Date: 10/13/25 3:04 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, October 13, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 13th,
2025.
3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen at Lackie Farm in Bath on October 10th.
2 BLACK-BILLED PLOVERS were seen at fields on Route 155A in Durham on
October 8th.
2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS
were seen at the Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area on October 8th.
A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen at Pickering
Ponds in Rochester during the past week.
2 RAZORBILLS, 23 RED-THROATED LOONS, and 13 LAUGHING GULLS were seen along
the coast on October 12th.
A CORY’S SHEARWATER was seen at Jeffrey’s Ledge on October 10th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at Grey Rocks Conservation Area in Hebron on October
9th.
3 CACKLING GEESE were seen along Roberts Road in Rollinsford on October 12th
.
A juvenile LECONTE’S SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 7th.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 12th.
2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 11th, and
1 was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on the 12th.
A NELSON’S SPARROW was seen at Airport Road in Keene on October 7th.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 7th, and 1
was seen at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on the 11th.
A VESPER SPARROW was seen at Reed Road in Colebrook on October 12th.
A FOX SPARROW was seen in Bartlett on October 9th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Seabrook Town Forest & Wellfield on October 8th, 1
was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, 2 were seen at Goss Farm in
Rye on the 11th, 2 were seen at Star Island on the 10th, and 1 was seen at
Holly Avenue in Manchester on October 12th and 13th.
2 WHITE-EYED VIREOS were seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October
10th and 1 was seen at the Dover Community Trail on October 12th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury on
October 10th.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen in Durham on October 10th.
A TENNESSEE WARBLER was seen in Freedom, 1 was seen in Rye, and 1 was seen
in Rochester, all during the past week.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was seen in Gorham, 1 was seen in Rye, and 1 was seen
at Star Island, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN PARULA was seen at Star Island, several were seen in Rye, 1 was
seen in Durham, and 1 was seen in Hampton.
A MAGNOLIA WARBLER was seen in Hampton, 1 was seen in Charlestown, 1 was
seen in Durham, 1 was seen in Portsmouth, and 1 was seen on Star Island.
A BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER was seen in Durham on October 10th.
3 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen flying low over Wheelock Park in Keene on
October 12th.
2 BOBOLINKS were seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 11th, and 1 was seen
at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on the 12th.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was reported from Pondicherry National Wildlife
Refuge in Jefferson on October 11th.
An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was seen at Charlestown on October 11th. An EASTERN
KINGBIRD was seen in Concord on the 10th, a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was seen
in Hampton on the 9th, a WARBLING VIREO was seen in Sandwich on the 10th,
and a RED-EYED VIREO was seen in Andover on the 12th.
A TREE SWALLOW was seen in TUFTONBORO on October 11th.
A SCARLET TANAGER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October
10th.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen in Durham on October 8th, 1 was seen in
Antrim on the 10th, and 1 was seen in Concord on the 8th.
2 NORTHERN HOUSE WRENS were seen in Madbury on October 13th, and 1 was seen
in Seabrook on the 11th, A MARSH WREN was seen in Manchester on the 12th,
and a CAROLINA WREN was seen in Lancaster on the 10th. Far north!
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Claremont on October 7th, 2 were seen in
Durham on the 8th, and 1 was seen in Lee on the 8th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SHORT-EARED OWL heard in Grantham on
October 10th.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 7,700 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
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 birding6
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: 10/13/25 6:12 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] The passing of Don Stokes
Lousy, rotten news. I will miss him.
I can confirm he was a regular at the Pack Monadnock hawkwatch for
several years -- the first few years I went there, that would be
2005-10, he and Lillian were often there on the occasions that I was
able to get there.
-- Jon Woolf
Manchester, NH
On 10/12/2025 7:03 PM, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds wrote:
> It is with great sadness that I post the passing of Don Stokes. Don
> and Lillian lived in SW New Hampshire in latter years and for a while
> and I believe were somewhat regular on Pack Monadnock. I can not add
> to the fantastic tribute given to him by his wife Lillian.
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
>> 10/7/25 - On a beautiful October day, after a
>> harvest-full-moon-Great-Horned-Owls-calling night, my beloved
>> husband, Don, age 78, died, then a Raven flew over my head. After
>> a long 9-year decline, Don died of Lewy Body Dementia in a
>> dementia facility he had been in for three plus years. I was with
>> him in the afternoon, and even though he was unconscious, I think
>> he heard me when I asked for two things: that he wait to die
>> until my daughter got there (she did, and my son had visited in
>> the morning) and that he send me a Raven, his favorite bird,
>> after he died. After I had visited him, I had to run an errand,
>> and my daughter, who was with him, then called to say he was
>> gone. I drove back, and when I pulled into the parking lot and
>> got out of the car, a Raven swooped down, flew low right over my
>> head, and landed briefly on a nearby building, and then was gone.
>> Rest in peace, Don, may you fly with the Ravens.
>>
>> You all know him as a loving, kind, humorous, gifted teacher and
>> deeply spiritually connected to nature. In place of a formal
>> obit, let me tell you some things about Don you may or may not know.
>>
>> Don was born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family and went to
>> Germantown Friends School, then Swarthmore College, majoring in
>> Comparative Religions. He was a talented musician who could sing,
>> play the piano, and was an excellent tabla hand drum player. He
>> even spent time in Calcutta, India, studying with a tabla guru there.
>>
>> After college, Don moved to Berkeley, California, and in the
>> hills kept careful and beautiful journals of the nature he
>> encountered. He soon realized he was seeing things that little
>> was known about. That planted the seed that later led him to
>> begin writing about nature. After returning to Massachusetts, he
>> taught at the Warehouse Cooperative School, where he met Bill
>> Phillips, an editor at Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, whose
>> daughter attended the school. Bill accepted Don's first book,
>> Nature in Winter, and went on to become Don's editor for many years.
>>
>> Don then began teaching at the Massachusetts Audubon Society and
>> was in the process of writing a bird behavior guide when he met
>> Lillian (already an avid hawk-watcher who came from a background
>> in animal behavior and psychiatric social work), who took his
>> course on Bird Behavior. As they say, the rest is history. Don
>> and Lillian got married and over more than 30 years produced 35
>> Stokes Guides, including 3 volumes on bird behavior (instrumental
>> in introducing a holistic approach to birds), backyard books such
>> as the Bird Feeder, Hummingbird, and Bluebird books, beginner's
>> guides, and the national The Stokes Field Guide to Birds of North
>> America. Stokes' books have sold over 6 million copies. Don and
>> Lillian produced and hosted the first PBS national television
>> series on birds, Birdwatch with Don and Lillian Stokes, as well
>> as Stokes Birds at Home, which 40 million viewers saw. They gave
>> keynote talks and taught at birding festivals and Audubon
>> societies across the country for many years. They were Duck Stamp
>> Judges and received a Partners in Flight National Conservation
>> Award. Don belonged to many nature and conservation
>> organizations, including the Nuttall Ornithological Club.
>>
>> Befitting his beautiful, spiritual side, Don was a student of
>> Haiku poetry, writing it for many years. Here is a fitting example.
>>
>> Entering the wilds
>>
>> Equipped to look at nature –
>>
>> Wait! I am nature.
>>
>> Don will be buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in MA (a famous birding
>> hotspot) on Goldfinch Path (how fitting!!). There will be a
>> private family Celebration of Life as per his wishes. If you
>> would like to do something in remembrance of Don, send a
>> contribution to the nature, birding, or conservation organization
>> of your choice. Thank you.
>>
>> Lillian Stokes
>>
>>
>
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Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Katrina Fenton
Visitors: 70. Nice number of visitors for a foggy day. Hello to John and Eric!
Weather: The summit was covered in fog all morning. It remained foggy throughout mid-day, and then a light drizzle finally ended the count. Wind was from the northeast and temperatures were in the low forties. There was visibility to North Pack for one very brief moment.
Raptor Observations: Despite the fog, we managed to observe one sharpie and one Merlin moving through. Both were easily seen with the unaided eye.
Non-raptor Observations: The White-throated Sparrows and chipmunks were eagerly awaiting our arrival as it meant lunch was served. A Blue Jay also appreciated the birdseed we put out. Purple Finches and Pine Siskins occasionally flew over in the fog or landed in nearby conifers.
Predictions: Cloudy and windy tomorrow with showers expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/12/25 4:03 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] The passing of Don Stokes
It is with great sadness that I post the passing of Don Stokes. Don and
Lillian lived in SW New Hampshire in latter years and for a while and I
believe were somewhat regular on Pack Monadnock. I can not add to the
fantastic tribute given to him by his wife Lillian.
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
> 10/7/25 - On a beautiful October day, after a
> harvest-full-moon-Great-Horned-Owls-calling night, my beloved
> husband, Don, age 78, died, then a Raven flew over my head. After
> a long 9-year decline, Don died of Lewy Body Dementia in a
> dementia facility he had been in for three plus years. I was with
> him in the afternoon, and even though he was unconscious, I think
> he heard me when I asked for two things: that he wait to die until
> my daughter got there (she did, and my son had visited in the
> morning) and that he send me a Raven, his favorite bird, after he
> died. After I had visited him, I had to run an errand, and my
> daughter, who was with him, then called to say he was gone. I
> drove back, and when I pulled into the parking lot and got out of
> the car, a Raven swooped down, flew low right over my head, and
> landed briefly on a nearby building, and then was gone. Rest in
> peace, Don, may you fly with the Ravens.
>
> You all know him as a loving, kind, humorous, gifted teacher and
> deeply spiritually connected to nature. In place of a formal obit,
> let me tell you some things about Don you may or may not know.
>
> Don was born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family and went to
> Germantown Friends School, then Swarthmore College, majoring in
> Comparative Religions. He was a talented musician who could sing,
> play the piano, and was an excellent tabla hand drum player. He
> even spent time in Calcutta, India, studying with a tabla guru there.
>
> After college, Don moved to Berkeley, California, and in the hills
> kept careful and beautiful journals of the nature he encountered.
> He soon realized he was seeing things that little was known about.
> That planted the seed that later led him to begin writing about
> nature. After returning to Massachusetts, he taught at the
> Warehouse Cooperative School, where he met Bill Phillips, an
> editor at Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, whose daughter
> attended the school. Bill accepted Don's first book, Nature in
> Winter, and went on to become Don's editor for many years.
>
> Don then began teaching at the Massachusetts Audubon Society and
> was in the process of writing a bird behavior guide when he met
> Lillian (already an avid hawk-watcher who came from a background
> in animal behavior and psychiatric social work), who took his
> course on Bird Behavior. As they say, the rest is history. Don and
> Lillian got married and over more than 30 years produced 35 Stokes
> Guides, including 3 volumes on bird behavior (instrumental in
> introducing a holistic approach to birds), backyard books such as
> the Bird Feeder, Hummingbird, and Bluebird books, beginner's
> guides, and the national The Stokes Field Guide to Birds of North
> America. Stokes' books have sold over 6 million copies. Don and
> Lillian produced and hosted the first PBS national television
> series on birds, Birdwatch with Don and Lillian Stokes, as well as
> Stokes Birds at Home, which 40 million viewers saw. They gave
> keynote talks and taught at birding festivals and Audubon
> societies across the country for many years. They were Duck Stamp
> Judges and received a Partners in Flight National Conservation
> Award. Don belonged to many nature and conservation organizations,
> including the Nuttall Ornithological Club.
>
> Befitting his beautiful, spiritual side, Don was a student of
> Haiku poetry, writing it for many years. Here is a fitting example.
>
> Entering the wilds
>
> Equipped to look at nature –
>
> Wait! I am nature.
>
> Don will be buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in MA (a famous birding
> hotspot) on Goldfinch Path (how fitting!!). There will be a
> private family Celebration of Life as per his wishes. If you would
> like to do something in remembrance of Don, send a contribution to
> the nature, birding, or conservation organization of your choice.
> Thank you.
>
> Lillian Stokes
>
>
Date: 10/12/25 3:34 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] 22,960 Cormorants!!! (Massive migration plus some coastal migrants)
Jane and I spent the day on the coast today and got treated to (by far)
my best day ever for Double-crested Cormorants. They unloaded from up
north and we ended up with nearly 23,000 birds. AMAZINGLY, our previous
high count (and highest count previously for NH?) was 10,404 on this
same date of October 12 back in 2013!
Oct 12, 2025 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM
Checklist Comments: Strong coastal storm to our south and strong high pressure to the north combined to give moderate NE winds of 20 to 30 knots. Unfortunately, the wind direction didn't produce many sea birds, but helped to give us an incredible migration of Double-crested Cormorants. Overcast with NE winds and excellent visibility all day except for a brief period of light rain and fog. About 4 hours at Ragged Neck in Rye (with Ben Griffith and Robyn Prieto) and then 3.5 hours at Little Boar's Head.
Count of birds migrating south only except for Razorbills.
----------------------------------------------------------
Brant 1 Close single bird migrating.
Canada Goose 3 Remarkably few migrating.
American Wigeon 1
American Black Duck 7
Northern Pintail 3
Green-winged Teal 23
Common Eider 44
Surf Scoter 97
White-winged Scoter 16
Black Scoter 10
scoter sp. 179
Long-tailed Duck 1 First of fall.
Red-breasted Merganser 8
Razorbill 2 Two birds together flying north. Large alcids with lots of white on face and heavy bill.
Laughing Gull 13 Steady slow trickle in afternoon of just about all single birds. Mix of adults and juveniles.
Ring-billed Gull X Some migrating in afternoon.
American Herring Gull X Some migrating in afternoon.
Red-necked Grebe 2
Red-throated Loon 23 Not terribly unusual this early, but this is a high count. Steady count of single birds and twos. Compare 42 on 10/12/20. Some close views, a couple not counted on water.
Common Loon 113 Good migration of birds with as many as 5 in groups. Some high overhead, some offshore.
loon sp. 14
Northern Gannet X 20 to 50 birds in view most of morning; foraging and diving offshore. In afternoon, a southbound movement was noted, but not big and mostly single birds. With the cormorants moving and without a clicker, no count was obtained. A (relatively) high percentage of juveniles was noted.
Great Cormorant 2 Migrating with DCCO.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT 22,960 Mega-Migration! Twice my highest count for NH and likely twice the highest count for NH! From 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM a respectable count of 3,359. Then between 12:30 and the end of the day, an explosion of birds; many moving directly down Rt. 1A with birds flying close and fast with a great tail wind. As we parked pointing north from Little Boar's Head, flock after flock flew by right overhead with occasional big flocks offshore. Between 2 and 3 PM, 12,320 were counted in complete madness as we attempted to estimate flocks! Largest "flocks" (combined close flocks) of 1,200, 1,050, 1,000, 820, 800, 650, 500, 500.
Great Blue Heron 4
Peregrine Falcon 1
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/checklist/S279020805
Observation start time: 05:30:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 11.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Kate McKay, Katrina Fenton,
Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Nikko Gagnon, Phil Brown
Visitors:
285.
Weather:
Variable cloud cover with a light breeze mostly from the southwest,
temperature range of 39°F to 56°F, and decreasing haze throughout the
day.
Raptor Observations:
It was a nice day for the Big Sit. We had excellent species diversity with
11 raptor species migrating including several kettles of Turkey Vultures,
another late immature broad-wing, a juvenile harrier, and a single Osprey.
It was also the first triple-digit day of October (with the last 100+ bird
day being two weeks ago).
Non-raptor Observations:
The complete bird list for the day reached 33 species. In addition to the
migrant and local raptors (consisting of the 11 species plus 1 Barred Owl),
we recorded 18 Canada Geese, 2 Common Loons, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1
Downy Woodpecker, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 4 Blue Jays, 7 American Crows, 10
Common Ravens, 3 Black-capped Chickadees, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2
Golden-crowned Kinglets, 4 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 2 Brown Creepers, 1
Hermit Thrush, 1 American Robin, 23 Purple Finches, 20 Pine Siskins, 4
Dark-eyed Juncos, 15 White-throated Sparrows, 1 Blackpoll Warbler, and 8
Yellow-rumped Warblers.
American Crows: 2/2
Monarchs: 3/506
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks cloudy with wind from the east and chance of rain late.
There's potential for low visibility, which might shorten the count.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/11/25 9:58 am From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Pelagic trip for Monday CANCELED
Confirmed I have received the notification. Hoping for a future trip.
Thanks
John Edmondson
On Sat, Oct 11, 2025, 10:40 AM Jon Woolf <jsw...> wrote:
> Sadly, I have to announce that the NH Audubon pelagic birding trip
> scheduled for Monday has been CANCELED due to a forecast of extremely high
> wind and seas all day.
>
> Because we are canceling due to weather, all registrants will receive full
> refunds.
>
> If you are registered to go, then please email me and/or Devin Guilfoyle
> at NH Audubon (<dguilfoyle...>) to confirm that you’ve seen this
> notice.
>
> I hope to have better luck next time.
>
> Thanks to all who signed up,
> —Jon Woolf
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
> 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/<2DDA2C91-D8BE-4AE0-BE3A-7C65499C95DE...> > .
>
Date: 10/11/25 7:40 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pelagic trip for Monday CANCELED
Sadly, I have to announce that the NH Audubon pelagic birding trip scheduled for Monday has been CANCELED due to a forecast of extremely high wind and seas all day.
Because we are canceling due to weather, all registrants will receive full refunds.
If you are registered to go, then please email me and/or Devin Guilfoyle at NH Audubon (<dguilfoyle...>) to confirm that you’ve seen this notice.
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Mark Wilson, Meade Cadot,
Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
172 including a bride and groom getting their pictures taken.
Weather:
Beautiful sunny day with great visibility, a light southwest wind, and
temperatures ranging from 36°F to 49°F.
Raptor Observations:
Highlights included several close Merlins, a late immature Broad-wing, a
colorful adult Red-shouldered Hawk, and a group of migrating Turkey
Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds included a Mourning Dove at the hawkwatch, a couple of
Golden-crowned Kinglets in the spruce trees, and a few Yellow-rumped
Warblers flying by. Non-bird finds included two Common Drone Flies and a
roadkill Ring-necked Snake.
Blue Jays: 2/179
Monarchs: 2/503
Predictions:
Partly sunny with a breeze from the southwest.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/10/25 2:26 pm From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Vultures and Ravens
Crazy day here at the house, turkey vultures (13) and Northern ravens (18) "hanging" around. Calling, chasing each other, soaring, roosting.... It was odd, never seen that here before and the ravens, never seen those numbers, they didn't appear to be migrating, just as I said hanging around, like a social gathering of two species. Randy Meredith
I've got a couple of reef glimpses of a very large and very light colored hawk at cheshire medical center on court street in keene
It\nSeems a lot paler than your typical red tailed hawk , and i'm wondering if it could be one of those lighter colored color morphs of it that aren't too common around here
Visitors:
150 visitors from near and far including a couple of school groups.
Weather:
Clear and sunny with a stiff breeze from the northwest. Temperatures
starting at 32°F and increasing to 42°F by late afternoon. Visibility to
Mt. Washington for the latter half of the day.
Raptor Observations:
Nice diversity of species today. The leucistic Red-tail made a brief
reappearance mid-day and a Peregrine put on a show by flying up and down
with a raven in front of the hawkwatch. At the end of the day, a really big
Cooper's came in to attack Gina (the decoy owl) and was subsequently
attacked by a really small sharpie.
Non-raptor Observations:
Many flocks of Canada Geese seen flying by throughout the day.
White-throated Sparrows and Black-capped Chickadees were singing despite
the cold. We also saw a few hardy Monarchs, thereby passing 500 for the
season's total.
Blue Jays: 7/177
Monarchs: 4/501
Predictions:
Looks to be a bit warmer tomorrow with abundant sunshine and a light breeze
from the southwest.
Coming up on Saturday, we plan on participating in the Big Sit!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/9/25 12:32 pm From: Keith Chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red Bellied Woodpecker / Ashland
We've had a red-bellied woodpecker male for the last 2 days coming to our feeder station. It has found our peanut butter and our peanuts. We have also had two yellow-bellied sapsuckers drilling into our maple tree for the last week. Keith and Kris Ashland NH
Date: 10/9/25 10:26 am From: Christian Martin <cmartin...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Really cool photos from Odiorne, Bruce!
With the old anatum subspecies wiped out by DDT, Peregrine breeding and reintroduction efforts in the 1970s and 1980s relied on eggs from a variety of mostly captive falcons from all around the globe. Our current eastern U.S. breeding population is multiple generations removed from those original reintroduced birds, but what genes work best in today’s environment is still being sorted out by differential reproductive success and survivorship. Natural selection and time are slowly working to shape a ‘new’ mid-latitude subspecies of eastern Peregrine. What we do already know is that most eastern U.S. breeding Peregrines either migrate short distances (100-400 miles) or remain on breeding territories year-round, unlike their Arctic cousins who travel the entire length of the U.S. east coast.
- Chris
New Hampshire Audubon - Protecting New Hampshire's natural environment for wildlife and for people.
From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 11:50 AM
To: <nhbirds...>
Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Remarkable photos Bruce! A Herring Gull is a huge prey item for a Peregrine Falcon.
The "Arctic Peregrine Falcon" is a subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius). Immatures are identified by the pale buffy crown of the bird. This subspecies is the most common one seen in migration along the coast.
Peak migration time for Peregrine Falcons is right now in early October. The local breeding population is different, but I'm not sure how. Possibly a mix of subspecies? Chris Martin?
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
On 10/8/2025 9:38 PM, Bruce Conti wrote:
Had an interesting visit to Odiorne Point this afternoon (October 8) after the rain had passed through. At least 80 Bonaparte's Gulls in the cove near the science center. Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Black Ducks, a Killdeer, a Great Blue Heron, among others encountered. The most exciting encounter was a Peregrine Falcon, first spotted dragging its prey across the water because it was too heavy to take flight. The prey was a gull upon which the falcon feasted once it got perched on a rock. The Raptor ID group in Facebook suggests that its a subspecies Arctic Peregrine Falcon. A rare bird? Take a look at the photos in the eBird checklist at https://ebird.org/checklist/S278073839
Date: 10/9/25 8:50 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Remarkable photos Bruce! A Herring Gull is a huge prey item for a
Peregrine Falcon.
The "Arctic Peregrine Falcon" is a subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus tundrius). Immatures are identified by the pale buffy
crown of the bird. This subspecies is the most common one seen in
migration along the coast.
Peak migration time for Peregrine Falcons is right now in early
October. The local breeding population is different, but I'm not sure
how. Possibly a mix of subspecies? Chris Martin?
Date: 10/9/25 8:35 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Had an interesting visit to Odiorne Point this afternoon (October 8) after
the rain had passed through. At least 80 Bonaparte's Gulls in the cove
near the science center. Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Black Ducks, a Killdeer,
a Great Blue Heron, among others encountered. The most exciting encounter
was a Peregrine Falcon, first spotted dragging its prey across the water
because it was too heavy to take flight. The prey was a gull upon which
the falcon feasted once it got perched on a rock. The Raptor ID group in
Facebook suggests that its a subspecies Arctic Peregrine Falcon. A rare
bird? Take a look at the photos in the eBird checklist at
https://ebird.org/checklist/S278073839
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Mark Timmerman
Visitors: 33.
Weather: After rain in the morning delayed the start of the count, cloud cover gradually decreased and the sun came out. Windy and gusty throughout the day with temperatures not getting above 50 degrees F.
Raptor Observations: Mostly small raptors on the wing today with several sharpies drifting by, a few Merlins zooming through, and one kestrel flying sideways against the wind. At one point, a beautiful adult sharpie came in to attack Gina, the decoy owl, and another time, a lovely dark-blue male Merlin flew low by the hawkwatch.
Non-migrant raptor highlights included a juvenile Red-shoulder playing with the local ravens, a Peregrine soaring high above North Pack late in the day, and a young Red-tail diving repeatedly at Edgar Allan Pole, the decoy raven.
But the 'bird of the day' was a stunning leucistic Red-tail which appeared at five o'clock. Mostly white with a golden-brown face, this amazing bird drifted into view above the spruce trees, giving hawkwatchers only enough time to exclaim in awe and snap a few quick pictures before it flew southwest into the sun. A minute later, however, the bird circled back and spent some time near the hawkwatch, kiting directly above us and allowing for better pictures. It shone a beautiful snowy white in the sunlight as it turned circles in the sky. Eventually, it disappeared again behind Pack.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of 30 ravens were enjoying the wind today. Other songbird sightings included the season's first Pine Siskin, one Swainson's Thrush, and lots of White-throated Sparrows. Blue Jays: 4/170
Predictions: Tomorrow looks sunny and cold. It could be a good day for migrants as there will be more wind from the northwest. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/8/25 4:30 pm From: Cameron Johnson <camjohnsonphoto...> Subject: [NHBirds] Interactive Birding Map for Odiorne State Park
There had been several requests in the NH RBA groupme for some sort of map for the birding locations in Odiorne, and since one did not really exist I went ahead and made one! Thanks to Steve Mirick and James Smith for the help putting this together.
Hi all, Had a female purple finch on my feeder yesterday. She was back again today Still get the YB sapsuckers every morning. 2 white throated sparrows showed over a week plus ago. Today I had many show up. Too many to count properly. Usually have 8 to 12 winter over. Also today the leucistic chipping sparrow was back. Last seen a month ago.
Observation start time: 11:15:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: Just 3, too cold and windy.
Weather: A late start on account of rain ahead of the cold front; overcast followed by clearing with mostly clear skies by 2:00 pm; moderate to strong NW turning N/NW; 53 - 59 F, high of 62 F.
Raptor Observations: No raptors until after 1:30 then pretty steady for the count, a good falcon day, first Peregrine Falcon of the season. Northern Harriers came by close overhead. One Turkey Vulture escaped the local flock heading south.
Non-raptor Observations: I did indeed visit mt cross-state rival hawk watch yesterday. How did Julie know of my ulterior motives? Maybe it was the secret hidden camera. You should see all the stuff they have down there: scoreboards, billboards, photo galleries, data charts and smart plaques. And their personnel: greeters, public liaison officers, mathemeticians, economists, statisticians, and a staff meteorologist. That's not a hawk watch, it's a Think Tank!
Predictions: Appointments tomorrow keep me from the count, returning Friday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Date: 10/8/25 2:11 pm From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] Goodby and hello: Black-throated blue warblers, juncos, Lee
Allens Ave was busy with warblers this morning, with several black-throated blues, both male and female gleaning on the upper branches of viburnums and grape vines. This afternoon small flocks of juncos wing up whenever anyone walks down the avenue; nice to see them again
Date: 10/8/25 6:16 am From: Lori Charron <lpcharron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sparrows!
I am having a great feeding flock of sparrows in my yard in Errol this morning! Best count of white- throated sparrows is 60! A mix of juncos, chipping, and song sparrows. One lonely fox sparrow mixed in so far! Happy Birding! Lori Sent from my iPad
Date: 10/7/25 9:14 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 PM Program - Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 pm Program – Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration
The Monarch is a formerly abundant butterfly species that has experienced dramatic and widespread declines since the early 1990s. Conservation efforts are underway across the US to understand and take action to stop this decline. In this presentation by Lindsay Herlihy we will examine the natural history of Monarchs, explore some of the cutting-edge technologies and methods used to track Monarch movements and discuss the tracking data NH Audubon biologists have gathered from migrating Monarchs.
Bio: Lindsay Herlihy is a biologist and naturalist-educator with NH Audubon. She has been tagging Monarchs with NHA for three years and is taking the lead on the Monarch Motus tagging program in 2025.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday October 8, 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!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Julie Brown, Phil Brown
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Miki Foley, Rob Woodward, Tom Delaney
Visitors: 90, including hawk watching friend (and spy??), Rob Woodward, of the Alton Bay Hawk Watch up on Lake Winnipesaukee. Welcome, Rob, and we hope you'll utilize some of Pack's most coveted trade secrets to improve data and deliverables from NH's 'other' fall hawk watch. Great spending time with Jan and Kevin Kolk of Texas, a fine group of friends from the Lakes Region, and many other folks from near and far.
Weather: Continued unseasonable warmth with southwest winds that strengthened in the afternoon. Temps 55-72 F, with winds to 15 mph and some stronger gusts. Cloud cover returned today, providing some contrast in the sky, but haze limited visibility, especially early and later in the day.
Raptor Observations: A good day for flying, but not for migrating into the moderate headwind. A Peregrine was added in the 2 o'clock hour only to be subtracted in the 3 o'clock hour. Sharpies sparred their way across the sky, first south, then north, one diving at Gina before turning its attention to unseen songbirds below the summit. The local juvenile Red-shoulder siblings drifted far out of their home territories, later returning to the safety of the skies over North Pack, where Red-tails tassled with Ravens endlessly. A Merlin rocketed past the watch just before 1 pm, not leaving its migratory status in any doubt.
Non-raptor Observations: A modest list of passerines, a few late darners, plenty of scope spiders and stinkbugs, and a pair of cottontail rabbits late in the day.
Predictions: Looks like rain, at long last, possibly to clear in the early afternoon with northwest winds. But Pack often holds onto clouds and moisture a bit longer. Thursday looks promising, but bundle up! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
LeConte’s Sparrow 1 continuing (thanks to Jim Nealon for re-locating) Bird offered good views as it flew from low bush into a tree about 10 feet up into nearby tree and remained for over 10 minutes
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 ( found by James Cornelius ) bird remained hidden behind leaves of red maple but rufous scapulars and yellow lower mandible eventually seen
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
N. Flicker 1
Common Raven 1
Cooper’s Hawk 1
A. Crow x
Bobolink 2
Lincoln’s Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow x
Song Sparrow x
Swamp Sparrow 7 (undercount?)
White-throated Sparrow 3
Chipping Sparrow x
American Goldfinch x
House Finch x
House Sparrow x
Eastern Bluebird x
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped W. 4
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers: Chuck Carlson
Visitors: 99 visitors today. Despite it being slow on the raptor front, it was a great day for raptor education, with many curious visitors. Thanks to Steve, Mary, and Chuck for keeping me company at the hawkwatch and scanning empty skies for raptors.
On this day in Pack history... 2011: Eagle time! Ken Klapper: "Holy cow. Two immature Golden Eagles (at 10:50 and 16:15) making for an astounding two-day run for the first week of October. The first bird "returned" a few minutes after we lost sight of it, to attack a 3rd year Bald Eagle that was doing its best to imitate another immature Goldie. Soon a 1st/2nd year Bald Eagle appeared near Crotched Mountain - 3 eagles of two different species were simultaneously visible from Pack! A pair of Peregrine Falcons, an immature Goshawk, and an Osprey rounded out our "big bird" day."
Weather: Seasonably warm, clear skies, slight haze, and a steady breeze from the southwest. Temps cracked 24 C at the summit and stayed there for most of the afternoon. Other than the temperature, conditions stayed consistent other than a few wispy clouds in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: This was the second day of unproductive winds, and most of the motivated birds must have moved yesterday. By 11:30, the excitement was that we might beat the recent record of no raptors observed until 12:38, but a sharpie moved through to put a migrating raptor on the board. Other than a few sharpies, a few eagles and an Osprey were the only clearly migrating raptors today.
Non-raptor Observations: Today was my first day on the mountain since last Monday, and the number of White-throated Sparrows and juncos has increased significantly. A tiger swallowtail making a quick appearance was nice to see, maybe the last of the year!
Monarchs: 1/496
Predictions: Similar to today but cloudy, with a chance of precipitation. Might be another snoozer for migrating hawks, but you never know... ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/6/25 6:18 pm From: F Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] vireos at Odiorne
Inspired by the previous day's Seacoast chapter field trip report, and the lingering summery weather, I stopped by Odiorne Pt. SP yesterday afternoon. Managed to find and photograph both white-eyed and blue-headed vireos. Also saw a small bird that I THINK was a least flycatcher. Let me know if you think otherwise from the photo.
Date: 10/6/25 6:02 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, October 6, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 6th,
2025.
A juvenile LECONTE’S SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 4th-6th
.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 6th.
2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 5th, and 1
was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye also on the 5th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at the Wilder Wildlife Management Area in
Lyme on October 3rd.
A NELSON’S SPARROW was seen at Bedell Bridge State Park in Haverhill on
October 6th.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 5th, and 1
was seen at the Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield on October 1st.
2 FOX SPARROWS were seen in Pittsburg on October 2nd.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Goss Farm several times during the past week, and
1 was seen at Star Island on October 4th.
A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 2nd.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October 6
th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen in Moore Fields along Route 155A in Durham on
September 30th.
A juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and a HOODED WARBLER were seen at the
Isles of Shoals on October 4th.
A HOODED WARBLER was seen at Lake View Drive in Strafford on September 30th
and October 1st.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 4th, and
1 was seen at the Wilder Wildlife Management Area in Lyme on September 29th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
October 2nd.
A MOURNING WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October 2
nd.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was seen in Dover on October 6th, and 1 was seen
at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on the 4th.
3 BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS were seen at the Freedom Town Forest, 1 was seen in
Gorham, 1 was seen in Bartlett, 1 was seen in Tuftonboro, 1 was seen in
Madbury, and 1 was seen in Lee, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen in Keene on October 3rd.
6 TENNESSEE WARBLERS were seen in the Freedom Town Forest, 1 was seen at
Goss Farm in Rye, 1 was seen in Pittsburg, 1 was seen Durham, 1 was seen in
Merrimack, 1 was seen in Penacook, and 1 was seen in Marlborough, all
during the past week.
A BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER was seen in Freedom Town Forest, and 1 was seen in
Dover, both during the past week.
A YELLOW WARBLER, and a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER were both seen at Star
Island, one of the Isles of Shoals, during the last week.
An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was seen at Wagon Hill Farm in Durham on October 2nd,
and 1 was seen at Elm Brook Recreation Area in Hopkinton on October 1st.
An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at Bullard Drive in Lyndeborough on October 6th
.
A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
October 4th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Pittsburg on October 1st. Far north!
Birders on a Granite State whale-watch cruise out of Rye on October 5th saw
a COMMON MURRE, and 28 CORY’S SHEARWATERS.
2 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on October 1st.
A WHIMBREL was seen at the Isles of Shoals on October 2nd.
3 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen at Hampton
Salt Marsh Conservation Area on October 1st.
5 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a backwater of the Magalloway River in
Errol on October 1st.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at Hebron Marsh in Hebron on October 4th.
More than 200 GREAT EGRETS have been seen roosting at the beaver pond on
Route 107 in Seabrook where the power lines cross the road on October 4th.
A flock of 14 BLACK VULTURES was reported from Lyndeborough, and 2 were
seen at Pack Monadnock, all on October 5th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE from Dover on
October 1st.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 7,500 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
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 birding6
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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
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volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all NH Audubon
members, and also by print for an additional fee:
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Someone, anyone, help! Ladybugs by the hundreds if not thousands all over the yard all over the house in the house everywhere. They came out of nowhere they're everywhere. Yes we get them every fall but not like this what happened today? thoughts? Regards Randy Tucker Mountain Road Meredith
Date: 10/6/25 5:28 am From: Barbara Horton <byrder101...> Subject: [NHBirds] Yard birds Derry NH
Hi all,
Still getting YB sapuckkers daily. One on my crabapple tree right now. This past Tuesday the bluebird pair returned. They disappeared mid July which was a first. Usually here year round. Finally had an adult male YB sapsucker eating crabapples on Thursday. Friday was a wonderful surprise. After not seeing any Cedar Waxwings in my yard for maybe15 years or more, I had a small group of juveniles, 5 to 8. Yesterday morning I had a male eastern towhee. Still seeing RB kinglets and YR warblers in the crabapple. Popular spot! Yesterday I spotted the Great Blue Heron walking along the side yard near the brook. I did notice there was a squirrel not too far away, I have seen that behavior before going after chipmunks and eating them. Not sure if the squirrel was a target. Or a chipmunk I did not see.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Levi Burford
Observers: Alan Chretien, Andre Moraes, Brian Rusnica, Chuck Carlson, Glen Chretien, Glen and Alan Chretien, Katrina Fenton, Mike Gebo
Visitors: We had 248 visitors to the watch on a warm foliage weekend. It was great to have Brian and Lizzie show up from Watatic. It's really nice connecting!
Weather: The weather was pretty stable through the day, with only the temperature changing by the hour. Starting at about 62 degrees (F), the temperature at the summit of Pack Monadnock rose to a balmy 77 degrees.The wind remained light from the WSW and nary a cloud could be seen in the sky at any point today.
Raptor Observations: Right off the bat a tiercel Peregrine was observed sliding from North Pack by the watch and that one bird started a rather nice day of hawk watching. While the temps rose and wind remained light, the morning remained steady with approximately 10 birds an hour. Things slowed in the afternoon and hawk watchers fought off warm sun-induced naps between birds. The thought occurred to me that we might need random blasts from an air horn to liven the watch up enough to stay awake but really there was enough vigilence at any one point to maintain reasonable data.
Interesting notes for the day included 12 Northern Harriers (all aged/sexed: eight Juveniles, three males, one female), one straggler Broad-winged Hawk, and two Black Vultures heading south.
Non-migrants today included at least five Red-tailed Hawks, and one Red-shouldered Hawk, one Bald Eagle.
The area around the watch was busy when we arrived this morning with many White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. The sound of White-throateds could be heard throughout the day.
Notable for the count was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that flew through in front of the watch.
Predictions: Looks like more similar weather with a little more wind from the Southwest. It's not the most inspiring weather forecast for watching migrant raptors but if you throw your margarita in a blender and scurry it up to Pack, you might have a good time keeping Nate company anyway! I bet there will be a few birds to see at least! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Levi Burford (<lbburford...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Zeke Cornell and I went on a whale watch today on the Granite State out of Rye, NH and were joined by Jon Woolf. We had good bird and whale activity. The rarest bird for the date was a Common Murre and there was a Northern Fulmar plus good numbers of Cory's and Great Shearwaters.
Date: 10/5/25 8:06 am From: Sandy Turner <tmsprgrn...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fwd: eBird Report - Lyman Hurd Hill Rd, Oct 5, 2025
Always grand to see
Sandy Turner
Lyman
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Lyman Hurd Hill Rd, Oct 5, 2025
To: <tmsprgrn...>
Lyman Hurd Hill Rd, Grafton, New Hampshire, US
Oct 5, 2025 8:07 AM
Protocol: Incidental
Checklist Comments: landed on pine on small island in Dodge Pond
1 species
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Meade Cadot, Mike Gebo, Nora Hanke, with many more...
Visitors: 215. Great to see Dave, Nathan, and many others.
Weather: Mostly sunny and hazy with a light variable breeze and temperatures ranging from 60 to 73 degrees F.
Raptor Observations: Mostly sharpies today but there was nice diversity with ten species of raptors migrating.
Non-raptor Observations: Two Herring Gulls flew by high overhead in the afternoon. Blue Jays: 2/166 Monarchs: 1/495
Predictions: Warm and sunny again with a light southwest breeze. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
The Great Egrets were arriving in singles or as groups no larger than six. The Snowy Egrets had already been roosting by the time I got there, and no more had flown in. Next count, I plan on getting there before any birds arrive so that I can get the most accurate count possible.
Most of the trip was spent on a long walk around Odiorne Point State
Park, but we offered a trip extension to Goss Farm in Rye. The weather
was sunny, calm, and cool at the start, but quickly warming up and
becoming hot for the date reaching 82F. There were almost zero
migrating birds (no hawks, loons, sea ducks, hardly any cormorants).
But we had a nice variety of warblers with 14 species for the day and a
couple of nice rarities highlighted by a very rare LeConte's Sparrow!
Below are the two eBird checklists with photos and a complete list follows.
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Spotted Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Late bird at Odiorne.
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW - Literally, the first bird that I called out to
the group. Great long extended scope views by everyone in the group as
it foraged along the shoreline with 2 White-throated Sparrows (NOT with
the Chipping Sparrows today).
White-throated Sparrow
LECONTE'S SPARROW - The bird of the day! A drab looking juvenile bird
at Goss Farm. Unfortunately most of the field trip participants had
gone home when we found it. EXTREMELY hard to get a look at, but those
present got at least glimpses of this reclusive and rare bird. I
believe the 8th record for NH....all since 2000.
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Black-and-white Warbler
TENNESSEE WARBLER - 1 at Goss Farm. Brief views, but nicely
photographed by Cameron.
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - 1. Nice views by all at Odiorne.
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler (Western)
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting - 1 at Goss Farm.
Date: 10/4/25 2:06 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ducks, sandpipers, Black-backed Woodpecker and Canada Jays at Umbagog
Athree-night/four-day paddle trip on gorgeous Lake Umbagog in Errol NH this pastweek had these highlights.
Wood Duck- 30+
Black Duck- 60+
BLUE-WINGED TEAL- eleven
Green-winged Teal- 20
Northern Pintail- three
RING-NECKED DUCK- one flock estimated at 450 birds!
scaup species- at least seven
Common Goldeneye- two
[Common Merganser- zero!]
Common Loon- at least 15
Double-crested Cormorant- two
Bald Eagle- easily 10-12
Greater Yellowlegs- one
Pectoral Sandpiper- five (regular at Umbagog when there are some mudflats)
Snipe- four
Black-backed Woodpecker- one along the Magalloway River and another on the Maine side of the Lake
Canada Jay- at least six in two different spots
Rusty Blackbird- four
NOTES:These totals are on the low side, except for the Ring-necked Ducks, due to strongN and E winds limiting my time on the water the first two days and to a lesserextent because of the beginning of the waterfowl hunting season on day 3 of myvisit. Somewhat ironically, I discovered the big flock of Ring-necks etc. atthe far end of Black Island Cove where there were no hunters. BIC is a bit outof the way.
Thewater was low enough to have hundreds of exposed rocks but not much in the wayof mudflats. The shorebirds were in one backwater of the Magalloway River and therewere undoubtedly others I did not reach.
Sunrisesand sunsets on the Lake were stunning, serene, and sublime. Until next time…
BobQuinn, Webster,NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 10/4/25 8:17 am From: Linda Charron <lindacharron071...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagle in New Boston
Watched him soar around over our house for 5 min. or so. A smaller bird following him that I couldn't identify with my bins. Amazing to watch! Never saw one here before.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Meade Cadot
Visitors: 183 visitors including a couple all the way from Scotland and a wedding party posing for pictures. Great to see Matt and Christie again. And thanks for your company, Dave!
Weather: Beautiful sunny day with a light breeze and decreasing clouds. Warmer than the past couple of days with temperatures ranging from 42 to 65 degrees F. Wind direction was mostly southwest.
Raptor Observations: The first migrant of the day, an adult Cooper's Hawk, came by at half past noon. Then there was a light trickle of birds for the rest of the afternoon. Highlights included some beautiful male Northern Harriers and a close immature Broad-winged Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Many White-throated Sparrows, juncos, and chipmunks spending time near the hawkwatch. Blue Jays: 18/164
Predictions: Sunny and warm with a slight northwest breeze. With this more favorable wind direction, there might be more birds moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/3/25 5:43 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] OK, So It’s Not NH, But Monhegan Was Pretty Interesting This Week
Monhegan Island in Maine is well known to many NH birders, but it can
sometimes be dull, especially on east winds. But this past week or so it
was pretty darn good on SW winds.
The first bird of note was a Black-backed Three-Toed Woodpecker
photographed on one of the trails. The next day Linda stepped out of our
rental house and photographed an adult male Hooded Warbler, then proceeded
to the Village Garden where she saw a Mourning and a Prothonotary Warbler,
found there by others. The next day a Yellow-throated Warbler was found by
Derrick Lovitch which was seen by many over the next two days. A Western
Kingbird made an appearance and, oddly, was mobbed by a pair of local
Eastern Phoebes on their territory. The next day, a Bell’s Vireo claimed
the headlines for two days. Derrick came through yet again by spotting a
Black-throated Gray Warbler, which was seen by many around the village for
the next two days.
Date: 10/3/25 8:16 am From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] *** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 PM Program - Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 pm Program – Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration
The Monarch is a formerly abundant butterfly species that has experienced dramatic and widespread declines since the early 1990s. Conservation efforts are underway across the US to understand and take action to stop this decline. In this presentation by Lindsay Herlihy we will examine the natural history of Monarchs, explore some of the cutting-edge technologies and methods used to track Monarch movements and discuss the tracking data NH Audubon biologists have gathered from migrating Monarchs.
Bio: Lindsay Herlihy is a biologist and naturalist-educator with NH Audubon. She has been tagging Monarchs with NHA for three years and is taking the lead on the Monarch Motus tagging program in 2025.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday October 8, 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!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Phil Brown, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 166 including school groups from Wilkins Elementary and Jaffrey Grade School. Thanks to Matt & Christie for help spotting birds!
Weather: Another nice, sunny day with temperatures ranging from 41 to 54 degrees F. The light breeze in the morning decreased by afternoon, while the high cloud cover increased. Visibility all the way to Mt. Washington. In the late afternoon, we saw "sundogs" in the sky, a phenomenon where two bright, rainbow-colored spots appear on the either side of the sun.
Raptor Observations: Several sharpies, some kestrels, a good amount of Turkey Vultures, a few Bald Eagles, and others on the move today. Highlights included a Merlin zooming by in front of the hawkwatch and an adult sharpie coming straight in towards Gina (the decoy owl) and landing in the spruces nearby.
Non-raptor Observations: Other bird highlights included a single Common Loon flying over North Pack, a flock of ten Cedar Waxwings by the summit, a singing Blue-headed Vireo by the hawkwatch, and a couple of Blackpoll Warblers flying overhead. Blue Jays: 14/146 Monarchs: 2/494
Predictions: Partly sunny with slightly warmer temperatures and a breeze from the southwest. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 34. Nice people all but lady, do I have to overhear all the details of your liver ailment. If I hear the word "gelatinous" one more time....The second half of the UNH wildlife studies class resumed the good work of their predecessors of 2 days ago. After taking a picture of and for them I asked their overseer and Forest Society staff member Steve Junkin if for their next project they could construct for me a raptor scoreboard, displaying daily and year-to-date totals. Visitors would love to see what is being seen and in what numbers.
Weather: Another cloudless sky, at least to start, with increasing high thin clouds moving in from the west; calm (too calm?) winds at times otherwise primarily light from the NE turning NW by 1:20; 48 - 63 F with a high of 67 F.
Raptor Observations: A Sharp-shinned Hawk awaited me at the summit as I arrived but did not presage a big flight for that species. A good variety if not a big count. Many Bald Eagles were followed while they made their slow leisurely ascents on thermals, only to see them fly off in the wrong direction.
Non-raptor Observations: One flock of migrating Canada Geese and 35 Yellow-rumped Warblers. Today Monarch hit 0/65.
Predictions: Favorable winds give way to unfavorable SW winds tomorrow but I may as well do at least a partial day, we need more kestrels and Ospreys. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Mark Timmerman, Meade Cadot, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 107. Lovely to see Brian & Pat and Tom & Ginny, and thanks Dave for your help!
Weather: Sunshine and clear skies with temperatures ranging from 40 to 54 degrees F. Brisk breeze from the Northeast, shifting to the North at times. Nice visibility, with Mt. Washington in view all day.
Raptor Observations: Most birds moved in the morning, with migration slowing down in the afternoon. First bird of October was an American Kestrel cruising high overhead, and the last bird of today was a beautiful Red-tail who flew right in to take a close look at Gina, the decoy owl. Sharpies were the most abundant migrants of the day, followed by kestrels, and then harriers, along with two Cooper's, one Merlin, one Bald Eagle, and zero broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: Several Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-throated Sparrows stopped by throughout the day. Blue Jays: 7/132 Monarchs: 1/492
Predictions: Similar conditions in the forecast for tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/1/25 11:26 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Squam Lake Five Finger Point
Lots of good birds still in the area. Main part of the lake I spotted two bald eagles, two common loon, one turkey vulture and three unknown Raptors, too far away to identify.
In Rattlesnake Cove I currently have four common loon, two turkey vulture soaring over Rattlesnake Mountain along with one broad Wing Hawk.
I've heard common raven American crow blue jay and Pileated woodpeckers calling throughout the afternoon.
Pretty cool sight to see are the F-35 Raptors dog fighting over the Squam range. Regards Randy
Visitors: 86 including 42 students from the Wilkins School in Amherst plus 10 teachers and parents. Trish and Walt joined for the afternoon show.
Weather: The day started with moderately clear skies with high thin clouds. The wind was light from the NW and gradually increased until about noon when it subsided a bit. Temps increased and the sky cleared by the end of the count.
Raptor Observations: There were no raptors for the first two hours. Then four red-tails began cavorting with 11 ravens. The raptors started to move and there were about 10 each of the next three hours. Among the migrants were red-shoulders, peregrines, and five lonely broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: 4 Monarchs, 44 Blue Jays, and 15 Canada Geese.
Predictions: Brisk and north winds should usher migration through. Be on the lookout for a big sharpie day soon and more vulture movement. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: A total of 29 including 23 from a UNH wildlife studies class, not here to study wildlife but to engage in physical labor cutting brush with hand saws and clippers. After an hour, many students fatigued and returned to their gadgets and snacks. As a result of all the good work clearing obstructions to my view, I may count fewer passerines but more raptors.
Weather: Essentially clear skies to start with high thin clouds to the south giving way to some cumulus by 12:00 then clear by 3:00; calm to light N/NE winds all day; 64 - 75 F.
Raptor Observations: At least one bird counted almost each hour starting at 10:00 with 5 more added by staying until 4:00. Surely these 3 will be the last Broad-winged Hawks of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: 38 Yellow-rumped Warblers with peak numbers to come; Monarch still flying 3/65.
Predictions: Too many chores tomorrow but favorable northerly or westerly winds prevail at least through Saturday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
On my way home from work tonight, I decided to pull over and observe the egret roost along Route 107.
When I arrived at 6:13pm, I counted 148 Great Egrets and 1 Snowy Egret in the roost. I stayed until dark and counted the birds as they flew in, bringing the final count to *215* Great Egrets and *13* Snowy Egrets. Interestingly, 11 of the Snowy Egrets circled around before heading south, joined by 4 Great Egrets.
It was an incredible sight. Does anyone know what the record count is for this roost? I would love to know!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Meade Cadot, Mike Gebo, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 57, including a class from the High Mowing school.
2014: The record is set for the most Peregrine Falcons counted in a day (12). Iain MacLeod: "Excellent day. Very quiet for first two hours then a nice push of birds. The highlight was the amazing show of Peregrines late in the day. During the last 90 minutes there was never a time when there wasn't a Peregrine visible. Two were hunting just below the lookout for an hour, then others would appear over North Pack and zip south. On four occasions I had four Peregrines in the air at once.The Merlin repeatedly strafing one of them was cool."
Weather: Clear with light winds from the WNW for most of the day, with temps from 15-19 C. Thin clouds increased starting around noon, reaching 80% around 1500.
Though there was a slight northerly component at the summit, at lower elevations the winds were mostly from the west and southwest, which may have impacted movement.
Raptor Observations: A slow morning with nice pulses of birds in the afternoon. Several groups of 3-4 sharpies were a highlight, with a steady flow of harriers (all juveniles) toward the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Our most notable sighting of the day was an unfortunate one; a spotted lanternfly flew in and landed on our decoy owl, Gina's, pole. Attempts were made to capture it, but unfortunately it flew off and could not be relocated. A report of the observation was made to UNH's NHbugs.
Other than that, a pair of towhees visited our little watering hole, some yellow-rumps and blackpolls were around, and a tiger swallowtail was observed.
Blue Jays: 1/81 Monarchs: 7/487
Predictions: Mostly sunny with winds from the north, it could be a good day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/29/25 2:09 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, September 29, 2025.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, September 29th,
2025.
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, a CAPE MAY WARBLER, a BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, a
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, a NELSON’S SPARROW, 2
DICKCISSELS, a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, and a COMMON NIGHTHAWK were all
seen at Star Island, one of the Isles of Shoals, during the last week.
A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
September 27th, and a MOURNING WARBLER was seen in Sandwich on the 29th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen along Bog Road in Penacook on September
28th.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at West Foss Farm in Durham on September 28th,
and 29th.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at the Joslin Gravel Pit in Surry, and 1 was seen
at Goss Farm in Rye, both on September 23rd.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye, 1 was seen at Odiorne
Point State Park, 1 was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester, 1 was
reported from Merrimack, and 2 were seen at Star Island, all on several
days during the past week.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Birch Street Community Gardens in Concord
during the past week.
There was an unconfirmed report of a COMMON REDPOLL from Moose Hill Road in
Hudson on September 24th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen in Moore Fields along Route155A in Durham on
September 27th, and a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen here on the 28th.
5 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on September 28th
.
A HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued to be seen in Hampton Harbor and was last
reported on September 29th.
A SANDERLING was seen at Moore Reservoir in Littleton on September 22nd.
A PARASITIC JAEGER was seen along the coast on September 25th. A POMARINE
JAEGER, 4 WILSON’S STORM-PETRELS, 6 CORY’S SHEARWATERS and a COMMON TERN
were seen at Jeffrey’s Ledge on the 26th.
A BLACK VULTURE was reported from Milford, and 1 was reported from Concord,
both on September 27th.
Stormy weather on September 25th appeared to have stimulated migration
along the coast. Highlights were 82 CASPIAN TERNS, 23 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS, and 48 LAUGHING GULLS.
Upward of 170 GREAT EGRETS have been seen roosting at the beaver pond on
Route 107 in Seabrook where the power lines cross the road.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE from Canaan on
September 22nd.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 7,100 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was reported from Gorham, 2 were reported from
Hopkinton, and 1 was reported from Durham, all during the past week.
A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen at Center Harbor on September 27th.
Several LEAST FLYCATCHERS and EASTERN KINGBIRDS were seen at the Isles of
Shoals during the past week.
8 TREE SWALLOWS were seen at West Foss Farm in Durham on September 27th.
A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO and 3 WARBLING VIREOS were seen at Odiorne Point
State Park in Rye on September 27th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Pittsburg on September 28th. Far north!
A BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was seen in Pittsburg, 1 was seen in Merrimack, 1
was seen in Durham, 1 was seen in Seabrook, 1 was seen in the White
Mountains, and 2 were seen in Wolfboro, all during the last week.
There were reports of YELLOW WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, PRAIRIE
WARBLER, CANADA WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, and ROSEBREASTED GROSBEAK
from scattered locations during the past week.
A WOOD THRUSH was reported from Hinsdale, 1 was reported from Durham, and 2
were reported Strafford, all during the past week.
A late-migrating CHIMNEY SWIFT was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on September 27
th.
Lingering RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were reported from Gorham, Webster,
Hollis, and Strafford.
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 website, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding6
Available NOW!
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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/
NH Audubon received a report today (9/29/25) from George Gavutis of upward of 170 Great Egrets at the beaver pond on Rt 107 in Seabrook where the power lines cross the road.
Observation start time: 06:45:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Cliff Seifer, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Nate Marchessault, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: A total of 183 visitors stopped by today including members of the Monadnock Bird & Nature Club and South Shore Bird Club. Hello to Chip, Austin, Molly & James, David, and many others!
Weather: Beautiful sunny weather with temperatures getting up into the seventies. Steady breeze throughout the day and hazy in the distance. Fog was covering the summit in the morning.
Raptor Observations: The day started with two sharpies mobbing Gina (the plastic owl) and ended with a sharpie mobbing Gina. Migrants included 23 sharpies, a couple of Peregrine Falcons, some Cooper's Hawks, several Merlins, and less than 10 broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: Songbird highlights included several Purple Finches, a couple of Blue-headed Vireos, and an Eastern Phoebe. Blue Jays: 5/80
Predictions: Similar conditions expected tomorrow: warm and sunny with a breeze from the west. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/28/25 8:31 am From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] White-eyed Vireo, Durham
Birders
There was an immature White-eyed Vireo at West Foss Farm in Durham. West Foss farm is accessed from a parking lot just past the railroad overpass on Mill Road as you head west from the center of town. Walk in about .15 miles to a wet area, and maybe it will still be there! I had it just about 9:15, but could not relocate it when I came back out about 45 minutes later.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Amy Maurer, Chuck Carlson, Judd Nathan, Mark Timmerman
Visitors: 212. Thanks to Dave, Nathan, Cynthia, Kat & Jamie, Dani, and many others for observing with us!
Weather: Partly sunny early with a slight breeze and temperatures in the fifties and sixties. It became mostly cloudy in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A nice diversity of raptors. Highlights included 10 harriers (our highest day count for this season so far), several Bald Eagles, some really beautiful male kestrels, and a migrant Red-tail.
Non-raptor Observations: Several songbirds about including a colorful male Purple Finch posing for photographs. We also observed a Common Drone Fly, Spring Peeper, and Eastern Cottontail. Monarchs: 12/480
Predictions: Tomorrow looks mostly sunny and warm with temperatures in the sixties and seventies. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/27/25 5:40 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lapland Longspur in Durham
Birders
I spent about an hour at Moore Fields today on NH 155A in Durham, with the highlight being a very early Lapland Longspur. It was skulking along the edge of the eastern plowed field, and I was right on top of it when I first noticed it. I was unable to measure the length of its spur. It flew off a short distance, making its distinctive rattle call, and I lost it in the grass. A few minutes later it popped up, made a mix of rattling and musical calls, and flew off in the direction of Tecce's, presumably in search of the apple crumble. It landed in the grass closer to the road, so I expect that it will be there tomorrow.
Other birds present were at least 2 Lincoln's Sparrows, 17 Savannah Sparrows, 3 Meadowlarks, 30 Pipits, and a Merlin hunting the pipits.
Goose hunters have been present there, and there were two dead geese in the field. I have no idea what their cause of death was, but hunters had means and motive.
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: A busy mild fall day with 57 visitors. One very good 4 year old got a Hawk ID handout.
Weather: Mostly clear to start with some high thin clouds and no cumulus to speak of followed by increasing cloudiness in the afternoon finishing with mostly overcast skies; light to moderate NW wind turning W/NW by 1:30; 63 - 71 F.
Raptor Observations: A very nice diversity of raptors today with showings by some of the "minority" species like Osprey, Northern Harrier, and falcons (2nd highest Merlin count). These may be the last Broad-winged Hawks I see until next April; the latest date here is 29 Sept.
Non-raptor Observations: More pipits and siskins, 2 flocks of migrating Canada Geese.
Monarch 2/62.
Predictions: No count tomorrow but favorable weather continues through most or all of next week. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Janet Delaney, Meade Cadot, Nate Marchessault, Nora Hanke, Tom Delaney, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 112 visitors came by including students from Antioch's Ornithology class.
Weather: Partly sunny and breezy with temperatures in the high fifties to high sixties.
Raptor Observations: A good day with a steady trickle of birds in the morning and a few kettles of broad-wings in the afternoon. Nice views of a pair of Merlins flying close together right above the hawkwatch and of local red-shoulders, red-tails, and Turkey Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: A small flock of White-throated Sparrows, several Purple Finches, and both species of kinglets were around today. Blue Jays: 44/75 Monarchs: 16/468
Predictions: Forecast is partly sunny with similar temperatures and a breeze starting out from the northwest, so there should be some more migrants. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/26/25 10:46 am From: <jim...> Subject: [NHBirds] Birds of the Second Half of Summer 2025 -- PHOTOS
I put many bird photos from NH and VT in a blog post: birds in flight (nighthawks, kestrels, waxwings, hummingbirds, and others), waxwings feeding young, merganser with a huge fish, great blue herons, warblers (redstart, black-and-white, Blackburnian, black-throated green, blackpoll. common yellowthroat, magnolia, pine, Wilson's, yellow-rumped), sparrows, wrens, and others.
That's the story of the day along the NH coast as a huge, record
breaking migration of Caspian Terns took place today during the stormy
weather with SE winds.
I didn't get to the coast until late and didn't start looking for
Caspian Terns right away. So it really took me by surprise when I was
driving north at about 10:45 AM along Hampton Beach when a HUGE flock of
16 Caspian Terns flew over the buildings along the strip. I quickly
pulled over by Great Boar's Head and saw another flock of 5! I knew it
was going to be a good day, so I called Jane and she quickly got up at
12:30 PM.
We met up at Ragged Neck at Rye Harbor State Park and found shelter at
the rest rooms and sat there and watched a parade of Caspian Terns fly
by. I ended up with a total of 82 birds in 4 hours! With migrating
flocks as follows:
16,5,2,3,3,2,12,4,7,2,7,7,4,2,4,2.
All groups of two (even within flocks) appeared to be an adult and a
juvenile. It is very obvious that juveniles migrate with the adults and
the babies can be heard making squeaky begging sounds as they flew by
with the occasional rasp of an adult. Curious why only a single adult.
Does the male depart without the female and young?
Things really slowed down by 3 PM so we headed home. As we traveled
south on Rt. 1A we stopped at Eel Pond where I had a personal high count
for Eel Pond of 10 (!) Caspian Terns on the pond. Not migrating, but 7
were sitting on the pond while 3 were foraging over the pond! Amazing!
Otherwise, it was a great day for migrating Lesser Black-backed Gulls
and Laughing Gulls. Below is my total of MIGRATING BIRDS only.
Been quite a while since posting. Have had a few sightings lately. This past Monday I saw my first YB sapsucker. Appeared to be a juvenile female. Was in a darker area of the crab apple. Also trying for photos outside I did get a photo of the tail of a female Redstart! haha Had several RC kinglets. Last week I had a Brown Thrasher who hung around for a while. Been quite some time since seeing one here. Last year I had.a leucistic Chipping sparrow. He or she returned this year. Nice surprise. The female turkey I call a goldenwing had 7 chicks. She still comes thru with 4 who are getting quite big. This year she has a twin. Another goldenwing turkey! Barb Horton Derry
I was at Mink Brook in Hanover this morning, and all of a sudden the trees around me were full of warblers. There were at least 50 birds in a 10 minute period. They were moving through so fast, and they were so high in the trees, with horrible backlighting, so identification was difficult. Merlin didn't pick any of them up, but when I downloaded the 100 plus photos I took and adjusted the lighting, I was able to positively identify Magnolia, Nashville, Pine, Cerulean, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green and Chestnut-sided. Pretty amazing.
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: Just 2.
Weather: Hazy, mostly overcast with increasing clouds; rain by 12:30; light W/SW wind; 63 -72 F.
Raptor Observations: Just one hawk when rain mercifully brought the count to a close. The only consolation is that Pack's count was equally dismal.
Non-raptor Observations: Two Turkey Vultures might have been migrants but they were on a SE direction not SW or S. Monarch - 4/59
Predictions: If it doesn't rain, winds will be out of the NE then E, worth another count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Glen Chretien, Tom Delaney
Observers: Helen Dalbeck, Lori-Ann Chretien, Nikko Gagnon, Tom Delaney
Visitors:
42 is a good number considering the weather. The highlight was 7 6th
graders from the Mountain Shadows School. We were privileged to be a part
of their curriculum and it was fun to see them all so dedicated to the
lesson.
Weather:
Clouds and low ceilings dominated the day. Although winds were light they
blew from the SW or WSW throughout the count period. Starting at12 C,
temperatures rose briefly to 18 C, before dropping to 16 C by end of day. A
shower sprinkled the observatory around 12:30 EST and heavy drizzle chased
the observers away a couple minutes before 4 EST. No sign of any thermal
activity today even during occasional peeks of sunshine.
Raptor Observations:
It should not come as a surprise given the weather that we only saw 3
raptors today. All birds were viewed very close with the unaided eye. 2
ospreys popped up from the valley and passed very near to the counters. A
single Cooper’s hawk was the only bird that could be tracked for a sell
distance as it flew at observatory height from North Pack to past Pack
Monadnock. Then only local bird was a brief appearance of a single turkey
vulture.
Non-raptor Observations:
Excluding raptors, 25 species were witnessed today. Six species of warblers
a Carolina Wren and Winter Wren and an Eastern Phoebe were some of the
highlights. Mr. and Mrs. Towhee continue to grace us with their presence.
Our Eastern Cottontail made an end of day appearance. Finally we were also
visited by a Winter Firefly.
Predictions:
Scattered showers remain in the forecast. Likely cooler with an east wind
likely.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Glen Chretien (<b0ba_fet...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Glen Chretien, Nate Marchessault
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Lori-Ann Chretien
Visitors: 34 visitors throughout the day, lots of good conversation with volunteers and sightseers.
On this day in Pack Monadnock History: 2015: PMRO's second Swainson's Hawk flies by. Henry Walters: "15,000 and counting...new territory for the Pack Monadnock Observatory, which blew past its previous season-high sometime during the 11:00 hour, when 700+ broad-wings materialized out of the east. Thermals were hard to find--great news for onlookers, who had hawks spooling up and eddying back and pooling lazily in place for many minutes at a time. But the day's great event was the appearance of a SWAINSON'S HAWK, just the site's second record, spotted by Al Grimstad over the Uncanoonuc hills. Initial identifications ("a harrier without a tail?") were rejected as its character came clear, a juvenile dark-morph bird bouncing along in its springy dihedral. And just as it sank below us and threatened to disappear for good, it gave an extra twirl or two upward, long enough for Andre Moraes to snap a few photos. This will be just the second confirmed record for the species in New Hampshire.
Weather: A cool start to pleasant temps (8-17C), sunny skies with some clouds moving in toward the end of the day, winds variable from the south.
Raptor Observations: Number of birds were consistent with the winds, with lower numbers than would be expected for the time of year. Enough birds were moving through to keep things interesting, and there was nice diversity overall.
Non-raptor Observations: One of the towhees that's been around made an appearance toward the end of the day, and a Red Crossbill and two Purple Finches flew over. A black swallowtail made a brief appearance.
Monarchs 18/452 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds 1/72 Blue Jays 0/31
Predictions: Chance of rain in the second half of the day and southwest winds. Not looking great, but some birds could move in the morning! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/22/25 3:10 pm From: Ashton Almeida <ashtonipod...> Subject: [NHBirds] Introducing The Field Focus - Patch Focused Substack Publication
Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my Substack publication, The Field Focus*,* with all of you. It focuses on birding at my local patch, The Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield, where I write about my experiences and take on different challenges during migration. I plan on tracking patterns over time where I can build a long-term record of what moves through and when.
This past spring, I completed a challenge to bird there every day in May and write about each visit. Now I am looking forward to doing it again this October to follow fall migration.
If you enjoy hearing about local birding and following migration through the seasons, I would love to have you follow along.
You are welcome to join me at the Town Forest anytime during October and take on the challenge alongside me! If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Take a look at The Field Focus here, and catch up on my May Migration Challenge before the October challenge begins: The Field Focus <https://thefieldfocus.substack.com/>
Date: 9/22/25 1:20 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, September 22, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, September 22nd,
2025.
4 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on September 20th
.
A HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued to be seen in Hampton Harbor and was last
reported on September 20th.
A WESTERN SANDPIPER was seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on September 20th
and 21st.
2 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen at the Jamie Welch Field in Boscawen on
September 14th to 16th, and 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Lower Baker
Pond in Orford on September 22nd.
2 CASPIAN TERNS were seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on September 20th, and
2 FORSTER’S TERNS were seen at Hampton Harbor on the 19th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a TRICOLORED HERON from Hampton Harbor
on September 15th.
2 LITTLE BLUE HERONS, an adult and a juvenile, were seen at Parsons Creek
Salt Marsh, opposite Wallis Sands State Beach, in Rye on September 19th.
A GREEN HERON was seen at the Upper Coos Recreational Trail in Colebrook on
September 21st.
5 BLACK VULTURES were seen at Woodridge Park in Durham on September 20th,
and 2 were seen at Pack Monadnock on the 21st.
A MERLIN was seen in Hampton Harbor on September 16th.
There was an unconfirmed report of CONNECTICUT WARBLER from the Ammonoosuc
Ravine Trail in the White Mountains on September 17th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Rhododendron State Park in
Fitzwilliam on September 18th. There was an unconfirmed report of an
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at Odiorne Point State Park on September 20th, and
another from the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail in the White Mountains on the 17th.
A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was seen at Spinney Lane and Durham Reservoir on
September 18th. A CANADA WARBLER was seen in Canaan on September 15th, and
a PRAIRIE WARBLER was seen in Lebanon on September 20th.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen near the top of Pack Monadnock in
Peterborough on September 15th and 16th.
2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were seen at the Concord Community Gardens on Birch
Street on September 20th, and 1 was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on the 21st.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, a NELSON’S SPARROW, 2 DICKCISSELS, a YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER, and a COMMON NIGHTHAWK were seen at Star Island, one of the
Isles of Shoals, on September 20th.
An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on September 21st.
4 BICKNELL’S THRUSHES were seen along the Webster-Jackson Trail in the
White Mountains on September 15th.
A WOOD THRUSH was reported from Concord on September 21st, and 1 was
reported from Durham on the 18th.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 6,800 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
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 birding6
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: 9/22/25 9:39 am From: Ashton Almeida <ashtonipod...> Subject: [NHBirds] Seacoast Chapter NHA Field Trip Report - Seabrook Town Forest & Wellfield
Yesterday, I was joined by 19 others for a field trip through the Seabrook
Town Forest & Wellfield. It was a beautiful, active walk with many species
both heard and seen. Highlights included Nashville and Blackpoll Warblers,
along with two Praying Mantises!
With a few beginner birders tagging along, it was a great opportunity for
them to see and learn about the diversity of birds in the area.
Seabrook Town Forest & Wellfield, Rockingham, New Hampshire, US
Sep 21, 2025 7:36 AM - 12:06 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.4 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon field trip led by
Ashton Almeida. Sunny, quite cool to start (in the upper 40’s) warming to
the upper 60s by the end.
52 species
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 3
Killdeer 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Solitary Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Least Sandpiper 1
Great Cormorant 2 1 migrating
Double-crested Cormorant 46 Migrating
Green Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 5
Turkey Vulture 1
Osprey 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Merlin 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Red-eyed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Northern House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 3
Gray Catbird 5
Northern Mockingbird 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 3
Cedar Waxwing 2
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 17
White-throated Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow 3
Eastern Towhee 6
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Nashville Warbler 1
Common Yellowthroat 2
American Redstart 2
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Date: 9/22/25 7:08 am From: Jay Pitocchelli <jpitocch...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Pine Warbler, Newbury NH 9/21/25
Blue-headed Vireo singing, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Pine Warblers - many individuals and several small flocks, Mountainside Rd. and South Rd loop., Newbury NH 9/21/25
Dr. Jay Pitocchelli, Professor Emeritus Biology Department Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH 03102
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Andre Moraes, Annamarie Saenger, Ben Griffith, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Henry Walters, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Nora Hanke
Visitors: 211 visitors from near and far. It was great to show some people their first Bald Eagle.
Weather: Mostly sunny with a slight breeze from the southeast and temperatures ranging from low forties to low sixties.
Raptor Observations: Raptor highlights today included two Black Vultures flying north, a juvenile harrier dive-bombing a Peregrine Falcon, and several kestrels flying close by the hawkwatch. (The Black Vultures might have been the same two seen here in August so they weren't counted for the season's tally.) Most of the broad-wings came by mid-day.
Non-raptor Observations: Other bird species included Cedar Waxwing, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Pileated Woodpecker. In the morning, 3 Herring Gulls flew low by North Pack. Blue Jays: 4/31 Monarchs: 8/434
Predictions: Partly sunny with slightly warmer temperatures. More wind from the south, which can be unfavorable for migration, but there should still be some birds in the sky. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
This morning's 10k walk around Penacook set a new late September record of 67 species. The highlight was 16 speices of warblers, 15 of which were in the same area about two hours into the walk (in an overgrown area behind some condos that Unity and I call "The Magic Spot"). Today it lived up to its name for sure, yielding 5 Tennessee Warblers, a getting-late Blackburnian, and multiple Blackpolls, Prairies, BT Greens, Parulas, Palms, and Magnolias. A Yellow-rump and 2 Nashvilles were also nice, as were my second Ruby-crowned Kinglets of the fall (first yesterday morning in Boscawen). Sparrows have made inroads in the last week, with White-throats now common, Swamps moving out of breeding areas, and a nice showing of 8 Lincoln's scattered about. Other highlights included 2 Swainson's Thrushes, one each of Cooper's, Sharp-shinned, and Red-shouldered Hawks, and the continued abundance of Red-breasted Nuthatches (21 today, vs. only 4 White-breasted!).
And breaking news!: The Penacook Survey will be coming to an end in the next couple of months when I move to the south end of Concord. It's been a great run, with 183 species recorded on 854 walks (5551 miles and counting). But have no fear, I've already got a new 5-mile route planned out and hope to test drive it next week while migration is still going strong. We won't be moving until early November, so there are still a few more weeks of good birding in Penacook.
Date: 9/21/25 1:38 pm From: Charlie Nims <charlie.nims...> Subject: [NHBirds] Freedom Town Forest & Alton Hawk Watch
It was a beautiful weekend to be out birding. Today, Joe Scott and I spent the morning birding Freedom Town Forest. We had 7 warbler species plus one “spuh”. While none were “special” the interesting part for me was the influx of Yellow-rumped (YRWA) and Palm Warblers which seemed to be on the early side. The YRWA’s were the first of the fall for me and we had a minimum of 25 along with several Palm’s. Another reminder of fall were the 40-50 Blue Jays which were, literally heard and seen continuously. Finally, we were regularly entertained by, what I assume, were a family of Common Ravens.
Yesterday, I went to the Alton Bay Hawk Watch, hosted by Rob Woodward. The location in the Morse Preserve (Alton) is very picturesque as it overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee and several mountain ranges. While not overwhelming numbers of raptors, we had some beautiful views of a Bald Eagle and Am. Kestrel against a brilliant blue sky. For me, another highlight was a Sharp-shinned Hawk attacking a Red-tailed Hawk.
Actually, I may have found a weekend gig: taking photos of people with a gorgeous background of Lake Winnipesaukee. There were 5 groups of people, most having problems with selfies so I became selfless :>) and left Rob alone for a few minutes to take families & friends photos with their cameras against a gorgeous background. The only birding downside to this was while I was keeping our visitors happy, Rob lost his best raptor spotter!
Anecdotally, it seems to me that the Red-breasted Nuthatch (RBNU) has become the Red-eyed Vireo of the early fall! Over the past several weeks, it seems that no matter where I go here in the Near North, I am hearing and seeing RBNU'S regardless of time of day. Not sure if it just is a good year for RBNU’s or something else is going on.
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers: Charlie Nim
Visitors: 30, including Charlie Nims visiting from Bartlett. Charlie beat me to it when he offered to and did take souvenir pictures of the 2 attractive college girls enjoying the view- don't underestimate this guy. But thank you for your counting help, Charlie.
Weather: An almost cloudless sky at first with some relief provided by high thin clouds as the count entered the afternoon; winds were primarily from the W or not quite west but never exceeding 5 mph; 52 - 68 F.
Raptor Observations: First, The Milestone: today at 11:21 Eastern Daylight Time, a certain Broad-winged Hawk passed over Pine Mountain, logged in as the 10,000th all-time raptor at Alton Bay Hawk Watch. Thank you, thank you very much. Let there be ten thousand more. The first Turkey Vulture migrants were counted and they pretty much dominated the afternoon skies. Both a Cooper's Hawk and an Osprey passed close below eye-level. There is nothing like a front row seat to raptor migration.
Non-raptor Observations: First Pipit of the season, 3 groups of Canada Geese migrating, the biggest kettle of the day was of 6 ravens, a late Wood Thrush was heard on the way up and some early juncos were seen on the way down. Monarchs 9/55.
Predictions: It is now safe to say that the Broad-winged Hawk peak is behind us - Pack's was 9-14, Wachuset's was 9-19, and Watatic's was today. South winds for the next two days means no count until the weather becomes favorable. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Andre Moraes, Annamarie Saenger, Cameron Johnson, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Janet Delaney, Judd Nathan, Julie, Laurel, & Alden Brown, Katrina Fenton, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Mitch Heydt, Nikko Gagnon, Phil Brown, Tom Delaney, with many more...
Visitors: 176. Hello to Nathan, David, Daniel & Tim, Susan, Molly & family, Amy, Dave, and Betsy. Thanks everyone!
Weather: Mostly sunny with cirrus clouds increasing in the afternoon. Occasional light breeze. Temperatures on the cooler side, starting at 46 degrees and getting up to 59 degrees. Visibility to Mt. Washington all day.
Raptor Observations: Migrants today included a few hundred broad-wings, some sharpies, several kestrels, and a dozen ospreys. Around 100 visitors gathered at the hawkwatch for a special Raptor Release event held by the Harris Center. During the event, three beautiful broad-wings from Wings of the Dawn rehabilitation center were released into the wild. It was a magical moment!
Non-raptor Observations: Other bird highlights included two flocks of geese, several Ring-billed Gulls, a few Common Loons, three Northern Flickers, and the continuing pair of towhees. Insect highlights included many beautiful Hickory Tussock caterpillars, a bright green Treetop Bush Katydid, and a friendly Pine Tree Spur-throat Grasshopper. Monarchs: 11/426
Predictions: Some more sun tomorrow with similar temperatures and a calm wind from the southeast. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/20/25 5:56 am From: Tom Young <tomyoungnh...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pittsburg 9/19: American Pipits, Black-backed Woodpecker
Yesterday afternoon, I visited a few favorite spots in Pittsburg. Highlights were: at East Inlet, an American Pipit on the rocks just below the dam, actively feeding (photos); also at East Inlet, a fly-by Black-backed Woodpecker; and at Boundary Pond, another American Pipit.
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 17:15:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Henry Walters, Hillary Siener, Judd Nathan, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Lillian Stokes, Meade Cadot, Mike Gebo, Mitch Heydt, Nora Hanke, Tom Momeyer, Tony Troppito, with many more...
Visitors: 111. It was great to see so many raptor fans. Hello to Jeff Kirk, Barry Johnson, Pat & Brian, Cynthia, Nancy, Amy, and many others. Thanks for visiting!
Weather: Mostly sunny skies with a steady breeze from the northwest. Temperatures ranged from high fifties to high sixties. Haze decreased towards the end of the day.
Raptor Observations: Great day for sharpies, with the day's total of 130 becoming our second-highest single-day count. The sharpies occasionally came close by, sometimes pursuing Turkey Vultures or other birds. Broad-wings flew by throughout the day, often on their own but sometimes in small kettles. Local red-shoulders and red-tails provided nice views today. All 3 harriers were juveniles.
Non-raptor Observations: The ravens enjoyed the wind today, often playing over North Pack or flying close to the hawkwatch. Waterfowl species seen today were Double-crested Cormorant and Canada Goose. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: 3/71 Monarchs: 52/415
Predictions: Tomorrow could bring cooler temperatures, along with continued sunshine and northerly winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: Just one group of 6. Few visitors, few hawks ...
Weather: Mostly clear with some high clouds; winds started out light out of the SW and begrudgingly moved up to the W but chickened out and added a SW component; blowing light if at all, never exceeding 2 mph (I now have the secret code to access the Pine Mt weather station) all day; 62 - 81 F, hot.
Raptor Observations: That's not a typo. Not eleven thousand. Not one thousand and eleven. Not one hundred and eleven. But eleven. 11. It gets worse. I heard a rustle sound from under my chair and found a rodent getting into my lunch bag. He spoiled my apple and sandwich. No lunch! It's not funny, the little rat.
Non-raptor Observations: Driven by hunger and heat, the count was abandoned at 1:00.
Predictions: Relief tomorrow in the form of NW winds, a little on the strong side, but we should see some good counts around the state. My money is on Saturday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9.25 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Henry Walters, Katrina Fenton, Mike Gebo, Mitch Heydt, Nikko Gagnon
Visitors: 57.
Weather: Beautiful sunny weather for a day on the mountain. Temperatures increased from high fifties to low seventies.
Raptor Observations: Today's total count of migrants was similar to yesterday's. Broad-wings trickled by slowly throughout the day, with the largest kettle consisting of 24 birds circling in the golden sunlight of early evening. The number of sharpies and falcons increased in the late afternoon. Other migrants included one juvenile harrier and one Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Several warbler species were seen today including Nashville Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Black-throated Green Warbler. The pair of towhees continue to delight hawkwatchers and visitors. Blue Jays: 9/27 Monarchs: 12/363
Predictions: Tomorrow looks like ideal conditions for migration, with a wind from the northwest. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/18/25 2:51 pm From: Susan Fogleman <sfogleman...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hawk count 18 September
Mt Pero, South Campton NH 40 hawks 4.5 hours
Not an “official” site. Postage stamp view of sky overhead, with somewhat open view to west.
Hours: 1210 to 1530 EDT minus total 30 minutes absent . 15% wispy cirrus cloud to start, varying throughout watch period from10 to 20% to 0%; Winds: light W at ground level, but cloud movement indicated higher speed out of WNW aloft, becoming NW circa 1540
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 16, 2025
Species Day's Count
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 36
Peregrine Falcon 1
Comments: The BWs were counted in the 1200 to 133 hour, with another minor pulse between 1400 and 1430. From then on NW winds+ BLUE skies = unfulfilled optimism. (Similar to Little Round Top historic situation)
Susan Fogleman
<sfogleman...>
"the fate of all conservationists [who] fall in love with the earth [is] to die broken hearted.”
Nigel Collar
Date: 9/18/25 10:29 am From: '<hbaue......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Piscassic Greenway Field Trip CANCELLED
Unfortunately we have just learned that SELT will be logging the Piscassic Greenway property tomorrow. Not only will our planned entrance be closed but trip leader Juli thinks that the noise and the machinery will make birding nearly impossible even if other entrances might still be open, so regretfully we are cancelling tomorrow's walk.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Katrina Fenton, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Nora Hanke
Visitors: 63.
Weather: Mostly cloudy in the morning, then became partly sunny for a little bit in the early afternoon. Light breeze mainly from the southeast. Temperatures started in the high forties and reached the low sixties by late afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Today was a slow day for broad-wings, with only a few small kettles forming in the afternoon. Other migrants included several sharpies, a handful of kestrels, a few juvenile harriers, and a couple of Turkey Vultures. Nice views of a sharpie chasing after a kestrel, and of a Cooper's and sharpie chasing each other.
Non-raptor Observations: Several juncos, many chipmunks, the pair of towhees, two White-throated Sparrows, one Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and one Marbled Purple Jumping Spider hung about the hawkwatch today. Blue Jays: 18/18 Monarchs: 11/351
Predictions: Tomorrow looks to be warm and sunny with a breeze from the west. Could be good for thermals! Note: Although auto road reservations might not be available, that doesn't necessarily mean the road is closed. Call the park beforehand to check and come join us! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/17/25 6:52 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] Seacoast Chapter NHA eBird Report - Pickering Ponds bird walk , Rochester, Sep 17, 2025 36 species
Four birders joined me for a not very birdy, but enjoyable, bird walk at Pickering Ponds this am. The high point was a Philadelphia Vireo in a small flurry of activity along the river trail. Not a single warbler was ID'd! Scribe Zeke Cornell returned from Espana to perform his usual impecable species tally below. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Pickering Ponds, Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire, US
Sep 17, 2025 8:04 AM - 11:59 AM
Protocol: Traveling 2.207 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter outing led by Dan Hubbard.
36 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 1
Wood Duck 26
Hooded Merganser 2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 6
Killdeer 2
American Herring Gull 155
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Green Heron 6
Great Blue Heron 1
Turkey Vulture 16
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Philadelphia Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 1
crow sp. 1
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Gray Catbird 15
American Robin 5
Cedar Waxwing 17
Purple Finch 2
American Goldfinch 4
Chipping Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5
Date: 9/17/25 5:20 pm From: '<hbaue......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Piscassic Greenway and Seabrook Town Forest Field trips
There are still a few open spots on this Friday's field trip to the Psicassic Greenway and Sunday's trip to the Seabrook Town Forest. Come see Fall migration in progress and sign-up at the NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter's website: https://www.seacoastchapter.org/field-trips
Date: 9/17/25 4:07 pm From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: [NHBirds] 1,303 hawks at Interlakes School
Staff from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center conducted a coordinated Hawkwatch with 4th graders from Interlakes Elementary School in Meredith today for the 45th consecutive year. We had a great day with a nice push of Broadwings in the morning with a midday lull (really high streaming Broadwings squadrons) and then a great push of hawks between 2:00 and 2:45.
Date: 9/17/25 3:50 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Little Round Top Hawkwatch on 9/17 - 350 hawks
Jane and I made the trip up to Little Round Top in Bristol today.
Although no longer an "official" hawk watch site, it's a great location
to watch for moving hawks with a rich history of coverage by Susan
Fogleman. Unfortunately, it's a 1.5 hour drive and a 15 minute STEEP
hike to the summit....otherwise we'd be up there a lot more!
We had a great morning push of about 300 hawks in a little over 30
minutes, but the rest of the time it was quite slow. So we gave up at 1
PM after spending 3 hours up there.
Turkey Vulture 11
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 17
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 4
Broad-winged Hawk 325 A couple of nice close kettles of close to
100 birds right over the summit. Another big group far in the
distance. Most of the birds came by from about 10:30 to 11:15 then it
went quiet.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
American Kestrel 1
Peregrine Falcon 1 Adult. One of the first birds at the site.
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 17 Migrating.
American Crow 2
Common Raven 4
Black-capped Chickadee 9
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
Cedar Waxwing 16
American Goldfinch 2
Northern Parula 3
Palm Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Date: 9/17/25 3:02 pm From: Susan Fogleman <sfogleman...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hawk flight 17 September
Mt Pero, South Campton NH 202 hawks 4.5 hours
Not an “official” site. Postage stamp view of sky overhead, with somewhat open view to west.
Hours: 1005 to 1530 EDT minus 40 minutes absent 90% cloud to start, varying throughout watch period from 60 to 90 Winds: light SE at ground level, but cloud movement indicated higher speed out of SSE aloft
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 16, 2025
Species Day's Count
COMMENTS: A decent day at Postage Stamp Observatory, although frustrating in that visibility to the north and east is very limited by trees. Volunteer massage therapist position open for strained neck and shoulder relief.
Non-raptor observations: Black-throated Green Warblers appeared to be on the move throughout the day in great numbers. A warbler watching period was designated between 1630 and 1645 focusing on a single white birch tree. Observations included numerous B-t Greens, Blackburnians (2), Cape May (2), Chestnut sided (2), Magnolia, Pine, Black&White, Nashville, Parula plus 2 Red-eyed Vireos and a surprise Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Predictions: No observation September 18 due to observer obligations elsewhere. Best wishes for lots of hawks to everyone!
Susan Fogleman
<sfogleman...>
"the fate of all conservationists [who] fall in love with the earth [is] to die broken hearted.”
Nigel Collar
Date: 9/17/25 6:53 am From: Susan Fogleman <sfogleman...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hawk flight 16 September
Mt Pero, Campton NH 316 hawks 5 hours
Not an “official” site. Postage stamp view of sky overhead, with somewhat open view to west.
Hours: 1130 to 1630 EDT 10-20% cloud Winds: light ESE to SE
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 16, 2025
Species Day's Count
Turkey Vulture 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Broad-winged Hawk 306
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Unknown Raptor 1
Comments: First BWs were spotted almost as soon as I got out, as a stream of 143 had developed right overhead. I suspect that the day’s count would have been higher if I had gotten out sooner. (Don’t we all have times like that?!)
Interesting to see how the count observed here today was so different from other NH sites. Because this site is NNE of former watch at Little Round Top (Bristol) I hazard a guess that any counters at that now-abandoned site would have had a pretty impressive count this day.
Best wishes to everyone for a great day today!
Susan
Susan Fogleman
<sfogleman...>
“The world, it seems to me, is governed by strong conviction,
paltry imagination, and meagre understanding.” Yiyun Li
Date: 9/17/25 5:20 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Unidentified yellow
Thanks to everyone who responded. The consensus is a juvenile
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (female). I looked through the Macaulay Library and
found a few similar among the Yellow-Rumped Warbler photos to confirm.
Uploaded the photo with trip checklist to ebird, so they'll let me know if
the ID is in error.
On Tue, Sep 16, 2025 at 8:33 PM Bruce Conti <contiba...> wrote:
> Not a very good photo, encountered at Odiorne Point this morning, waited
> several minutes for it to reappear, but this is all I got. Perhaps one of
> the experts here will recognize it.
> https://www.baconti.com/unidyellow.jpg >
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: Just 8. If there is a correlation between number of visitors and number of raptors....
Weather: Hazy, clear to start with some high thin clouds moving in with some cumulus; light NE wind to start followed by SE winds after 12:30; 63 - 76 F.
Raptor Observations: Not a big count today for either Pack or Alton Bay. Weather conditions in the morning were essentially identical to yesterday but the hawks weren't biting, especially after the mid-day wind shift. No kettles to speak of, instead a lot of singles, doubles, and triples.
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 6/43
Predictions: South winds tomorrow gives me the day off. Thursday the count resumes with W winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Julie Brown, Phil Brown, Tom Delaney
Observers: Glen & Lori Chretien, Judd Nathan, Lillian Stokes, Mike Gebo, Miki Foley, Mitch Heydt, Phil Brown, Tom Delaney, Tom Momeyer, Tony Troppito, with many more...
Visitors: 48, including lots of hawk watch friends.
Weather: Another pleasant day with a mix of sun and cloud cover and a light breeze from the NE to ENE. Temps 14-17 C. Hazy with heat shimmer early and valley fog burning off.
Raptor Observations: A nice day for raptor diversity, but not the big Broad-winged push we were hoping for following almost 5k birds at Clarry Hill yesterday. Harriers started off the day as Glen found a pair circling up over the Lyndeboroughs, and several more passed by day's end. Ospreys picked up with winds shifting earterly later in the day. The Broad-wings came mainly in 'cups' vs. any real kettles despite no abundant lift due to a warm landscape and ample sunshine. Stunning looks at a close juvenile harrier, which was followed a minute later by the season's second peregrine, taking the same path.
Non-raptor Observations: A couple of new arrivals included a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in partial song and two White-throated Sparrows calling in the shrubs. Also notable were Barred Owl, two Double-crested Cormorants, two Tennessee Warblers, and the continuing two Eastern Towhees and one immature White-crowned Sparrow. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds 5/68 Monarchs 21/340
Predictions: Still waiting for another big push of Broad-wings. The big day has historically occurred on 9/17 more frequently than on any other day in the site's history. Wind direction seems unfavorable, but it may remain light enough to facilitate continued migration. Either way, come on up and cheer on the home team, and admire the newly improved view. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/16/25 3:32 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: [NHBirds] Roadless Rule Public Comment Period Ends Friday Sept 19th
Hi All,
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was a directive issued in Jan. 2001 by Clinton and had huge public support that protected approximately 58.5 million acres of the National Forest System from most new road construction, timber harvesting, and mineral leasing. Our current administration wants to rescind that rule and it will have one of the most damaging environmental impacts ever proposed for our national forests and country - opening up those protected 58.5 million acres of precious forest ecosystems to roads, degradation, pollution of pristine waterways/ponds, loss of plant, animal and BIRD biodiversity, runoff, erosion, etc. Places like Tongass National Forest and our own backyard - 100,000+ acres of forest in the White/Green Mountains which preserve water quality, forest biodiversity and health, and the minimal old growth and mature forests that remain for carbon capture.
Below are 2 links where you can send your comments by Sept 19.
Date: 9/16/25 2:31 pm From: Jarrod Williams <jarrodswilliams...> Subject: [NHBirds] Flock of Northern Flickers - Nashua Mine Falls
Typically you find Norther Flickers as pairs or solitary. Yesterday 09/15, I was delighted to encounter a "flock" of approximately 24 Flickers (that I was able to count). They were foraging in a group on the Soifert Memorial Fields in Mine Falls Park in Nashua. I knew that this was typical during migration, but it was very cool to see that many Yellow-shafted Northern Flickers at time.
I was coming out of the woods on a trail that enters onto the soccer field and spotted a sizable group of birds (couldn't tell what they were at a distance) and they spotted me at the same time and more than half of them immediately burst into the air toward nearby trees. The other half were still bounding around foraging. When they took flight and I could see all the yellow under wings it was then that I knew they were all Northern Flickers.
Here is link to a subpar photo I was able to get before the remainder took flight.
Not a very good photo, encountered at Odiorne Point this morning, waited
several minutes for it to reappear, but this is all I got. Perhaps one of
the experts here will recognize it.
https://www.baconti.com/unidyellow.jpg
In addition to this, encountered at Odiorne...
1 Red-Tailed Hawk
1 Common Goldeneye
5 Black-Capped Chickadee
2 Blue Jay
1 Spotted Sandpiper
12 Double-Crested Cormorants
8 Common Eider
1 Common Loon
Numerous Ring-Billed and Herring gulls
And at Rye Harbor...
1 Belted Kingfisher among numerous Common Eider and Gulls
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 9/16/25 11:32 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Selling Zeiss Binoculars
All,
I’m looking to part ways with a pair of Zeiss 10X42 Conquest HD binoculars.
While they’re over a year old they look brand new, no scraps, scuffs, clean
glass, Zeiss warranty etc. I have the case, both eye caps, and the
strap. Asking
$500. If anyone’s interested please reach out, I’ll gladly send pictures.
Thanks.
Date: 9/16/25 11:11 am From: 'Susan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Summer tanager
On September 14th I had a flock of juvenile robins, very heavily spotted land in my water fountain.
They were in and out for about an hour, bathing and drinking I noticed a different looking bird hanging out with them.My research leads me to believe it was a female Summer Tanager. It was greenish yellow, no wing bars and a heavy, pale bill. All the birds were gone the next morning.
Susan Hunter, Bedford
Date: 9/15/25 7:39 pm From: Dan Hubbard <danielhubbard...> Subject: [NHBirds] Strafford County Complex bird walk 9-14 34 species
Sixteen birders joined me for a pleasant walk around the Strafford County Complex yesterday. It started with a little excitement as a flock of Blue Jays mobbed a Cooper's Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk which were not too impressed. Subsequently, things were very quiet with nothing particularly unusual. The weather was nice, however, and the group did not appear to be especially bored. Many thanks to Kathy Carson who tallied the species below. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Wood Duck-6
Rock Pigion-5
Mourning Dove-3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird-1
Killdeer-1
Herring Gull-10
Great Black-backed Gull-1
Osprey-1
Sharp-shinned Hawk-1
Cooper's Hawk-1
Red-bellied Woodpecker-3
Downy Woodpecker-2
Pileated Woodpecker-1
Northern Flicker-3
Eastern Phoebe-1
Blue Jay-19
American Crow-1
Common Raven-1
Black-capped Chickadee-3
Tufted Titmouse-2
Red-breasted Nuthatch-3
Northern House Wren-1
Carolina Wren-1
European Starling-40
Gray Catbird-8
American Robin-2
Cedar Waxwing-1
House Sparrow-2
House Finch-5
American Goldfinch-4
Song Sparrow-5
Common Yellowthroat-1
American Redstart-1
Northern Cardinal-5
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 16, at least some of whom are starting to recognize me as that hawk counter.
Weather: Almost cloudless skies to start followed by increasing cloudiness; light NE winds turning to the SE by 12:30; 61-75 F.
Raptor Observations: The morning started out well until the wind switched to the SE, bringing migration to a crawl. Plenty of thermals but nothing of great size.
Non-raptor Observations: First Palm Warbler of the season. Possible Blue Jay migration with flocks of 18 and 7.
Predictions: East winds will prevail tomorrow which is not great but better than south winds. Each day I get a higher count lending hope that a peak count is coming up. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 06:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Mark Timmerman, Nate Marchessault
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Jim McCoy, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Meade Cadot, Mike Gebo, Mitch Heydt, Nate Marchessault, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: Over 113 visitors today, 63 coming up to enjoy the mountain, birds or both, and a school group of 47 kids, 3 teachers, and many (TBD) parents.
Weather: Winds begun in the east and gradually transitioned to northeast during the count period. A little breeze in the morning, then not much to speak of through the rest of the count. Minimal clouds in the morning which built to about 70% cover in the afternoon and gradually decreased from there. Temps 13-18 C.
Raptor Observations: A strong start to the morning turned out to be carryover from yesterday's excitement as things slowed down around noon. Regardless, the morning's kettles and trickle of birds in the afternoon made for a great day of hawkwatching. Harriers were 5 juvies and one non-adult male.
Non-raptor Observations: A Common Nighthawk was our lunchtime excitement, making three passes around the mountain before it wasn't seen again. The immature White-crowned Sparrow was still around, as were the male and female towhee. Red-breasted nuts are making sure we know they're still there.
Monarchs: 54 (319 season total) Hummingbirds: 1 (63 season total) Two red-spotted purples, two wandering gliders, and one cherry-faced meadowhawk.
Predictions: Warm with partial clouds, light winds from the E/SE. Not the best winds, but there should be some birds moving!
The 17th tends to be the most likely day to have our highest count of the season, but the weather isn't perfect for migration. Who knows?
On this day in Pack history: 2016: 3352 migrants counted. Katrina Fenton: "No birds until after 9 EST, when right on cue, a Broad-winged Hawk breached the horizon and proved to every raptor within eyeshot that the thermals were starting. Before long, small kettles of 8-12 were rising. In a couple more hours, kettles of 20-40 were being seen. A few hours later, kettles of 100-200 or more were boiling up and spilling across the sky. The peak of the flight didn't come until after 5, when a seemingly endless flow of 896 birds streamed and kettled from far beyond the Lyndeboroughs to Crotched and beyond. Broad-wingeds began to wander and look for places to settle in for the night as thermals died to almost nothing around 6, some swirling into the spruces not far below the count site." ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/15/25 1:21 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, September 15, 2025.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, September 15th,
2025.
2 MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen in Dover and 2 were seen in Durham, all on
several days during the past week.
A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was seen at Spinney Lane and Durham Reservoir on
September on September 14th. A CANADA WARBLER was seen in Carroll and 1 was
seen in Lyme, and a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was seen in Madbury, all during the
past week.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
September 8th, and 1 was seen on Star Island in the Isles of Shoals on the 9
th.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Boston Lot Lake in Lebanon on September 8th.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on September 6th
and 7th, and was last reported on the 14th.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen near the top of Pack Monadnock in
Peterborough on September 13th.
2 DICKCISSELS were seen at the Birch Street Community Gardens in Concord on
September 8th.
An AMERICAN AVOCET was seen in the pools south of Odiorne Point State Park
along Route 1A in Rye on September 14th.
3 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on September 10th
.
A HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued to be seen in Hampton Harbor and was last
reported on September 14th.
A BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen at Jenness Beach in Rye and was last
reported on September 14th, and a WESTERN SANDPIPER was seen here on the 11
th.
2 BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS were seen along the coast just south of Odiorne Point
State Park in Rye on September 8th.
A DUNLIN was seen just south of Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
September 11th.
An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was seen in Campton on September 10th, 1 was seen
at Horseshoe Pond in Concord on the 9th, and 2 were seen at the Jamie Welch
Field and Merrimack River in Boscawen on the 15th.
A PIPING PLOVER was seen in Hampton Harbor on September 11th.
A COMMON TERN was seen on Lake Winnipesaukee on September 11th.
A GREAT CORMORANT was seen on the Connecticut River in Orford on September
13th.
A juvenile YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen near the intersection of
Cross Beach Road and Route 1A (across from St. Elizabeth’s Church) in
Seabrook on September 13th.
A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen along the Elmwood Junction trails in
Hancock on September 10th.
An adult LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen along Parsons Creek Salt Marsh in Rye
on September 14th.
2 GREEN HERONS were seen at the Upper Coos Recreational Trail in Colebrook
on September 13th.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was reported from Colebrook on September 13th.
Single GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS were reported from Salem, Charlestown,
Rye, Seabrook, and Madbury during the past week.
6 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Durham and 1 was seen in Rochester all during
the past week.
Hawk migration observation has started and observers have counted over
1,000 raptors (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack Monadnock Raptor
Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the official counters!
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
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: 9/15/25 9:27 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Odiorne Point SP Bioblitz - 2025 (Lark Sparrow, Common Goldeneye, Caspian Terns)
Jane and I helped out with the Odiorne Point State Park Bioblitz
yesterday. This was the 23rd year for this annual event and we've made
it every year except one. The event is run by the Seacoast Science
Center and the goal is to try to record as many species of living
organisms in the park in one day. The purpose is to educate the public
and to expose people to the different organisms that can be found in
such a small area. There were experts in the field all day and short
field trips every hour during the day.
Jane and I focused on birds, but we have now expanded and spend a large
part of the day searching for insects. The last few years have had
dismal weather for insects, but thankfully, for the first time in about
4 years, we had SUN!!! (for better or worse considering the existing
drought!) The bird list was pretty low at 70 species and way below the
high count of about 100 species from 2021 but the insect lists were very
good! Thanks to help from other birders/insect fanatics including Jason
Lambert, Jacqui Shuster, Robyn Prieto, Ben Griffith, David Blezard,
Cameron Johnson, Holly Bauer, and others.
Birds - 70 species (including a few not seen by Jane and I)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Green-winged Teal
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
COMMON GOLDENEYE - Probably the first Bioblitz record and rarest bird of
the day. This is a continuing bird and a very rare sighting. Although
they breed in northern NH, they generally don't appear on the seacoast
until NOVEMBER!
Wild Turkey
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Ruddy Turnstone
Least Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - "Woody"!! The returning individual. Sitting
on wood staddles in saltmarsh. This bird has been seen every year since
at least 2010 when it was seen as an adult on the wooden staddles! That
would make this bird at least 18 years old! One can only wonder where
it spends the summer! See checklist below:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S6905735 CASPIAN TERN - Beautiful group of 4 migrating south in late afternoon.
Common Tern
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
swallow sp.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Carolina Wren
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Cedar Waxwing
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
LARK SPARROW - 1 juvenile around the grasses at (and on the roof of!)
the Seacoast Science Center. This appears TO BE A DIFFERENT juvenile
from the bird found on 9/6.
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Palm Warbler (Western)
Palm Warbler (Yellow)
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Butterflies - 16 species
-------------------------------
This has been a relatively poor summer and fall for butterflies, so the
total of 16 species was certainly a wonderful surprise and exceeded my
expectations.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?on=2025-09-14&taxon_id=47224&user_id=stevemirick&verifiable=any Least Skipper - 2
ZABULON SKIPPER - Perhaps 4 or 5. Given that we had poor weather the
last 3 years for this event, this represents a first (I think) for the
Bioblitz. Getting late. Amazing how fast this species has gone from
"Holy Cow a Zabulon" to "Ho hum, another Zabulon"! :-)
American Copper - 1
HARVESTER - Beautiful caterpillar in the alder swamp with wooly alder
aphids. Only my 2nd caterpillar of this species. Thanks (once again)
to Jason's excellent eyes.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313990522 Summer Azure - 2
WHITE M HAIRSTREAK - Southern vagrants have been scarce this fall, so
this was definitely the butterfly highlight of the day and a lifer for
Robyn!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313990525 Gray Hairstreak - 1 (not seen by our group, but nicely photographed)
Monarch - Common, but not migrating. Not counted, but I'd say about 12.
Great Spangled Fritillary - 1
Pearl Crescent - 4
Mourning Cloak - 2
Red Admiral - 1
American Lady - 1
Black Swallowtail - 1
Clouded Sulphur - 2
Cabbage White - Common
Moths
---------
Banded Tussock Moth
Hickory Tussock Moth
Pale Beauty
Wavy-lined Emerald - CATERPILLAR. Thanks to Jacqui's incredible eyes!
RUBBED DART - 2nd State record in iNaturalist. Appears to be strictly a
coastal species in New England.
Arcigera Flower Moth
CHENOPODIUM SCYTHRIS MOTH - Apparently a non-native moth. Widespread in
northeast, but appears to be a first iNaturalist record for New Hampshire.
Isabella Tiger Moth ("Wooly Bear") - ZERO!!! Incredible not to see one
this year. Apparently not reported by any groups. What does that
predict about the upcoming winter weather!? :-)
Damselflies & Dragonflies (9 species)
--------------------------------------------------
Fairly ordinary list of odonates for the day, but nice to photograph a
perched Green-striped Darner:
Spotted Spreadwing
Slender Spreadwing
Familiar Bluet
Eastern Forktail
Green-striped Darner
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313990538 Common Green Darner
Wandering Glider
Cherry-faced Meadowhawk
Autumn Meadowhawk
Flower Flies (syprhids) (6 species)
---------------------------------------------
Not all that many syrphids despite some nice fields of goldenrod.
Common Drone Fly
Black-shouldered Drone Fly
Common Lagoon Fly
Eastern Calligrapher Fly
Margined Calligrapher Fly
MAIZE CALLIGRAPHER FLY - Fairly common generally, but I've not seen many
as it seems to be rare along the NH seacoast. This is a first
iNaturalist record for Odiorne and a beauty!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313990591
Robber Flies (3 species)
-------------------------------
Some of you know that Mike Thomas has gotten me interested in Robber
Flies. He is one of the United States authorities on this family. I was
very happy to get 3 species for the day as they tend to wind down by
September.
Efferia aestuans (Northeastern Hammertail) - 1 female that landed on
David Blezard and tried to lay eggs on him! This is the most commonly
reported species in the U.S. but it's getting late and this is my latest
record.
Machimus sadyates (Shiny-sided Bladetail) - At least 3 and possibly 3
others. Including one that landed on Jacqui! This is the most likely
Robber Fly at this date and location.
NEOMOCHTHERUS PICEUS - This is a rarely reported species in the eastern
US and considered uncommon. Jane and I have had exceptional luck with
it, however, in southeastern NH and especially near Frost Point at
Odiorne. We hadn't seen it in the last couple of weeks and thought it
was done for the year. We were wrong! This individual was a female and
appeared to be trying to lay eggs in the broken off branch of staghorn
sumac.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313990533
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 14, one of whom, Billy, was very interested and so earned a free hawk migration fact sheet.
Weather: Clear skies followed by increasing cloudiness with scattered showers by 3:30; winds calm to light from the NE and NNE; 64 - 77 F.
Raptor Observations: The first bird was a nice Northern Harrier at eye level then it slowed until 11:00 when streams of Broad-wings passed high overhead but then went dry after 12:00.
Non-raptor Observations: Red-tails cruise by closely as if to invite picture taking. Bird of the day was the 2nd record here of Lincoln's Sparrow. Monarchs did well, 9/27.
Predictions: More light NE winds tomorrow so there is bound to be a higher count than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Hillary Siener, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Nora Hanke
Visitors: 111.
Weather: With 100% cloud cover in the morning, birds started to get lift late. But after the quiet start, things got busy. Temperatures up to 20 C, haze in the distance, and ideal wind direction.
Raptor Observations: Thousands of Broad-wings streamed by today, sometimes forming large kettles. Often high in the sky, they looked like "ants crawling over a piece of candy" in the words of Mark Timmerman. After the 118 sharpies, kestrels were the third most abundant migrant at 42. All 5 harriers were juveniles.
Non-raptor Observations: A small flock of Purple Finches flew over in the morning. The White-crowned Sparrow continues, along with the pair of towhees. Excellent day for Monarchs; the last time we broke 100 Monarchs in a day was two years ago. Mourning Cloak and White Admiral were also seen. Monarchs: 106/265 Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 6/62
Predictions: Partly sunny with light variable wind and temperatures in the sixties. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
I've been sitting patiently in my driveway for the past three and a half hours not seeing a single raptor overhead. Just now in a matter of moments I've had three sharp-shinned one broad wing and one red shoulder hawk soar overhead. Amazing yet incredibly mysterious creatures. Regards Randy
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Andre Moraes, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien, Hillary Siener, Jim McCoy, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Mitch Heydt
Visitors: 136.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with only a slight breeze from the southwest. Temperatures ranging from 13.5-18 C.
Raptor Observations: A couple of small kettles of broad-wings were observed, along with a few birds on their own. After sharpies, harriers were the third most abundant raptor today. Because of the cloud cover, most birds were flying low. Our number of migrants for September is now over 1,000.
Non-raptor Observations: Other bird highlights included an immature White-crowned Sparrow, several Red-breasted Nuthatches, and a flock of Cedar Waxwings. Monarchs: 3/159 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: 4/56
Predictions: Tomorrow should bring more sun, warmer temperatures, and hopefully more migrants with a light northwest wind. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/13/25 4:12 pm From: Beth Fox <bethfox45...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Digest for - 2 updates in 2 topics
Raptor count at Pine Mt. yesterday:)
> On Sep 13, 2025, at 6:39 PM, <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> <nhbirds...> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/topics> Google Groups <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > Topic digest <>
> View all topics <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/topics> > Alton Bay Hawk Watch (12 Sep 2025) 210 Raptors <x-msg://41/#group_thread_0> - 1 Update
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory (12 Sep 2025) 412 Raptors <x-msg://41/#group_thread_1> - 1 Update
> Alton Bay Hawk Watch (12 Sep 2025) 210 Raptors <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/df0afce50e280e25?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > <reports...>: Sep 13 02:19AM
>
> Alton Bay Hawk Watch
> Alton, New Hampshire, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 12, 2025
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
> Osprey 0 2 2
> Bald Eagle 1 7 7
> Northern Harrier 1 1 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 42 42
> Cooper's Hawk 0 3 3
> American Goshawk 0 0 0
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 1
> Broad-winged Hawk 184 282 282
> Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 0 0 0
> Merlin 1 1 1
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Accipitrine 0 0 0
> Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 2 3 3
>
> Total: 210 342 342
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 09:00:00
> Observation end time: 15:30:00
> Total observation time: 6.5 hours
>
> Official Counter: Rob Woodward
>
> Observers:
>
> Visitors:
> 13 quiet and short-visiting visitors.
>
>
> Weather:
> Some haze, mostly clear skies with some cumulus developing by late morning
> but then disappearing; light NW winds at first then turning SE by 11:30
> detrimentally; then shifting to NW at 2:00; warm, 57 - to low 70's.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> Another good count at Alton Bay. Broad-wings started early during the 9:00
> hour and exploded at 11:00 but then screeched to a halt at 11:30 when winds
> shifted to the SE. I started to leave at 2:00 after not seeing any BWHA
> since 11:30 when suddenly, and, I say, miraculuously, the winds blew from
> the NW and Broad-wings reappeared. Wind direction is everything in this
> business.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> Red Crossbills are around as at Pack. An odd flock of 20 Double-crested
> Cormorants rode a thermal in front of the Ossipees. 11 Monarchs and a nice
> black edged Pink-edged Sulphur.
>
> Predictions:
> Tomorrow's forecast calls for unfavorable SW winds, giving me the day off.
> Sunday may be rained out. But Monday looks big. I don't mean
> "blockbuster" or "flight of the century" big but look for some big numbers.
> I like how things are coming along so far this season and Monday could be
> a break- out day.
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
>
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=921 > Back to top <x-msg://41/#digest_top>Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory (12 Sep 2025) 412 Raptors <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/ec68f52fe2480989?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > <reports...>: Sep 12 11:37PM
>
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory
> Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 12, 2025
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 2
> Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
> Osprey 7 34 39
> Bald Eagle 5 31 34
> Northern Harrier 4 13 13
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 45 143 149
> Cooper's Hawk 8 64 64
> American Goshawk 0 0 0
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 6 6
> Broad-winged Hawk 327 600 622
> Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 12 28 28
> Merlin 2 12 13
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Accipitrine 0 0 0
> Unknown Buteo 0 1 1
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 0 0 0
>
> Total: 412 932 971
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 08:00:00
> Observation end time: 16:00:00
> Total observation time: 8 hours
>
> Official Counter: Kate McKay
>
> Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Glen & Lori Chretien,
> Mike Gebo, Mitch Heydt, Phil Brown, Tom Momeyer
>
> Visitors:
> 60. Thanks to Dan and many others for providing extra eyes and great
> company.
>
>
> Weather:
> Sunny and calm with temperatures in the fifties and sixties.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> Broad-wing migration started early today, with the highest numbers observed
> in the morning. Sharpies were the second most abundant migrant. Also
> migrating were a dozen kestrels; small handfuls of eagles, harriers,
> Cooper's, and Ospreys; and a couple of Merlins and Red-shouldered Hawks.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> Other birds on the wing included a Great-blue Heron and 41 ravens. Several
> warbler species stopped by including Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated
> Green Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Northern Parula. The pair of towhees
> came nearby and a couple of Red Crossbills flew by late in the day.
> Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: 5/52
> Monarchs: 41/156
>
> Predictions:
> Similar weather conditions expected, with perhaps more clouds and a breeze
> from the west. International Hawk Migration Week starts tomorrow!
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
> www.harriscenter.org
>
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=320 > Back to top <x-msg://41/#digest_top>
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