Date: 11/27/25 8:26 am From: Dan Mullarkey <dmullarkey7...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
Belknap thanks the fine birders of Carroll for alerting us to the blue grey
gnatcatcher, which has definitely been the recent highlight for us.
Dan
On Thu, Nov 27, 2025 at 11:15 AM JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...>
wrote:
> alas it has been a difficult few years here in Carroll county . Few
> birders normal and fewer still due to illnesses, car troubles and folks
> being out of the country. Seems we haven’t been blessed with wonderful
> weather( unless you like snow or freeze) or migrants. But we stalwart few
> continue to try. (Doesn’t look like we are heading for anyplace higher up
> the ladder this season )
>
> Happy thanksgiving all!
> Jeanne-Marie
>
> On Nov 27, 2025, at 08:57, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <
> <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> I guess I'll weigh in despite the fact that I'm still mourning the miss
> of the Cuckoo.....tragic....especially since Jane and I had spent time
> birding the (rarely birded) cemetery two days before the Cuckoo was seen!
> Certainly the best bird of 2025 for NH, but sadly missed by almost
> everyone.......argh!!!
>
>
>
> Jane and I enjoy the County Challenge. Although I wonder if there is a
> better method for the scoring system. I'm not sure whether it's even
> possible for Rockingham to win!!!???? :-) The Challenge gives birders an
> excuse to beat the bushes in search of rarities. While November can be
> cold and incredibly slow for birds, it's also a good time to find wayward
> vagrants with broken internal GPS systems. It may be possible to walk all
> of Odiorne and see nothing for 2 hours and then stumble upon a mega-rarity.
>
> And while there are currently no mega-rarities in NH right right now,
> consider that in Maine right now megas being seen (or seen recently)
> include Western Kingbird, Northern Wheatear, Bullock's Oriole, White-eyed
> Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER! And in MA right
> now (or recently) megas being seen include Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,
> Tundra Swan (now deceased as of yesterday), Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow,
> Ash-throated Flycatcher, Ross's Goose, and Say's Phoebe!
>
> Jane and continue to keep our list for this November.....now at 130
> species (when you include Jane's heard only Evening Grosbeaks).
>
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/428400 >
> And some very cool birds here in Rockingham have been found this November
> including Bell's Vireo White-eyed Vireo, Cave Swallow, and Baird's
> Sandpiper!
>
> So eat well today, but GET OUT THERE TOMORROW AND FIND A GREAT BIRD!!!!!!
> And a free beer to the person who finds me #400 for NH!!!!
>
> Steve & Jane Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
>
> On 11/26/2025 8:32 PM, Pam Hunt wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the almost
> total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its course.
> That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
>
> 1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held on
> Nov 2
> 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong
> 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding any
> species in the last ten days)
> 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time -
> can it medal by month's end?!
> 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing a
> Common Cuckoo)
> 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2).
> 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%).
> 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%)
> 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual.
> 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs, and
> I feel their pain.
>
> You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen counties.
> Good luck!
> I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the review
> queue.
>
> Happy Turkey Day,
> Pam Hunt
> Concord
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