had 47!, with 4 Black Vultures!! Alas, they may have found another site) Bald Eagle--1 Red-tailed Hawk--1 Great Horned Owl--2, quite vocal at 3:30AM from Exeter Country Club (been very vocal the past week--neighborhood kids love hearing 'em) Red-bellied Woodpecker--4 Downy Woodpecker--9 Hairy Woodpecker--1 Blue Jay--11 American Crow--9 Common Raven--3 (the resident bird in our 'hood is a riot! Undeterred by crows, it really loves cranking out odd sounds each morning) Black-capped Chickadee--27 Tufted Titmouse--17 Golden-crowned Kinglet--5 White-breasted Nuthatch--3 Red-breasted Nuthatch--1 Carolina Wren--2 European Starling--42 BROWN THRASHER--1 on Kimball Rd. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lmedlock/54996546531/ Northern Mockingbird--1 Eastern Bluebird--9 American Robin--26 House Sparrow--52 House Finch--18 American Goldfinch--17 American Tree Sparrow--8 Dark-eyed Junco--14 White-throated Sparrow--6 Song Sparrow--1 Swamp Sparrow--1 Northern Cardinal--19 Len Exetah, NH
Yesterday, Jane and I covered the "Greenland Sector" of the Coastal, NH
Christmas Bird Count. Other birders were scouring the seacoast region
counting birds in other areas. I've covered this exact same area every
year since 1984! An overall eBird checklist with a map is below.
With Jane and Ethan Ring. Kurk Dorsey couldn't make it this year.
Seasonable weather with very little snow. HOWEVER, the month of
December had been very cold for most of the month with below average
temperatures each day. This changed with very warm weather and a heavy
rain fall in the two days before the count. Winds were strong in the AM
and not good for owls. Great Bay was open with very little ice......it
was iced in along east side a week earlier.
Generally an average to below average count. Despite nice conditions,
some species of ducks were absent and numbers and diversity of land
birds was generally low with a few exceptions. Lowest species total
since 2019 when there was bad weather. Most sparrows were in low
numbers despite the fact that we walked around Great Bay farm back
fields and both fields along Squamscott Road. Continued increase in
sightings of Yellow-belled Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and
Eastern Bluebird.
It was also a big year for Gray Squirrels with a big acorn crop. We
counted 87 Gray Squirrels (and 1 Red Squirrel). Most of these were
counted from just a few neighborhoods.
53 species
-----------------
Canada Goose 698 Less than 100 on Great Bay during the day;
however, 600 were counted at dusk as they flew north up Rt. 108
presumably coming from nearby corn fields to spend the night on the
bay. Recent low counts in 300's during counts with bad visibility. Most
counts since 2000 have been in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 (high of 4,000).
American Wigeon 0 First miss since 2010.
Mallard 1
American Black Duck 290
Greater Scaup 1,000
Lesser Scaup 12 From Great Bay Discovery Center. Maybe more. I
think these are Exeter birds.
Bufflehead 74 New high count for sector. Most from western part of
bay.
Common Goldeneye 155 About 120 from Sunset Farm on eastern shoreline.
Hooded Merganser 0 Only 2nd miss in last 16 years.
Red-breasted Merganser 0 4th miss in last 17 years. ZERO
mergansers of any type on the bay despite excellent visibility and open
water. Scott Heron reports zero from the Newmarket shoreline as well.
Wild Turkey 27 24 of these counted as they dropped down out of
roost trees at dawn right into the road in front of us!
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 124
Mourning Dove 31
Ring-billed Gull 30
American Herring Gull 39
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Adult male. Now uncommon on count.
Cooper's Hawk 4
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 10
Eastern Screech-Owl 0 We tried in morning and again at dusk, but no
luck.
Barred Owl 1 Uncommon to rare in sector. First record since 2007!
More incredible was that this bird was hooting in response to my calls
in mid-morning!
Belted Kingfisher 1
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 4 Ties for high count. Now regular in
winter. First recorded in 2019 and recorded in 6 out of last 7 counts
since then.
Red-bellied Woodpecker 17 2nd highest count.
Downy Woodpecker 33
Hairy Woodpecker 7 Ties high count.
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 8 2nd highest count.
Blue Jay 27
American Crow 21
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 92
Tufted Titmouse 25
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET 1 Becoming more regular on count. Now
recorded in 6 out of the last 10 counts. This bird was seen (once
again!) along Dearborn Road near Brackett Brook.
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 39
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 9
European Starling 312
Northern Mockingbird 14 Highest count since 2001.
Eastern Bluebird 85 Huge count for this increasingly common species
in winter. Shatters the previous high count of 51 in 2020. From 1984
through 1999 (16 years), bluebirds were only recorded in 2 years for a
total of 9 birds in this area.
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 7 Very low as compared to recent years. Lowest
count since 2002 and most recent counts have been in the range of 70 to
700 birds.
Cedar Waxwing 19
House Sparrow 158
House Finch 103
American Goldfinch 46
American Tree Sparrow 20 Low count and continued low trend for this
species.
Dark-eyed Junco 93
White-crowned Sparrow 0 This species has been regular at Great Bay
Farm over the years. This is the first miss since 2016.
White-throated Sparrow 30 A bit on the low side compared to recent
years.
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 23 Lowest count since 2017.
Swamp Sparrow 0 First miss since 2017.
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 Highest count since 1997. 4 along Dearborn
Road near Brackett Brook feeding on poison ivy fruit.
Northern Cardinal 41
Steve & Jane Mirick, and Ethan Ring
Bradford, MA & Beverly Hills, FL
Phil, a very informative CBC report for a vicarious birder like myself. It
really gave me a full picture of how this year’s count fits into the long
term picture. Thanks for all you do. ——Don
On Sun, Dec 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <
<nhbirds...> wrote:
> On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, *a record-high twenty participants
> conducted the 75th annual Pittsburg Christmas Bird Count*. This count was
> started in 1950 and has missed only one year between then and now.
>
> Observers in seven parties covered 203.85 miles, including 22.35 by
> foot/ski, and spent 48.4 party hours in the field. This increased effort
> allowed coverage of Hall Stream Road, which represented about 25% of all
> individuals counted and contributed seven unique species to the overall
> tally. All combined, counters tallied a respectable, above-average *total
> of 36 bird species* on count day. Even with the increased coverage, the* total
> of 1,030 individual birds was well below the recent average.*
>
> Temperatures were on the warm side (between 20-32 F) with partly cloudy to
> cloudy skies and variable winds ranging from calm to 15 mph. Light snow
> fell later in the afternoon. Still water was frozen, while rivers and
> larger streams were partly open. Snow amounts were highly variable, ranging
> from 2” in southern parts of town to 26” of snow in the East Inlet and
> northern Rt. 3 areas.
>
> *No new species* were added to the all-time count list this year, and *no
> additional count week species* were found.
>
> A *record-high count* was noted for just one species: *Wild Turkey (80)*,
> with a *record-tying count* set for *Northern Saw-whet Owl (2)*.
>
> *Irruptives and other northern species* were well-represented, but some
> were generally present in low numbers. These included American Goshawk (2),
> Black-backed Woodpecker (2; first since 2013), Northern Shrike (2), Canada
> Jay (30), Boreal Chickadee (7), Red-breasted Nuthatch (54), Golden-crowned
> Kinglet (20), Snow Bunting (15), Pine Grosbeak (40), Red Crossbill (7),
> Common Redpoll (1), Pine Siskin (2), American Goldfinch (46), and Evening
> Grosbeak (201).
>
> *Black-capped Chickadees (159) posted their lowest totals since 1985*,
> and Boreal Chickadees (7) were also low. Birds were generally sparsely
> distributed through woodlands. Teams reported low single digits of
> chickadees together, and chickadees were more concentrated at feeders.
>
> *The five most numerous bird species* on the count were Evening Grosbeak
> (201), Black-capped Chickadee (159), Wild Turkey (80), Blue Jay (69), and
> American Crow (58). Species seen at least on half of all counts but *missed
> this year* were Mourning Dove, White-winged Crossbill, Purple Finch, and
> House Sparrow.
>
> Mammal observations included a visual observation of an American Marten,
> Ermine, and Snowshoe Hare, among other usual detections of species and
> tracks.
>
> We welcomed *FIVE new participants* to the Pittsburg CBC this year.
> Thanks to ALL the participants who kept this count going strong for yet
> another year:
>
> Chris Martin, Bob Quinn, Glen Chretien, Lori-Ann Chretien, Alan Chretien,
> Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Lori Charron, Paul Charron, Joanne Dionne,
> Tom Young, Dave Young, Ella Young, Jim McCoy, Chris Howe, Craig Repasz,
> Christin Arnini, Dan Gardoqui, and Matt Tarr.
>
> Phil Brown
> Compiler, Pittsburg CBC
> Hancock, NH
>
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>
Date: 12/21/25 7:56 am From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Keene CBC results
Thirty-one observers conductedthe Keene CBC on Sunday, December 14, yielding 6,849 individualsof 59 species. This average tally for recent years is the same speciesnumber as last year’s tally, but 20 species fewer than was found on the prioryear’s record-breaking count day. The total reflects a 20% drop innumbers of individuals from 2024.
Observers in 13 parties logged 86.45 party hours (a 16%decline in hour effort from 2024), covering 485.2 miles (an 8% decline from2024). This includes 41.15 miles by foot, considerably less than last year. Nocturnalbirding was limited to a stationary count of just 15 minutes this year, perhapsattributed to a snowy start.
Temperatures ranged from 21-30 F with calm conditions to a northwestwind blowing up to 15 mph. Snow cover ranged from 2” in lower elevations to 8”at higher elevations to the east. The morning featured cloudy skies and lightsnow, which continued through early-afternoon. Still water was partly open(Spofford Lake was completely open!), and moving water was partly frozen.
One new species was discovered for this count,which has been run continuously since 1983 (and has the distinction of beingNH's first CBC conducted in 1900). This was a Savannah Sparrowseen by Jon Atwood and Polly Pattison at the Dillant-Hopkins Airport. The totalnumber of species documented in count history now stands at 121.
Other species recorded fewer than ten timesin the 43-year history of the count included:
1 Eastern Towhee (2nd count record – Marlboroughby Jane Wing and Wendy Gibbons)
3 Wood Ducks (5th count record – Airportby Jon and Polly)
1 Lesser Scaup (6th count record –Spofford Lake by Phil Brown and Mike Einermann)
3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (7th count record;tallied by three parties)
1 Peregrine Falcon (8th count record – ChickeringFarm by Phil and Mike)
2 Red Crossbills (8th count record – Roxbury byJane and Wendy)
High counts were set for just a singlespecies:
European Starling (1,473) – the most numerous species on thecount this year
Though not records, other notable species were 1 CommonGoldeneye, 1 Common Loon, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 4 Belted Kingfishers, 3Northern Flickers, 50 Carolina Wrens, 3 Hermit Thrushes, 20 Snow Buntings, 2Evening Grosbeaks, and 1 Fox Sparrow.
Count week species were represented bytwo species:
A Yellow-rumped Warbler (5th count record) wasseen by Nate Marchessault and the Monadnock Bird and Nature Club on 12/13 atthe Dillant-Hopkins Airport.
Several Winter Wrens were also tallied during count week.
The five most abundant species were:
European Starling (1,473)
Dark-eyed Junco (775)
Black-capped Chickadee (608)
Blue Jay (448)
American Goldfinch (329)
The biggest 'misses' this year included Great BlueHeron and Horned Lark, although neither is seen on every count.
Thanks to many birders for getting out in their territoriesand working hard to find some great birds on count day and week!
Date: 12/21/25 7:46 am From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pittsburg CBC results
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, a record-high twenty participantsconducted the 75th annual Pittsburg Christmas Bird Count. This count wasstarted in 1950 and has missed only one year between then and now.
Observers in seven parties covered 203.85miles, including 22.35 by foot/ski, and spent 48.4 party hours in thefield. This increased effort allowed coverage of Hall Stream Road, which represented about 25% of all individuals counted and contributed seven unique species to the overall tally. All combined, counters tallied a respectable, above-average total of 36 birdspecies on count day. Even with the increased coverage, the total of 1,030 individual birds was well below therecent average.
Temperatures were on the warm side (between 20-32 F) with partlycloudy to cloudy skies and variable winds ranging from calm to 15 mph. Lightsnow fell later in the afternoon. Still water was frozen, while rivers and largerstreams were partly open. Snow amounts were highly variable, ranging from 2” insouthern parts of town to 26” of snow in the East Inlet and northern Rt. 3areas.
No new species were added to the all-time count listthis year, and no additional count week species were found.
A record-high count was noted for just one species: WildTurkey (80), with a record-tying count set for Northern Saw-whetOwl (2).
Irruptives and other northern species werewell-represented, but some were generally present in low numbers. Theseincluded American Goshawk (2), Black-backed Woodpecker (2; first since 2013),Northern Shrike (2), Canada Jay (30), Boreal Chickadee (7), Red-breastedNuthatch (54), Golden-crowned Kinglet (20), Snow Bunting (15), Pine Grosbeak (40),Red Crossbill (7), Common Redpoll (1), Pine Siskin (2), American Goldfinch (46),and Evening Grosbeak (201).
Black-capped Chickadees (159) posted their lowest totalssince 1985, and Boreal Chickadees (7) were also low. Birds were generallysparsely distributed through woodlands. Teams reported low single digits ofchickadees together, and chickadees were more concentrated at feeders.
The five most numerous bird species on the count wereEvening Grosbeak (201), Black-capped Chickadee (159), Wild Turkey (80), BlueJay (69), and American Crow (58). Species seen at least on half of all countsbut missed this year were Mourning Dove, White-winged Crossbill, PurpleFinch, and House Sparrow.
Mammal observations included a visual observation of anAmerican Marten, Ermine, and Snowshoe Hare, among other usual detections ofspecies and tracks.
We welcomed FIVE new participants to the PittsburgCBC this year. Thanks to ALL the participants who kept this count going strongfor yet another year:
Chris Martin, Bob Quinn, Glen Chretien, Lori-Ann Chretien, AlanChretien, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Lori Charron, Paul Charron, JoanneDionne, Tom Young, Dave Young, Ella Young, Jim McCoy, Chris Howe, Craig Repasz,Christin Arnini, Dan Gardoqui, and Matt Tarr.
Date: 12/20/25 6:48 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Redpolls in Harts Location
I saw my first redpolls of the year while doing the Crawford Notch Christmas Bird Count on Saturday. One group of four redpolls and another of three eating yellow birch seeds on top of the snow. I was in the Dry River Old-Growth Forest in Crawford Notch State Park, in Harts Location. I don’t have a full report of what others saw, but I know one Towhee was seen and photographed, and Pine Grosbeaks were also reported.
Only 4-6 inches of snow at the lower elevations after Fridays rain and warm weather. It was 16 degrees when I started with a North wind 8-12 mph gusting to 15 mph. Aside from the wind, it was a gorgeous day to be outside hiking.
Date: 12/20/25 12:51 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red-shouldered Hawk Feasts on Turkey On the Ratla
An adult Red-shouldered Hawk appeared on the ratla today, just after noon. It seemed to be famished and ate and ate turkey for over an hour. Hopefully it will hang around for the Hampstead Xmas count. on, naturally, Xmas day.
Spent a few minutes poking around in fog and rain in preparation for the count tomorrow. Hoping for better weather!
Hampton Beach State Park Dunlin 2 seen near grassy area on eastern edge of parking lot Horned Lark 40+ looking pretty wet Am. Herring Gull x Great Black-backed Gull x
Hampton Transfer Station (limited access) Snow Goose 1 continuing (seen by Jane and Steve Mirick previously) Bird has a band. Odd location.
Each December I check my dozen Barred Owl nest boxes in Hampstead and 2 or
3 will have a gray squirrel nest in it that I remove. But last year’s
bumper mast crop produced a horde of gray squirrels that are desperately
looking for a place to live and food to eat after this year’s mast crop
failure. Anyone in the area who has a bird feeder will have up to a dozen
or more squirrels at it.
It must be that the owls are busy doing other stuff when the squirrels are
ripping off branches with leaves to stuff in the nest boxes. If they manage
to put enough sticks in the box the owls can’t nest in them. So yesterday
there was one small reward for our eviction efforts. Bob Preble and I
cleaned out a nest box that had two squirrels inside it and another hopeful
squirrel high up in the tree. I was not encouraged, but this morning Linda
was hiking in the area and saw the curve of a Barred Owl head facing out
the entrance. Maybe now is the time when the owls get serious about nest
defense.
This year’s mast crop failure may mean spotty owl nesting next Spring.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
Date: 12/17/25 4:16 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Wednesday afternoon on the coast
Rye Harbor SP, Snow Bunting foraging with the Horned Lark,
https://ebird.org/checklist/S289018107 with photos...
Common Eider 10
Surf Scoter 2
Horned Lark 20
Snow Bunting 7
Odiorne Point, eBird indicated the count of Brant was unusually high, good
thing I take pictures, https://ebird.org/checklist/S289017111 with photos...
Brant 8
Common Eider 9
Bufflehead 2
Common Goldeneye 2
Red-Breasted Merganser 5
Ring-Billed Gull 12
Great Black-Backed Gull 1
Red-Necked Grebe 6
Common Loon 2
Black-Capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 1
Eastern Bluebird 3
American Tree Sparrow 1
Dark-Eyed Junco 8
Pine Warbler 1
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 12/15/25 4:55 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson and Pondicherry 25th Anniversary
The number of Evening Grosbeaks at our feeders in Jefferson on Monday morning was 46. The numbers seem to have stabilized between 40 and 50. But it is entirely possible that we get multiple flocks during the day. The only other sizable species of bird present is the American Goldfinch at 35 today. We have two tree sparrows, two juncos, plus the red and white-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, mourning doves, blue jays, and a brown creeper every so often. A Jefferson resident saw 5 Pine Grosbeaks collecting grit on Ingerson Road on Sunday. We have 12 inches of snow on the ground.
Monday 22 December marks the 25th Anniversary of the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge. That first acquisition by the US Fish and Wildlife Service was marked by the arrival of a Northern Hawk Owl that brought good tidings and stayed for 79 days. Today this refuge is over 10 square miles in size and protects valuable wetland habitat. The ten miles of trails are maintained by volunteers and several birding events occur here each year. The refuge is a conservation partnership with NH Audubon, NH Fish and Game, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Date: 12/15/25 9:56 am From: 'Susan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bedford feeder new arrivals
Two new birds showed up to the feeders this morning! A Beautiful male Evening Grosbeak and a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker. Rare visitors. We continue to have about 8 blue birds on the meal worm feeder and lately, a Carolina wren. All the usual winter/ year round birds are present too. Conspicuosly absent is the Red Bellied Woodpecker. Susan Hunter
Date: 12/15/25 9:39 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 15, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 15th,
2025.
An immature male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD has been seen visiting a birdfeeder on
a daily basis at a private residence in Stoddard since mid-October, and was
last reported on December 14th.
Birders on fishing boat trip to Jeffrey’s Ledge and Old Scantum reported 20
NORTHERN FULMARS, 1 ATLANTIC PUFFIN, and over 400 DOVEKIES on December 9th.
An immature male KING EIDER, first reported from Rye Harbor State Park on
December 10th, continues to be seen, and was last reported on the 14th.
3 male BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were reported from 88 Gale Avenue in Laconia on
December 13th. A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen at the Granite Street
Bridge on the Merrimack River in Manchester on December 14th.
2 WOOD DUCKS and 2 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were seen on Johnston Island in the
Connecticut River in Lebanon on December 13th. A WOOD DUCK was seen at
Gilman Park in Exeter, and 1 was seen at Little River in Exeter, both on
December 13th and 14th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on December 8th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at Appledore Avenue in North Hampton on December
13th.
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Exeter on December 13th.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Piermont on December 9th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
December 14th.
2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on
December 13th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen in Harrisville, and 1 was seen in
Rochester, both on December 14th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen along Iron Works Road in Concord on December 15th.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at the Somersworth Wastewater Treatment Facility
on December 14th.
A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
December 13th, and 1 was seen at the White Sands Conservation Area in
Pembroke on December 14th.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was seen in Marlborough on December 14th.
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen in Northfield on December 13th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPCKER was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on December 11
th, and a CAROLINA WREN was reported from the same site on the 12th.
There were multiple reports of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and HERMIT
THRUSHES from scattered locations during the past week.
A flock of 8 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen on the Mount Moosilauke Ravine Lodge
Road on December 13th.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 50+ in Jefferson.
A RED CROSSBILL was reported from Concord on December 14th.
12 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on December 14
th.
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!
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dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
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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
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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: 12/10/25 6:42 am From: 'Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Event - Book Signing with Nick Komar This Sunday
The Komar brothers, Nicholas and Oliver, grew up in Newton birding with the Brookline Bird Club back in the 1970’s. Herman d’Entremont and I accompanied them on many field trips. Nick Komar now lives in Colorado and was president of the Colorado Field Ornithologists when he retired to undertake a quest to find 900 birds in 2023 in the USA and its Territories. An amazing fete despite being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease back in 2004.
Nick will be back in Massachusetts this month to participate in the Christmas Bird Count and to promote his book “The Biggest Year in American Birding” which will be available at Bird Watcher’s Supply & Gift in Newburyport. Nick will be there to sign and personalize books on Sunday, December 14 from 1-3pm. Do stop by to say hello to Nick!
Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift
45 Storey Ave
Newburyport, MA 01950
<Birdwsg...>
978-462-0775
We had 6 Evening Grosbeaks drop by yesterday afternoon. Not sure how long they were at feeder, but discovered them and they shortly flew off. They did not return.
Date: 12/9/25 5:22 am From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday December 10, 2025 7 PM ZOOM Program - Wildlife Adaptations in Winter***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Wednesday December 10, 2025 7 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) Zoom Program - Wildlife Adaptations in Winter
Note: This is a program change from the previous published December program.
Wildlife use various strategies to survive our cold winters, including migration, hibernation, and adaptation. We will examine these strategies for local wildlife, focusing on the adaptation strategies of ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, beaver, moose, and others. We will discuss the role of snow and snowpack, the trigger mechanism for shorter daylight hours on the hypothalamus, and plant adaptations in winter.
Bio: The speaker is David Govatski from Jefferson, NH. David retired after a 33-year career with the US Forest Service and now works as a Naturalist in New England and a ship naturalist in Alaska.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday December 10, 2025 program via Zoom. The Zoom program Meeting begins promptly at 7 PM. You may need to download Zoom (https://zoom.us/download) to attend the program.
Please register in advance for this meeting. You can register right up through the start time by clicking on this next word: REGISTER
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Date: 12/8/25 3:11 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 8, 2025.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 8th,
2025.
An immature male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD has been seen visiting a birdfeeder on
a daily basis at a private residence in Stoddard since mid-October, and was
last reported on December 8th.
30 SANDHILL CRANES were seen at the UNH Main Campus on December 3rd, and 3
were seen at Bodwell Farm in East Kingston on the 4th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen soaring overhead in Sandwich on December 3rd.
Birders on fishing boat trip to Jeffrey’s Ledge and Old Scantum reported a
POMARINE JAEGER, 4 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, and over 1,000 DOVEKIES on December 7th
.
2 male BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were reported from Laconia on December 5th, and
a female was seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in Manchester on
the 6th.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK continues to be seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton and
was last reported on December 6th, and another 1 was seen from Little
Boar’s Head in North Hampton on the 7th.
A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was seen at the Wilder Dam Reservoir in Lebanon on
December 3rd.
A male NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen on the Connecticut River below the
Bellow’s Falls dam in Walpole on December 7th.
An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen in Plaistow on December 3rd, and a SPOTTED
SANDPIPER was seen at Little Boar’s Head in North Hampton on the 7th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at the Town Landing in Newmarket on December 6th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen just south of Odiorne Point State Park on December
7th.
A BLACK VULTURE was seen on Donna Drive in Exeter on December 7th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
December 7th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
December 6th, and 2 were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton also on the 6
th.
A PALM WARBLER was seen at the intersection of Route 1A and Central Road in
Rye on December 3rd.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at the Somersworth Wastewater Treatment Facility
on December 7th.
A HERMIT THRUSH was seen in Concord on December 8th.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was seen in Rye on December 1st.
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen in Northfield on December 8th.
2 MARSH WRENS were seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut River
on December 4th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Northumberland on December 4th.
A GRAY CATBIRD was seen in Wilton on December 4th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPCKER was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on December 3
rd.
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Rochester, 1 was seen in Greenland,
1 was seen in Salem, and 1 was seen in Raymond, all during the past week.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen at a private residence in Windham on
December 2nd.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 50+ in Jefferson.
2 RED CROSSBILLS were seen in Stoddard on December 5th.
11 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on December 4th
.
3 CHIPPING SPARROWS were seen in Hampton on December 4th.
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: 12/8/25 1:29 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the Shoals Count invite but I will not be available this year.
Have good weather and a great day!
Happy Holidays and see you up north soon.
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
On Friday, December 5, 2025 at 03:08:42 PM EST, Benjamin Griffith <bgriffith...> wrote:
It's once again time to sign up for the Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count. In keeping with past years, we're casting a broad net on our date, and will pick a good weather day when it comes along, I'll send out a bunch of emails and make phone calls to try to fill the boat, and we'll split the cost evenly among participants. My plan is to use the Shining Star for the trip, as people with opinions overwhelmingly preferred the boat over the Gulf Challenger. Based on feedback from last year's trip, I'm going to slightly decrease the number of people on board, and I'm hoping to keep the trip at or below $100 per person.
By filling out the form below, you are under no obligation to attend on days that you identify as available. Likewise, saying you're available doesn't guarantee a spot, but I intend to run down the list in the order that you sign up. You'll receive a few emails in the days leading up to the trip and it will give me a list of people to contact if and when the trip goes. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
I've picked essentially every day that I'm not otherwise busy as a potential weather day, which can be found in the form below. As in previous years, the trip will likely last about 5-6 hours and we'll spend about an hour on Star Island and visit the waters around the Isles of Shoals and Boone Island. The exact timing may depend on tides, as nearly every aspect of this trip is better at high tide.
Hope to see you this winter!
https://forms.gle/SLoJmr6chkeeiShk8 Ben GriffithSomersworth, NH
