After living here 39 years, I finally was able to positively identify a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I know they have been here in the past by the telltale holes they have left on my Mountain Ash and Apple trees.
I had 131 Bonaparte's Gulls in one flock on the water off the south end of Lakeview Dr. in North Hero yesterday (private property). There were a few Brant with them earlier in the morning, but they were gone when I got there mid-afternoon.
Along the footpath beside the railway tracks and canal in Bellows
Falls, a Blue-gray gnatcatcher an hour ago stepped out in front of me
with tail raised as it trod up and down in plain view, which I recall
is a territorial thing though not sure. There were very pretty
complaints from inside the brush too. ...have only ever encountered
them before in Champlain valley, poss migration? Time to brush up on
ebird. Self pity over no garden for a year went poof : ). Happy
birding, Veer
Date: 5/9/26 2:39 pm From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 08 May 2026: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
4:52 a.m., from deep in the hemlock shade, a hermit thrush duets with
himself forty minutes before sunrise. Moments later, as night draws to a
close, a barred owl, wings slightly bowed, glides silently over the meadow
and into the evergreens. Thirty-two degrees, wind south-southwest at three
miles per hour, gusting to five. Half moon in the west, bright for the
moment, already beginning to fade. Everywhere else in the heavens, a dull,
mottled blue-gray. The cold buttoned up last night's chorus of spring
peepers.
4:56 a.m., a loud, repetitive titmice, a chickadee, a pine warbler, and a
pair of robins (also dueting with themselves).
5:02 a.m., a shed-nesting phoebe clears his throat. Clears it again. A
minute later, a red-breasted nuthatch honks into the morning.
5:08 a.m., a bluebird on an electric line sings. And a porcupine, in no
particular hurry, waddles out of the hemlocks and across the road.
Then, eighteen minutes later, a yellow-bellied sapsucker drums, a soft,
stammering Morse code, as though he can't make up his mind—slow, fast,
slow, slower. A self-amused flicker laughs. Then, a pileated, laughs louder
and longer. (Nothing subtle about a pileated.)
On Hurricane Hill, juncos have been trilling all winter. Now they're joined
by chipping sparrows and pine warblers. Comparing the speed of all three
trills, the musicality (it's subtle: chipping sparrows sound mechanical
like an unimaginative iPhone; pine warblers *slightly* musical; juncos
somewhere in between). Comparing the three—it's elusive (to me)—is like
comparing the sound of bouncing balls. Is a Spalding more musical than a
Pensie pinkie, than a tennis ball? Fortunately, pine warblers sing in the
pines. Often high up. And chipping sparrows sing on the lawn. Juncos gum
things up ... they sing on the ground in the pines, on the lawns, lilacs
and gray birch, and just inside the woods where the evergreens meet
the road.
5:29 a.m., from the east side of Hurricane Hill, the voice of a wood thrush
floats over the summit.
Along the New Hampshire skyline, north of where I stand and south of Smarts
Mountain, a rose-pink bloom above Moose Mountain spreads northwest. Gives
fugitive clouds a touch of lavender.
*The kismet of sunrise:* climbing above Moose Mountain, relaxes the clouds,
which dissolve as I watch, then kindles an enthusiastic chorus—warblers
(black and white, black-throated green, ovenbird, chestnut-sided, northern
yellow, common yellowthroat); eastern towhee; eastern wood pewee; gray
catbird; northern house wren; brown-headed cowbird; two red-breasted
grosbeaks (in the same sapling, singing); mourning dove; white-breasted
nuthatches; blue jays; song and white-throated and swamp sparrows; a raven;
several crows, one of whom collects spilled sunflower seeds from below my
deck; and mourning doves. A broad-winged hawk in a black cherry ... waiting.
A cardinal facing the sun, breast on fire, glows as it sings.
Date: 5/9/26 2:20 pm From: Jared Katz <000003825c43bc1a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOY Baltimore Oriole in Milton
I love it when Merlin identifies my BOTD and it turns out that I see my FOY (most recently BAOR). I’m hung up from birding for a bit, except out my window. If was a pleasure to see the Orioles, Chestnut-sided, Butter Butts, Warbling Vireo, American Redstart, Chickadees, A Robins, spotted sandpiper, belted kingfisher, A Crow, Raven, TVs, N Cardinals, N Yellow warblers, on my “last walk” along the Rivershore Trail in Richmond last week. Grateful for the RTHU at my feeder and soon at the azalea.
Jared Katz
Richmond, VT
> On May 6, 2026, at 9:16 AM, Victoria Arthur <singtolive57...> wrote:
>
> FOY here in Shrewsbury, VT...Finally a hummer at about 7 pm, doing a hover
> around the feeder and the fuchsia hanging next to it.
> Also FOY a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak at our suet feeder.
> Still waiting on an Oriole.
> Happy Spring!
> Victoria
>
> On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 8:43 AM Elizabeth Alton <redbnuthatch...>
> wrote:
>
>> Arrived and fed from hummer feeder this AM. I still have not seen a hummer
>> yet....
>> Liz in Milton, VT
>>
>> --
>> Liz Alton:
>> "Keep a green tree in your heart; perhaps a singing bird will come."
>>
Date: 5/9/26 5:22 am From: Jared Katz <000003825c43bc1a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] full yard this morning!
Wow!
Sent from my irresistible flat thing.
> On May 9, 2026, at 08:12, Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
>
> Frost on several plants, but several FOYs - Here’s the list:
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S335153377 > Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
Date: 5/9/26 4:04 am From: Elizabeth Alton <redbnuthatch...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Almost a rainbow
RT Hummers are here in MIlton for 2 days. They are on their way!
On Fri, May 8, 2026 at 2:28 PM Sara Clark <estrellaphim...> wrote:
> That is wonderful Barclay! Had one 2 days in a row over in Hyde Park. First
> time for me. Amazingly awesome.
>
> Sara Clark
>
> On Fri, May 8, 2026 at 1:32 PM Barclay Ellen Morris <bemorris...>
> wrote:
>
> > A rare treat to have an Indigo Bunting in the yard. Alongside the
> > Cardinals and Goldfinches a wonderful palette . Just need the
> > Ruby-throat to complete the rainbow. The feeder is out but so far it
> seems
> > I'm being boycotted for now.
> >
> > Barclay
> > East Shore Grand Isle
> >
>
--
Liz Alton:
"Keep a green tree in your heart; perhaps a singing bird will come."
Date: 5/8/26 11:28 am From: Sara Clark <estrellaphim...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Almost a rainbow
That is wonderful Barclay! Had one 2 days in a row over in Hyde Park. First
time for me. Amazingly awesome.
Sara Clark
On Fri, May 8, 2026 at 1:32 PM Barclay Ellen Morris <bemorris...>
wrote:
> A rare treat to have an Indigo Bunting in the yard. Alongside the
> Cardinals and Goldfinches a wonderful palette . Just need the
> Ruby-throat to complete the rainbow. The feeder is out but so far it seems
> I'm being boycotted for now.
>
> Barclay
> East Shore Grand Isle
>
Date: 5/8/26 10:32 am From: Barclay Ellen Morris <bemorris...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Almost a rainbow
A rare treat to have an Indigo Bunting in the yard. Alongside the Cardinals and Goldfinches a wonderful palette . Just need the Ruby-throat to complete the rainbow. The feeder is out but so far it seems I'm being boycotted for now.
Date: 5/8/26 6:33 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOY catbird in Montpelier
This morning, at 7:50, we watched three catbirds in one of our aronia berry bushes, each one hopping from branch to branch, staring fixedly at each other, occasionally lifting w head and/or lowering a tail. It appeared to be either three males working out who would remain in control of a valuable territory (aronias, wild grapes, honeyberries, blueberries, nannyberries, serviceberries and more) or two males sparring over a female. It was, I believe, the first time I’ve ever seen three adult catbirds at one time!
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
> On May 8, 2026, at 9:09 AM, John Snell <jrsnelljr...> wrote:
>
> So good to see a catbird back this morning and look forward to hearing it sing later today!
> John Snell
> Montpelier
Date: 5/8/26 4:12 am From: Eric Seyferth <00001119414d75a9-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Winged-warblers - observing, documenting, and submitting to eBird
That works, thank you.
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 8, 2026, at 5:58 AM, Richard Littauer <richard.littauer...> wrote:
>
> The PDF may not work. Try this link:
> https://www.birdobserver.org/Portals/0/LiveArticles/1017/winged-warblers._how_to_tell_a_pure_species_from_a_hybrid._7-10-19e.pdf?ver=vWgQtr5ghsIq4jns6eLD4A%3d%3d >
> Best,
> R
>
>> On Fri, May 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM Richard Littauer <richard.littauer...>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hello all spring birders!
>>
>> With the warblers returning, it's time for this little annual note on how
>> to observe, document, and submit observations of the "winged-warblers":
>> Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, and their hybrids.
>>
>> It takes work to observe critical features when viewing and photographing
>> (submit several photos per bird if possible) these birds. Understanding how
>> to recognize a hybrid is critical. It helps to recognize females, which are
>> often elusive. Audio recordings are very welcome. They, however, are of
>> little help in differentiating the two species, since the songs can come
>> from either species or a hybrid!
>>
>> ---- This article tells how to report winged-warbler submissions to eBird:
>> http://content.ebird.org/vt/news/golden-blue-winged-warbler >> -potpourri-how-to-submit-to-ebird/
>>
>> Note: in the categories where both species are mentioned, the article
>> lists Blue-winged first. Current practice lists Golden-winged first. For
>> example "Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler.
>>
>> ---- This Vermont Audubon website tells about the research on this group
>> in Vermont:
>> https://vt.audubon.org/conservation/golden-winged-warbler-conservation >>
>> ---- The Audubon website refers you to this article:
>> https://vt.audubon.org/sites/default/files/static_pages/attachments/winged >> -warblers._how_to_tell_a_pure_species_from_a_hybrid._7-10-19e.pdf
>>
>> In the PDF are three tables that are very useful in highlighting critical
>> features when observing, documenting, and eBird-IDing.*You can use the
>> table to determine if a bird is a hybrid or pure species.*
>>
>> There's one other thing worth mentioning, which proves difficult to some
>> new eBirders every year. It's not explained well by the website, but in
>> essence:
>>
>> - Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler means that your bird could be a
>> Golden-winged or a Blue-winged or a hybrid;
>> - Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler means that your bird could only be a
>> hybrid, and is not pure.
>>
>> The difference between the x and the slash is important!
>>
>> Give a holler if you have any questions.
>>
>> Good birding to all!
>>
>> Best,
>> Richard Littauer
>> Addison County Reviewer
>>
>> --
>> Richard Littauer | burntfen.com <http://www.burntfen.com> | socials:
>> richard.social
>>
>
>
> --
> Richard Littauer | burntfen.com <http://www.burntfen.com> | socials:
> richard.social
Date: 5/8/26 2:58 am From: Richard Littauer <richard.littauer...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Winged-warblers - observing, documenting, and submitting to eBird
On Fri, May 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM Richard Littauer <richard.littauer...>
wrote:
> Hello all spring birders!
>
> With the warblers returning, it's time for this little annual note on how
> to observe, document, and submit observations of the "winged-warblers":
> Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, and their hybrids.
>
> It takes work to observe critical features when viewing and photographing
> (submit several photos per bird if possible) these birds. Understanding how
> to recognize a hybrid is critical. It helps to recognize females, which are
> often elusive. Audio recordings are very welcome. They, however, are of
> little help in differentiating the two species, since the songs can come
> from either species or a hybrid!
>
> ---- This article tells how to report winged-warbler submissions to eBird:
> http://content.ebird.org/vt/news/golden-blue-winged-warbler > -potpourri-how-to-submit-to-ebird/
>
> Note: in the categories where both species are mentioned, the article
> lists Blue-winged first. Current practice lists Golden-winged first. For
> example "Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler.
>
> ---- This Vermont Audubon website tells about the research on this group
> in Vermont:
> https://vt.audubon.org/conservation/golden-winged-warbler-conservation >
> ---- The Audubon website refers you to this article:
> https://vt.audubon.org/sites/default/files/static_pages/attachments/winged > -warblers._how_to_tell_a_pure_species_from_a_hybrid._7-10-19e.pdf
>
> In the PDF are three tables that are very useful in highlighting critical
> features when observing, documenting, and eBird-IDing.*You can use the
> table to determine if a bird is a hybrid or pure species.*
>
> There's one other thing worth mentioning, which proves difficult to some
> new eBirders every year. It's not explained well by the website, but in
> essence:
>
> - Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler means that your bird could be a
> Golden-winged or a Blue-winged or a hybrid;
> - Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler means that your bird could only be a
> hybrid, and is not pure.
>
> The difference between the x and the slash is important!
>
> Give a holler if you have any questions.
>
> Good birding to all!
>
> Best,
> Richard Littauer
> Addison County Reviewer
>
> --
> Richard Littauer | burntfen.com <http://www.burntfen.com> | socials:
> richard.social
>
Date: 5/7/26 7:00 pm From: Richard Littauer <richard.littauer...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Winged-warblers - observing, documenting, and submitting to eBird
Hello all spring birders!
With the warblers returning, it's time for this little annual note on how to observe, document, and submit observations of the "winged-warblers": Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, and their hybrids.
It takes work to observe critical features when viewing and photographing (submit several photos per bird if possible) these birds. Understanding how to recognize a hybrid is critical. It helps to recognize females, which are often elusive. Audio recordings are very welcome. They, however, are of little help in differentiating the two species, since the songs can come from either species or a hybrid!
Note: in the categories where both species are mentioned, the article lists Blue-winged first. Current practice lists Golden-winged first. For example " Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler.
In the PDF are three tables that are very useful in highlighting critical features when observing, documenting, and eBird-IDing.*You can use the table to determine if a bird is a hybrid or pure species.*
There's one other thing worth mentioning, which proves difficult to some new eBirders every year. It's not explained well by the website, but in essence:
- Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler means that your bird could be a Golden-winged or a Blue-winged or a hybrid; - Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler means that your bird could only be a hybrid, and is not pure.
The difference between the x and the slash is important!
Date: 5/7/26 2:22 pm From: Terry Marron <00000d129fea9673-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] FOY Hummingbird in Williston
We put out the feeder a few days ago seeing all the reports. A little male was feeding at around 5pm tonight.
The Indigo Bunting is back for a second day in a row and lots of White-throated Sparrows too!
I was at Catamount Community Forest this morning doing Bobolink monitoring with our group. We heard and saw the male Bobolink in the hedgerow, singing his R2D2! We ended up with 32 species at the end of our walk.
Spring is here and migration is happening. Happy birding!
Date: 5/7/26 8:22 am From: Robert Provost <ropro222...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOY BTGW
Yes they are! Got my first Chestnut-sideds of the year this morning as well. Another early Warbler migrant. Still waiting on my Hummingbirds in Ludlow
> On May 7, 2026, at 9:55 AM, Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
>
> Every spring, I have to relearn some of the warbler songs - but the zee-zee-zee-zoo-ZEEE this morning was unforgettable. Black-throated Greens are back!
> Maeve Kim, jericho Center
Date: 5/7/26 6:55 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: [VTBIRD] FOY BTGW
Every spring, I have to relearn some of the warbler songs - but the zee-zee-zee-zoo-ZEEE this morning was unforgettable. Black-throated Greens are back!
Maeve Kim, jericho Center
Date: 5/6/26 2:29 pm From: Kent McFarland <kmcfarland...> Subject: [VTBIRD] The Vermont Bird Records Committee 2025 Annual Report
The 45th annual report of the VBRC covers the evaluation of 36 records
involving 22 species and one subspecies. Ninety-four percent of the records
were accepted with the majority decided unanimously. A highlight of 2025
was Vermont’s first state record of Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio
martinicus), found under unlikely circumstances — a homeowner in Lincoln,
roused by his barking dog around 4 a.m. on January 2, discovered the bird
walking along a snow-covered deck railing. The year also produced the
state’s first accepted record of the Ipswich subspecies of Savannah Sparrow
(Passerculus sandwichensis princeps).
Date: 5/6/26 2:14 pm From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
Thanks, Allan! It’s always good to get a new word.
Maeve
> On May 6, 2026, at 11:54 AM, Allan Strong <Allan.Strong...> wrote:
>
> Hi Maeve,
>
> Try "agonistic behavior birds"
>
> Allan
>
> ________________________________
> From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> on behalf of Maeve Kim <maevekim7...>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 11:47 AM
> To: <VTBIRD...> <VTBIRD...>
> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
>
> I have to ask, Google having failed me. I can find a definition of agonistic in pharmacology, and examples of agonistic vs. antagonistic in pharmacology, but nothing about the word agonistic in other contexts. Is it used as a synonym for antagonistic?
> Maeve Kim, baffled in Jericho
>
>> On May 6, 2026, at 8:08 AM, Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> wrote:
>>
>> Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow and
>> woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
>> behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just above a
>> feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
>> prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15 minutes,
>> they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
>> agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
>> Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her opponent
>> took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
>> skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
>> branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is interesting
>> to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
>> surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Michael R. Haas, VMD, MS
>> 1286 Hazen Notch Rd
>> Lowell, VT 05847
>> <ihateokra88...>
>> Talking In My Sleep <https://sleeptalkingguy.blogspot.com/> >>
>> “I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn’t
>> know.”
>> ― *Mark Twain*
>>
>>
>> "Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that, given enough time, becomes
>> people."
>>
>> -- *Edward R. Harrison*
Date: 5/6/26 10:01 am From: Linda MCELVANY <00000cecdd61bec7-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Protecting nesting Bald Eagles
Hi Margaret - Heading back to Whitcomb Quarry, Colchester, this week. Have two PEFA on and near nest. But - would you like me to put your email ALERT about BAEA nestings on VT Rare Bird listserv or did you do that. Linda McElvany
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:41:07 PM EDT, Fowle, Margaret <00000db05131094d-dmarc-request...> wrote:
Hi VT Birding -
This is a friendly reminder that this is an especially critical time during Bald Eagle nesting season. Most of the pairs are feeding small young, and it is essential that these birds are given the space they need feed and protect the young from the weather and potential predators. Disturbing these birds is against the law - disturbance is defined as anything that changes the eagle's behavior. For example, if an eagle stops preening to look at you, then you have disturbed it. Disturbances range from minor (above example) to major (flushing from the nest). The impact of disturbance on nest success can also vary from minor to major, up to causing a nest to fail, and frequent disturbance can cause a cumulative effect, meaning that frequent minor disruptions can be as problematic as infrequent major disturbances. Most of the time an eagle's behavior will tell you that he/she is uncomfortable long before the point of flushing. Learning these behavioral cues will help you know when your behavior is causing stress to the birds.
If you are at a location with a nesting pair, please keep your distance. While there are no formal closures around Vermont Bald Eagle nests, staying at least 1/4 mile away from the nest tree is crucial. No matter the distance, if you sense that the adults are reacting to your presence on any level, PLEASE retreat immediately.
Vermont is lucky to have a booming Bald Eagle population, and there are several sites now that are perfect for taking photos, but please refrain from doing so if it is causing disturbance. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at <margaret.fowle...><mailto:<margaret.fowle...> . You can also report disturbance to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-828-1000. Thank you for supporting this sensitive species.
Margaret Fowle
Conservation Program Manager
c: 802.238.0046
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Date: 5/6/26 9:41 am From: Fowle, Margaret <00000db05131094d-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Protecting nesting Bald Eagles
Hi VT Birding -
This is a friendly reminder that this is an especially critical time during Bald Eagle nesting season. Most of the pairs are feeding small young, and it is essential that these birds are given the space they need feed and protect the young from the weather and potential predators. Disturbing these birds is against the law - disturbance is defined as anything that changes the eagle's behavior. For example, if an eagle stops preening to look at you, then you have disturbed it. Disturbances range from minor (above example) to major (flushing from the nest). The impact of disturbance on nest success can also vary from minor to major, up to causing a nest to fail, and frequent disturbance can cause a cumulative effect, meaning that frequent minor disruptions can be as problematic as infrequent major disturbances. Most of the time an eagle's behavior will tell you that he/she is uncomfortable long before the point of flushing. Learning these behavioral cues will help you know when your behavior is causing stress to the birds.
If you are at a location with a nesting pair, please keep your distance. While there are no formal closures around Vermont Bald Eagle nests, staying at least 1/4 mile away from the nest tree is crucial. No matter the distance, if you sense that the adults are reacting to your presence on any level, PLEASE retreat immediately.
Vermont is lucky to have a booming Bald Eagle population, and there are several sites now that are perfect for taking photos, but please refrain from doing so if it is causing disturbance. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at <margaret.fowle...><mailto:<margaret.fowle...> . You can also report disturbance to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-828-1000. Thank you for supporting this sensitive species.
Margaret Fowle
Conservation Program Manager
c: 802.238.0046
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Date: 5/6/26 9:03 am From: Neil Buckley <bucklenj...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] [External] Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
HI Kim:
Essentially, yes. Agonistic refers to social interactions between animals
that are related to conflict. Hope this helps.
All the best,
Neil
--
Dr. Neil Buckley, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Biology
101D Ward Hall
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518 564 3150
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 11:47 AM Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
> I have to ask, Google having failed me. I can find a definition of
> agonistic in pharmacology, and examples of agonistic vs. antagonistic in
> pharmacology, but nothing about the word agonistic in other contexts. Is it
> used as a synonym for antagonistic?
> Maeve Kim, baffled in Jericho
>
> > On May 6, 2026, at 8:08 AM, Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> wrote:
> >
> > Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow
> and
> > woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
> > behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just
> above a
> > feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
> > prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15
> minutes,
> > they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
> > agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
> > Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her
> opponent
> > took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
> > skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
> > branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is
> interesting
> > to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
> > surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Michael R. Haas, VMD, MS
> > 1286 Hazen Notch Rd
> > Lowell, VT 05847
> > <ihateokra88...>
> > Talking In My Sleep <https://sleeptalkingguy.blogspot.com/> > >
> > “I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I
> didn’t
> > know.”
> > ― *Mark Twain*
> >
> >
> > "Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that, given enough time, becomes
> > people."
> >
> > -- *Edward R. Harrison*
>
Date: 5/6/26 8:54 am From: Allan Strong <Allan.Strong...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
Hi Maeve,
Try "agonistic behavior birds"
Allan
________________________________
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> on behalf of Maeve Kim <maevekim7...>
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 11:47 AM
To: <VTBIRD...> <VTBIRD...>
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
I have to ask, Google having failed me. I can find a definition of agonistic in pharmacology, and examples of agonistic vs. antagonistic in pharmacology, but nothing about the word agonistic in other contexts. Is it used as a synonym for antagonistic?
Maeve Kim, baffled in Jericho
> On May 6, 2026, at 8:08 AM, Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> wrote:
>
> Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow and
> woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
> behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just above a
> feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
> prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15 minutes,
> they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
> agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
> Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her opponent
> took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
> skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
> branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is interesting
> to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
> surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
>
>
>
>
>
> Michael R. Haas, VMD, MS
> 1286 Hazen Notch Rd
> Lowell, VT 05847
> <ihateokra88...>
> Talking In My Sleep <https://sleeptalkingguy.blogspot.com/> >
> “I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn’t
> know.”
> ― *Mark Twain*
>
>
> "Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that, given enough time, becomes
> people."
>
> -- *Edward R. Harrison*
Date: 5/6/26 8:47 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
I have to ask, Google having failed me. I can find a definition of agonistic in pharmacology, and examples of agonistic vs. antagonistic in pharmacology, but nothing about the word agonistic in other contexts. Is it used as a synonym for antagonistic?
Maeve Kim, baffled in Jericho
> On May 6, 2026, at 8:08 AM, Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> wrote:
>
> Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow and
> woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
> behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just above a
> feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
> prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15 minutes,
> they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
> agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
> Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her opponent
> took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
> skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
> branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is interesting
> to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
> surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
>
>
>
>
>
> Michael R. Haas, VMD, MS
> 1286 Hazen Notch Rd
> Lowell, VT 05847
> <ihateokra88...>
> Talking In My Sleep <https://sleeptalkingguy.blogspot.com/> >
> “I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn’t
> know.”
> ― *Mark Twain*
>
>
> "Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that, given enough time, becomes
> people."
>
> -- *Edward R. Harrison*
Date: 5/6/26 8:32 am From: anneboby <00000038cbe79a41-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
Perhaps the combatants you observed were second-year males, not females. Purple Finch males do not acquiretheir "purple" (if one can call it that) plumage until their molt in Jul-Oct of their second year. Prior to that molt, a brown Purple Finch at this time of year can be either a female of any age or a second-year male. Oddly, this plumage sequence does not occur in the closely related House Finch where males turn red during their first-year molt.
Bob Yunick
Schenectady, NY On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 08:09:09 AM EDT, Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> wrote:
Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow and
woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just above a
feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15 minutes,
they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her opponent
took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is interesting
to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
Date: 5/6/26 8:19 am From: Richard Guthrie <richardpguthrie...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
Perhaps they were 2nd year males? At that age, males still have their juvenile, female like, plumage.
Rich Guthrie
> On May 6, 2026, at 8:09 AM, Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> wrote:
>
> Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow and
> woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
> behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just above a
> feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
> prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15 minutes,
> they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
> agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
> Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her opponent
> took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
> skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
> branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is interesting
> to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
> surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
>
>
>
>
>
> Michael R. Haas, VMD, MS
> 1286 Hazen Notch Rd
> Lowell, VT 05847
> <ihateokra88...>
> Talking In My Sleep <https://sleeptalkingguy.blogspot.com/> >
> “I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn’t
> know.”
> ― *Mark Twain*
>
>
> "Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that, given enough time, becomes
> people."
>
> -- *Edward R. Harrison*
Date: 5/6/26 6:17 am From: Victoria Arthur <singtolive57...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOY Baltimore Oriole in Milton
FOY here in Shrewsbury, VT...Finally a hummer at about 7 pm, doing a hover
around the feeder and the fuchsia hanging next to it.
Also FOY a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak at our suet feeder.
Still waiting on an Oriole.
Happy Spring!
Victoria
On Wed, May 6, 2026 at 8:43 AM Elizabeth Alton <redbnuthatch...>
wrote:
> Arrived and fed from hummer feeder this AM. I still have not seen a hummer
> yet....
> Liz in Milton, VT
>
> --
> Liz Alton:
> "Keep a green tree in your heart; perhaps a singing bird will come."
>
Date: 5/6/26 5:09 am From: Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Agonistic behavior in purple finches
Yesterday, while seated on the deck of my cabin at the border of meadow and
woodland, I observed two female purple finches displaying agonistic
behavior. They faced off among the low branches of red maples just above a
feeder that was situated below. Both had visited the feeder, separately,
prior to their interaction, but then, over the course of 10 to 15 minutes,
they confronted one another on the branches above. Each displayed
agonistic postures well-described in Cornell's "Birds of the World."
Intermittently, one assumed a head high, pecking down posture, her opponent
took a squatting stance, tail splayed, head facing up, beak gaping. The
skirmish, as I said, went on for a while, as they flitted among the
branches. Occasionally a third female entered the fray. It is interesting
to me that only females were involved; no male was in sight. I
surmise they were competing for a nesting site or access to the feeder.
Date: 5/6/26 4:56 am From: Michael Haas <ihateokra88...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Female Redwings
I have occasionally seen individual female redwings for the last two weeks,
but this morning is the first that I have seen them en masse. At least
five female redwings were foraging beneath our feeder in northern Vermont
this morning.
FOY Ruby Throat in Richmond today as well! (TIA, we just returned from 3 days away and saw it this evening).
Jared Katz
Richmond, VT 05477
> On May 5, 2026, at 2:42 PM, Jim Morris <0000019b462d357c-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> FOY in Jericho today too
> On Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 02:37:30 PM EDT, Betsy Jaffe <bfjaffe...> wrote:
>
> In North Hero this am, FOY Hummingbird.
>
Date: 5/5/26 4:19 pm From: Pat Folsom <pfols...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOYs in Jericho
FOY Hummer in Waitsfield yard this evening.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie Teske" <cteske140...>
To: "VT Bird" <VTBIRD...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 5:49:10 PM
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOYs in Jericho
Hummers in Hyde Park today also.
On Tue, 5 May 2026 17:35:50 -0400, Jeannie Killam <pods.jeannie...> wrote:
FOY Hummingbird in Barnard!
> On May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM, Maeve Kim wrote:
>
> No hummingbirds at our place yet, but at the Jericho Research Forest a singing Ovenbird greeted us and an American Redstart flitted by our faces. Ah, spring!!!
> Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
Date: 5/5/26 2:49 pm From: Charlie Teske <cteske140...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOYs in Jericho
Hummers in Hyde Park today also.
On Tue, 5 May 2026 17:35:50 -0400, Jeannie Killam <pods.jeannie...> wrote:
FOY Hummingbird in Barnard!
> On May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM, Maeve Kim wrote:
>
> No hummingbirds at our place yet, but at the Jericho Research Forest a singing Ovenbird greeted us and an American Redstart flitted by our faces. Ah, spring!!!
> Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
> On May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM, Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
>
> No hummingbirds at our place yet, but at the Jericho Research Forest a singing Ovenbird greeted us and an American Redstart flitted by our faces. Ah, spring!!!
> Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
Date: 5/5/26 2:00 pm From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: [VTBIRD] FOYs in Jericho
No hummingbirds at our place yet, but at the Jericho Research Forest a singing Ovenbird greeted us and an American Redstart flitted by our faces. Ah, spring!!!
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
Date: 5/5/26 5:42 am From: Diane Brown <deejbrown...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Peterson’s recordings?
I tried this but found it too distracting. So far, I have not come up with
anything better though.
On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 11:14 AM Nita <nita.hwf...> wrote:
> A Google search yielded this.
>
> *USB CD Players:* These are portable, dedicated CD players that connect
> directly to your car's USB data port, allowing you to use steering wheel
> controls to manage playback.
> Maybe this is the solution to listening to Peterson's Birding by Ear in the
> car?
>
> On Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...>
> wrote:
>
> > Good morning everyone,
> > Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
> > birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD,
> but
> > doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
> > Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
> > streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
> > Thank you,
> > Lynette
> >
>
>
> --
> Nita
>
Date: 5/4/26 5:01 pm From: Alan Schned <alanrschned...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
Hi Kevin and Ryan -
I dropped into the VCE offices this morning to inquire about the survey on Isle La Motte, and I spoke to Ryan about that. I had initially thought it was for Whippoorwills, but Ryan corrected me that it is for Meadowlarks. My daughter has a house on South Hero, so I can take advantage of staying there, and I would very much like to participate in the survey. I hope I’m not too late to get involved.
Could you please give me any information on the dates, route, and rules. Thanks very much,
Alan Schned
Norwich
> On May 2, 2026, at 3:20 PM, Kevin Tolan <ktolan...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I coordinate statewide Eastern Meadowlark monitoring and am looking for
> someone to survey a site on Isle La Motte this season. The protocol is very
> straightforward, essentially just spend ~30 minutes birding along New Road
> specifically looking for Meadowlarks. Please email me if this is something
> you're able to assist with.
>
> Given the distinctive song of Meadowlarks, birders of all ability levels
> are welcomed to participate in the monitoring of this Threatened species.
> Also, if you're interested in monitoring in a different area of the state,
> please let me know!
>
> Thanks,
>
> *Kevin Tolan *(He/Him)
> *Staff Biologist* at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies
> <https://vtecostudies.org/> >
> Mail: PO Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055
> Physical: 20 Palmer Court, White River Junction, VT 05001
> Phone: (802) 649-1431 ext. 204
Date: 5/4/26 10:20 am From: LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] The Golden-chain Collaborative
Greetings fellow birders and eBirders,
Mark LaBarr here from Audubon Vermont looking for sightings of Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers and their hybrids. This is part of an expanding effort to work with land trusts and the Cornell Land Trust Bird Initiative, The Golden-chain Collaborative https://www.birds.cornell.edu/landtrust/golden-chain-collaborative-2025/ . I am reaching out to inform folks that I have created a new eBird Group account for folks to share their eBird checklists, Golden-Chain. By sharing your checklists you will help us monitor winged-warbler use of these sites, identify locations to focus potential future projects and learn more about the dynamics of Golden-wings, Blue-wings and their hybrids. All sightings are welcome but some public land trust locations we are particularly interested in are the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge, The Helen W. Buckner Preserve, Wright Park, Hurd Grasslands and UVM's Carse Natural Area. Thanks for your support. Mark
*USB CD Players:* These are portable, dedicated CD players that connect
directly to your car's USB data port, allowing you to use steering wheel
controls to manage playback.
Maybe this is the solution to listening to Peterson's Birding by Ear in the
car?
On Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
> Good morning everyone,
> Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
> birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD, but
> doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
> Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
> streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
> Thank you,
> Lynette
>
Date: 5/3/26 11:01 am From: Ken Copenhaver <copenhvr...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
Please join us for our monthly bird monitoring walks on the refuge. Ken Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti lead the walks on various refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December when it is on the 2nd Saturday). The purpose of the walks is to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Observations are entered into the Vermont eBird database where data is stored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 181 months of walks, we have recorded 166 species of birds.
This month's walk will be on *Saturday, May 9, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM a**t the Stephen Young Marsh Trail*. Meet at the parking lot on Tabor Rd, about 1 mile south of the Refuge Visitor Center.
*Trail Description**:* The walk starts at a gravel parking lot. We will cross Tabor Road and descend a short but steep bank along the edge of the road. (An alternative route from the parking lot is available that crosses the road where there is no embankment.) The trail continues on a level section with a gravel trail surface, then gradually rises to a trail surface with many exposed tree roots. There are benches partway up and at the top of the rise. From there, the trail continues on a gravel path going very gradually downhill, then another grassy, level section to a short boardwalk and observation deck, where there is another bench. From the observation deck, the trail goes on a gradual uphill, grassy path.
*Trail Conditions:* Even with the new boardwalk at the south end of the marsh, there could still be some wet areas, so waterproof shoes or boots are recommended.
If you have any questions, contact me at <copenhvr...>
*Please Note:* The walk is part of our celebration of *World Migratory Bird Day*. Other events this weekend include:
May 8, 5:00 to 7:00 PM: Great Blue Heron Painting Tutorial with Jon Young May 8, 7:00 to 8:00 PM: Meet the Artist Reception and kick-off of the Art Show May 9, 4:00 to 7:00 AM: Daybreak Bird Walk at Black/Maquam Creek Trail May 9, 8:00 to 10:00 AM: Survey of Old Railroad Passage Trail, led by Refuge Manager Ken Sturm May 9, 2:00 to 5:00 PM: Group Birding Paddle on Missisquoi River May 10, 9:00 to 11:00 AM: Beginner's Bird Walk at Discovery Trail
*Art Show*: Also, don't miss the Friends Annual Art Show, on display at the Visitor Center, beginning at 10:00 AM on May 9. The art can be viewed through July 10th, any time the Visitor Center is open.
Date: 5/3/26 6:21 am From: Rebecca Laroche <rebeccallaroche...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
Hello Kevin,
I I live only 20 minutes from Isle LaMotte so it would be an easy task for me. There’s a nice flock on Alburgh springs road nearby, so I know their songs and calls well. Like others, I’m wondering about the frequency/duration.
Thank you for your work!
Rebecca
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 2, 2026, at 3:51 PM, Kevin Tolan <ktolan...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I coordinate statewide Eastern Meadowlark monitoring and am looking for
> someone to survey a site on Isle La Motte this season. The protocol is very
> straightforward, essentially just spend ~30 minutes birding along New Road
> specifically looking for Meadowlarks. Please email me if this is something
> you're able to assist with.
>
> Given the distinctive song of Meadowlarks, birders of all ability levels
> are welcomed to participate in the monitoring of this Threatened species.
> Also, if you're interested in monitoring in a different area of the state,
> please let me know!
>
> Thanks,
>
> *Kevin Tolan *(He/Him)
> *Staff Biologist* at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies
> <https://vtecostudies.org/> >
> Mail: PO Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055
> Physical: 20 Palmer Court, White River Junction, VT 05001
> Phone: (802) 649-1431 ext. 204
Date: 5/3/26 5:00 am From: Rich Kelley <rich...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
I'd like to know the frequency also, and how rigid of a schedule. I like getting out to the rock but have a rotating work schedule.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Patrick Phillips
Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2026 8:45 PM
To: <VTBIRD...>
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
Hi Kevin,
I may be interested in helping out with this if you have no luck finding someone. Can you provide any more details as far as when, how often etc., that this needs to be done?
Pat Phillips
Green Mountain Bird Alliance
On Sat, May 2, 2026 at 3:51 PM Kevin Tolan <ktolan...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I coordinate statewide Eastern Meadowlark monitoring and am looking
> for someone to survey a site on Isle La Motte this season. The
> protocol is very straightforward, essentially just spend ~30 minutes
> birding along New Road specifically looking for Meadowlarks. Please
> email me if this is something you're able to assist with.
>
> Given the distinctive song of Meadowlarks, birders of all ability
> levels are welcomed to participate in the monitoring of this Threatened species.
> Also, if you're interested in monitoring in a different area of the
> state, please let me know!
>
> Thanks,
>
> *Kevin Tolan *(He/Him)
> *Staff Biologist* at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies
> <https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvte > costudies.org%2F&data=05%7C02%<7Crich...>%7C8be72345e45d4
> 272f1e308dea8adda6c%7C01a5aaa3c2634a2a979be0175eff7ed6%7C0%7C0%7C63913
> 3662547717930%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIw
> LjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C60000%7
> C%7C%7C&sdata=4pSIqGMW2jlZBOdSpWHgeWlg%2Bf3ZVERb4ZGKMGn8DK4%3D&reserve
> d=0>
>
> Mail: PO Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055
> Physical: 20 Palmer Court, White River Junction, VT 05001
> Phone: (802) 649-1431 ext. 204
>
Date: 5/2/26 5:49 pm From: Patrick Phillips <phillipspatj...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
Hi Kevin,
I may be interested in helping out with this if you have no luck finding
someone. Can you provide any more details as far as when, how often etc.,
that this needs to be done?
Pat Phillips
Green Mountain Bird Alliance
On Sat, May 2, 2026 at 3:51 PM Kevin Tolan <ktolan...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I coordinate statewide Eastern Meadowlark monitoring and am looking for
> someone to survey a site on Isle La Motte this season. The protocol is very
> straightforward, essentially just spend ~30 minutes birding along New Road
> specifically looking for Meadowlarks. Please email me if this is something
> you're able to assist with.
>
> Given the distinctive song of Meadowlarks, birders of all ability levels
> are welcomed to participate in the monitoring of this Threatened species.
> Also, if you're interested in monitoring in a different area of the state,
> please let me know!
>
> Thanks,
>
> *Kevin Tolan *(He/Him)
> *Staff Biologist* at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies
> <https://vtecostudies.org/> >
> Mail: PO Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055
> Physical: 20 Palmer Court, White River Junction, VT 05001
> Phone: (802) 649-1431 ext. 204
>
Date: 5/2/26 1:43 pm From: Scot Williamson <swilliamson...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
Kevin
I’m in Cabot and am available for meadowlark survey in any of the surrounding towns.
Scot Williamson
<Swilliamson...>
> On May 2, 2026, at 3:51 PM, Kevin Tolan <ktolan...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I coordinate statewide Eastern Meadowlark monitoring and am looking for
> someone to survey a site on Isle La Motte this season. The protocol is very
> straightforward, essentially just spend ~30 minutes birding along New Road
> specifically looking for Meadowlarks. Please email me if this is something
> you're able to assist with.
>
> Given the distinctive song of Meadowlarks, birders of all ability levels
> are welcomed to participate in the monitoring of this Threatened species.
> Also, if you're interested in monitoring in a different area of the state,
> please let me know!
>
> Thanks,
>
> *Kevin Tolan *(He/Him)
> *Staff Biologist* at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies
> <https://vtecostudies.org/> >
> Mail: PO Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055
> Physical: 20 Palmer Court, White River Junction, VT 05001
> Phone: (802) 649-1431 ext. 204
Date: 5/2/26 12:51 pm From: Kevin Tolan <ktolan...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Looking for help surveying Meadowlarks on Isle La Motte
Hello,
I coordinate statewide Eastern Meadowlark monitoring and am looking for someone to survey a site on Isle La Motte this season. The protocol is very straightforward, essentially just spend ~30 minutes birding along New Road specifically looking for Meadowlarks. Please email me if this is something you're able to assist with.
Given the distinctive song of Meadowlarks, birders of all ability levels are welcomed to participate in the monitoring of this Threatened species. Also, if you're interested in monitoring in a different area of the state, please let me know!
Thanks,
*Kevin Tolan *(He/Him) *Staff Biologist* at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies <https://vtecostudies.org/>
Mail: PO Box 420, Norwich, VT 05055 Physical: 20 Palmer Court, White River Junction, VT 05001 Phone: (802) 649-1431 ext. 204
Date: 5/2/26 11:00 am From: Barclay Ellen Morris <bemorris...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOY Hummingbird
Got the feeder outside my office window up two days ago but no takers so far. Spring comes a little more slowly out here in the middle of lake Champlain, however optimism reigns. Barclay East Shore of Grand Isle
----- Original Message ----- From: "Geoff Glaspie" <gglaspie...> To: "VTBIRD" <VTBIRD...> Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2026 8:20:31 AM Subject: [VTBIRD] FOY Hummingbird
Saw first Ruby-throated hummer of the year 8:15am this morning.
At noon today, first hummingbird of the year. It hovered around the hanging feeder, didn't drink, then took off. Made me so happy to see a hummer out my kitchen window. Spring is here!!
Martha Pfeiffer, Dorset
-- please use my new email address: <mjbpfeiffer...>
Date: 5/1/26 8:50 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: [VTBIRD] FOYs today
There’s been more bird noise in the last half hour than there was during the “dawn chorus”. I guess they all needed time to wake up on this chilly morning! New since a little before eleven: Rose-breasted Grosbeak male and Blue-headed Vireo.
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
> On May 1, 2026, at 11:11 AM, Martha & Bill McClintock <mbmcclintock...> wrote:
>
> Happy May to All!
>
> Can anyone direct me to an online site that lists bird related Community
> Science projects in Vermont?
>
> Thanks,
> Martha McClintock
> (usually birding in) Westford
Date: 4/30/26 12:00 pm From: Ian Clark <ian...> Subject: [VTBIRD] New post up on my wildlife blog
We've had a run of nice days and I've gotten out to photograph lots of the local wildlife. Two of the loon families I follow are back, and I visited the falcons and the great blue heron rookery again.
Date: 4/30/26 11:51 am From: Ian Clark <ian...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Free loon slides how, Rockingham Library Sat May 2
I'll be presenting my slide show, an Uncommon Look at the Common Loon at the Rockingham Public Library. I've been following the loons on three local ponds since 2012, this show has the highlights of the loons' adventures.
The show covers the natural history of loons, the conservation effort to restore the population, then follows a loon family through the breeding season and closes with some of my favorite loon photos.
Date: 4/29/26 7:57 am From: Fowle, Margaret <00000db05131094d-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] protecting nesting peregrines
Hi VT Birders -
This is a friendly reminder that it is Peregrine Falcon nesting season. Most of the pairs are about mid-way through their incubation phase, and it is critical that these birds are given the space they need to nest. Disturbing these birds is against the law. If you are at a location with a nesting pair, please respect any closure signs you encounter, and if you don't encounter signs but see that the birds are agitated by your presence (flying around and calling "cack cack cack"), PLEASE retreat immediately. Repeated disturbances, even if they are brief, are enough to cause a nest to fail - this could be because it takes too much energy away from the parents to defend the nest so they eventually give up, it could allow a potential predator to come in to the nest while they are off the eggs, or it could leave the eggs vulnerable to the elements. There are several sites now that are perfect for taking photos, but please refrain from doing so if it is causing disturbance. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at <margaret.fowle...><mailto:<margaret.fowle...>. You can also report disturbance to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-828-1000. Thank you for supporting this sensitive species. -Margaret
Margaret Fowle
Conservation Program Manager
c: 802.238.0046
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Date: 4/29/26 5:29 am From: Jeanne Elias <moosewoman...> Subject: [VTBIRD] So sorry Aubrey!!!
I replied to Nita’s email before I saw that you had made your correction!
Jeannie
PS I think my reply expressed my frustration that they are not available as they are a valuable learning tool!
Date: 4/29/26 5:24 am From: Jeanne Elias <moosewoman...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Peterson’s recordings?
Nita
This woman is wrong. It is NOT available on audible or anywhere else in a streaming format . Used copies of the CDs can be bought on ebay.
Jeannie
> On Apr 29, 2026, at 7:52 AM, Nita <nita.hwf...> wrote:
>
> Ive been looking for this for a few years also. Can you provide the name
> it's listed under on Audible? It's not coming up when I search for Peterson
> Birding by Ear, the name on my CD set. Thank you!
>
>> On Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 10:02 PM Aubrey Choquette <choquette42...>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Both the Eastern Region and Western Region are available for purchase on
>> the Audible app. Even though some of the species names are outdated, I
>> still use these recordings every spring to brush up on my birding ear. It's
>> especially handy to have access to them directly on my phone so I can
>> listen anytime and anywhere...
>>
>> Aubrey in Ferrisburgh
>>
>>> On Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Good morning everyone,
>>> Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
>>> birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD,
>> but
>>> doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
>>> Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
>>> streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
>>> Thank you,
>>> Lynette
>>>
>>
>
>
> Nita
Ive been looking for this for a few years also. Can you provide the name
it's listed under on Audible? It's not coming up when I search for Peterson
Birding by Ear, the name on my CD set. Thank you!
> Both the Eastern Region and Western Region are available for purchase on
> the Audible app. Even though some of the species names are outdated, I
> still use these recordings every spring to brush up on my birding ear. It's
> especially handy to have access to them directly on my phone so I can
> listen anytime and anywhere...
>
> Aubrey in Ferrisburgh
>
> On Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
>
> > Good morning everyone,
> > Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
> > birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD,
> but
> > doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
> > Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
> > streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
> > Thank you,
> > Lynette
> >
>
Date: 4/29/26 4:47 am From: Diane Brown <deejbrown...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Peterson’s recordings?
I have the Stokes CDs of bird recordings as well. They were very useful in
learning how to bird by ear. Unfortunately, I have no way to listen to them
now, despite various attempts a workarounds. If you find any, please share!
Thank you!
Diane in Middlebury
On Tue, Apr 28, 2026 at 10:02 PM Aubrey Choquette <choquette42...>
wrote:
> Both the Eastern Region and Western Region are available for purchase on
> the Audible app. Even though some of the species names are outdated, I
> still use these recordings every spring to brush up on my birding ear. It's
> especially handy to have access to them directly on my phone so I can
> listen anytime and anywhere...
>
> Aubrey in Ferrisburgh
>
> On Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
>
> > Good morning everyone,
> > Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
> > birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD,
> but
> > doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
> > Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
> > streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
> > Thank you,
> > Lynette
> >
>
Both the Eastern Region and Western Region are available for purchase on
the Audible app. Even though some of the species names are outdated, I
still use these recordings every spring to brush up on my birding ear. It's
especially handy to have access to them directly on my phone so I can
listen anytime and anywhere...
Aubrey in Ferrisburgh
On Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
> Good morning everyone,
> Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
> birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD, but
> doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
> Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
> streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
> Thank you,
> Lynette
>
And immediately after responding, I realized the recordings I have from
Audible are "Stokes Field Guides to Bird Songs" , not Peterson recordings.
Apologies for the mix-up...
Aubrey in Ferrisburgh
On Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 6:37 AM Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
> Good morning everyone,
> Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson
> birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD, but
> doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
> Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via
> streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
> Thank you,
> Lynette
>
I have the CDs. Each spring I listen, often in my car. Believe the Cornel Labs and Merlin supersede the old recordings..Kay in Hinesburg
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6:37 AM, Lynette Reep <lynettereep...> wrote:
Good morning everyone,
Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD, but doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
Thank you,
Lynette
Date: 4/28/26 9:01 am From: Megan Massa <mmassa...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Participate in Vermont Center for Ecostudies Birdathon this May!
This May marks the Vermont Center for Ecostudies’ 20th annual Birdathon, a
beloved tradition that raises funds for VCE’s conservation science
programs. It’s like a walk-a-thon, but participants count the number of
bird species they can identify during one day this May instead of the miles
they walk.
Birdathon is open to all levels of experience and participation, from a
statewide 24-hour big day to a morning sitting in your backyard. You choose
the date you want to participate. You can sign up any time between now and
the end of May, when the event concludes.
The funds raised through Birdathon supports VCE’s wildlife conservation
research, including long-term bird monitoring and migration research from
Canada to the Dominican Republic, plus mentoring the next generation of
conservation biologists.
Learn more and register to participate today, or check out the awards and
prizes (including a Northern Parula patch designed by yours truly) that are
up for grabs at https://vtecostudies.org/birdathon
The VCE team, the Green Mountain Goatsuckers, looks forward to your
friendly competition.
Happy birding,
Megan
____________________________
Megan Massa
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
PO Box 420 | Norwich, Vermont 05055
P.S. Note that this event is different from the Audubon Vermont Birdathon.
Date: 4/28/26 8:35 am From: LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Hi Jared,
I saw a couple commons in that area driving. They are just getting bask. They do a fun courtship dance with fish on display when they are on territory. The female picks her mate based on the size and quantity they bring to her. He does a lot of feeding of the young chicks.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Jared Katz
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 10:00 AM
To: <VTBIRD...>
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Mark,
Thank you for the information. I made the assumption but appreciate the affirmation. As for the species, I believe these were common terns, but strangely for me did not take a single photo.
Jared Katz
Richmond, VT 05477
> On Apr 28, 2026, at 9:37 AM, LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hey Chris,
> I've been working with Lake Champlain Common Terns for a number of years now. Courtship feeding and courtship flights are part of their breeding behavior. I was out at Popasquash Island, the largest tern colony on the lake, and had a couple commons around but they hadn't started setting up nesting territories on the island yet. I did have more than 80 Caspian Terns on the island. A new species for Popasquash these past couple of years. The Caspian Terns and Ring-billed Gulls were initiating clutches. Commons show up a little later.
>
> Mark
>
> Mark LaBarr
> Audubon Vermont
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Jared Katz
> Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9:25 AM
> To: <VTBIRD...>
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
>
> Yesterday, off South Hero, I watched several common terns standing on the dock. One flew off and moments later, returned with a small fish. When it landed next to another tern, it passed the fish to that one. The recipient sat for a moment, then flew off over the lake, where it dipped down to the water and lit on the lake, dipping its head beneath the surface. When it re-emerged I could not see a fish anymore. It flew off circled and dipped its bill in the lake a few times before reuniting with the gift giver. I had never observed it before but presume it is some sort of courtship behavior. I’m see food sharing with cardinals, but had never with terns. Is this a common phenomenon in other birders’ experiences?
>
> Jared Katz
> Richmond and South Hero
>
> Sent from my irresistible flat thing.
Date: 4/28/26 7:00 am From: Jared Katz <000003825c43bc1a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Mark,
Thank you for the information. I made the assumption but appreciate the affirmation. As for the species, I believe these were common terns, but strangely for me did not take a single photo.
Jared Katz
Richmond, VT 05477
> On Apr 28, 2026, at 9:37 AM, LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Hey Chris,
> I've been working with Lake Champlain Common Terns for a number of years now. Courtship feeding and courtship flights are part of their breeding behavior. I was out at Popasquash Island, the largest tern colony on the lake, and had a couple commons around but they hadn't started setting up nesting territories on the island yet. I did have more than 80 Caspian Terns on the island. A new species for Popasquash these past couple of years. The Caspian Terns and Ring-billed Gulls were initiating clutches. Commons show up a little later.
>
> Mark
>
> Mark LaBarr
> Audubon Vermont
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Jared Katz
> Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9:25 AM
> To: <VTBIRD...>
> Subject: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
>
> Yesterday, off South Hero, I watched several common terns standing on the dock. One flew off and moments later, returned with a small fish. When it landed next to another tern, it passed the fish to that one. The recipient sat for a moment, then flew off over the lake, where it dipped down to the water and lit on the lake, dipping its head beneath the surface. When it re-emerged I could not see a fish anymore. It flew off circled and dipped its bill in the lake a few times before reuniting with the gift giver. I had never observed it before but presume it is some sort of courtship behavior. I’m see food sharing with cardinals, but had never with terns. Is this a common phenomenon in other birders’ experiences?
>
> Jared Katz
> Richmond and South Hero
>
> Sent from my irresistible flat thing.
Date: 4/28/26 6:39 am From: LaBarr, Mark <00000cd429018fe6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Hey Chris,
I've been working with Lake Champlain Common Terns for a number of years now. Courtship feeding and courtship flights are part of their breeding behavior. I was out at Popasquash Island, the largest tern colony on the lake, and had a couple commons around but they hadn't started setting up nesting territories on the island yet. I did have more than 80 Caspian Terns on the island. A new species for Popasquash these past couple of years. The Caspian Terns and Ring-billed Gulls were initiating clutches. Commons show up a little later.
Mark
Mark LaBarr
Audubon Vermont
-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds <VTBIRD...> On Behalf Of Jared Katz
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9:25 AM
To: <VTBIRD...>
Subject: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Yesterday, off South Hero, I watched several common terns standing on the dock. One flew off and moments later, returned with a small fish. When it landed next to another tern, it passed the fish to that one. The recipient sat for a moment, then flew off over the lake, where it dipped down to the water and lit on the lake, dipping its head beneath the surface. When it re-emerged I could not see a fish anymore. It flew off circled and dipped its bill in the lake a few times before reuniting with the gift giver. I had never observed it before but presume it is some sort of courtship behavior. I’m see food sharing with cardinals, but had never with terns. Is this a common phenomenon in other birders’ experiences?
Date: 4/28/26 6:28 am From: Jared Katz <000003825c43bc1a-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Common tern behavior
Yesterday, off South Hero, I watched several common terns standing on the dock. One flew off and moments later, returned with a small fish. When it landed next to another tern, it passed the fish to that one. The recipient sat for a moment, then flew off over the lake, where it dipped down to the water and lit on the lake, dipping its head beneath the surface. When it re-emerged I could not see a fish anymore. It flew off circled and dipped its bill in the lake a few times before reuniting with the gift giver. I had never observed it before but presume it is some sort of courtship behavior. I’m see food sharing with cardinals, but had never with terns. Is this a common phenomenon in other birders’ experiences?
Good morning everyone,
Trying to surprise a birding friend with a gift of the old Peterson birding by ear recordings… She had them on cassette and has them on CD, but doesn’t have a way to access either anymore.
Does anybody know if those original recordings are available via streaming, say, some sort of audio file?
Thank you,
Lynette
I had a saw-whet owl 🦉 calling at my house this spring. I recorded it and when I played it for my friend, she described the call like the warning sound a truck makes when it’s backing up. It isn’t a hoot sound. I put the recording on eBird.
A great puzzle to work out.
Barbara Powers
Manchester Center
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 27, 2026, at 9:51 AM, Green Mountain Access <durand...> wrote:
>
> Their territories can overlap . Try the Cornell Lab All About Birds site and listen to the first listed Long-eared Owl sound . It might ring a bell .
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Charlie Teske" <cteske140...>
> To: "Vermont Birds" <VTBIRD...>
> Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 9:09:37 AM
> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Owl call question
>
> Last night I got the "who cooks for you." Same owl, or do they compete for territory?
>
>
>
> On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:53:21 -0400, Ian Worley <iworley...> wrote:
>
> Hi Charlie,
>
> Yes, It would be helpful if you listened to some Northern saw-whet owl
> recordings. If you are able, note how an individual call (what you are
> calling a hoot) ends. Also, it is possible that the bird will give an
> entirely different call at times. So don't be surprised.
>
> Ian
>
>> On 4/26/2026 6:22 PM, Vermont Green Mountain Access wrote:
>> Sawhet owl?
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>>>> On Apr 26, 2026, at 2:19 PM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>>>
>>> 9:30 at night in hemlock trees just across a brook. I'll listen tonight re timing of hoots.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:28:02 -0400, Ian Worley wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long
>>> was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all?
>>> Distance from you?
>>>
>>> Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Ian
>>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>> On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>>>> Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously.
>>>> Is anyone familiar with this communication?
>>>
Date: 4/27/26 9:07 am From: Megan Massa <mmassa...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Volunteers needed for long-term bird monitoring
Several of Vermont’s long-term bird monitoring projects are in need of
volunteers this year!
If you enjoy birding by ear and want your skills to support conservation
science, there are vacancies with the Breeding Bird Survey, Forest Bird
Monitoring Project, Northeast Nightjar Survey, and Mountain Birdwatch.
1) US Breeding Bird Survey: Long-term roadside surveys across the US and
Canada, critical to monitoring continental landbird trends
- ID requirements: All species on the route by sound and sight
- Time commitment: One morning driving a 25-mile survey route with 50
stops, multi-year commitment required
- Openings: 1 route available in VT (S Wallingford)
- Learn more: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS/participate/ - Contact: Megan Massa <mmassa...>
2) Vermont Forest Bird Monitoring Program: Long-term surveys of undisturbed
forests in the northeast
- ID requirements: Forest-breeding birds by sound and sight
- Time commitment: Two mornings hiking a 0.5-1 mile route with 5 stops,
multi-year commitment preferred
- Openings: Several, email for more info
- Learn more:
https://vtecostudies.org/what-we-do/projects/forest-bird-monitoring-program - Contact: Dana Williams <dwilliams...>
If you don't consider yourself an ID expert, the following two projects are
also great options:
3) Mountain Birdwatch: High-elevation hikes in boreal forest
- ID requirements: 10 bird species + red squirrel
- Time commitment: One (possibly overnight) hike in June
- Openings: Several routes available in northern NH, ME (see webpage)
- Learn more:
https://vtecostudies.org/what-we-do/projects/mountain-birdwatch - Contact: Jason Hill <jhill...>
4) Northeast Nightjar Survey: Moonlit drives in search of Eastern
Whip-poor-wills
- ID requirements: Only nightjars
- Time commitment: One ~90-minute roadside survey within a week of a full
moon (May 30 + June 30)
- Openings: Fair Haven, South Tunbridge, Vernon, others
- Learn more:
https://vtecostudies.org/what-we-do/projects/eastern-whip-poor-will - Contact: Sara Zahendra <szahendra...>
If any of these projects sound like fun to you, contact the listed project
coordinator. Please forward this message to any birders you know who may be
interested.
Happy birding!
Megan Massa
Data Manager, Vermont Center for Ecostudies
vtecostudies.org
Date: 4/27/26 6:51 am From: Green Mountain Access <durand...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Owl call question
Their territories can overlap . Try the Cornell Lab All About Birds site and listen to the first listed Long-eared Owl sound . It might ring a bell .
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlie Teske" <cteske140...>
To: "Vermont Birds" <VTBIRD...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 9:09:37 AM
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Owl call question
Last night I got the "who cooks for you." Same owl, or do they compete for territory?
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:53:21 -0400, Ian Worley <iworley...> wrote:
Hi Charlie,
Yes, It would be helpful if you listened to some Northern saw-whet owl
recordings. If you are able, note how an individual call (what you are
calling a hoot) ends. Also, it is possible that the bird will give an
entirely different call at times. So don't be surprised.
Ian
On 4/26/2026 6:22 PM, Vermont Green Mountain Access wrote:
> Sawhet owl?
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Apr 26, 2026, at 2:19 PM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>>
>> 9:30 at night in hemlock trees just across a brook. I'll listen tonight re timing of hoots.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:28:02 -0400, Ian Worley wrote:
>>
>> Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long
>> was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all?
>> Distance from you?
>>
>> Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Ian
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>> On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>>> Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously.
>>> Is anyone familiar with this communication?
>>
Date: 4/27/26 6:09 am From: Charlie Teske <cteske140...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Owl call question
Last night I got the "who cooks for you." Same owl, or do they compete for territory?
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:53:21 -0400, Ian Worley <iworley...> wrote:
Hi Charlie,
Yes, It would be helpful if you listened to some Northern saw-whet owl
recordings. If you are able, note how an individual call (what you are
calling a hoot) ends. Also, it is possible that the bird will give an
entirely different call at times. So don't be surprised.
Ian
On 4/26/2026 6:22 PM, Vermont Green Mountain Access wrote:
> Sawhet owl?
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Apr 26, 2026, at 2:19 PM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>>
>> 9:30 at night in hemlock trees just across a brook. I'll listen tonight re timing of hoots.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:28:02 -0400, Ian Worley wrote:
>>
>> Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long
>> was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all?
>> Distance from you?
>>
>> Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Ian
>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>> On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>>> Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously.
>>> Is anyone familiar with this communication?
>>
Date: 4/26/26 5:32 pm From: anneboby <00000038cbe79a41-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Early Spring Birds -- PHOTOS
Notice how the Kestrel (an imm/M) has a band on its R leg? Do you recall where it was photographed?
Bob Yunick
On Monday, April 20, 2026 at 07:13:49 AM EDT, <jim...> <jim...> wrote:
I put photos of birds from the Upper Valley of NH and VT in a new blog post. Flying Eagles, a cute American Kestrel, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, and some very strange ducks: five Muscovy Ducks in Hanover, perhaps domestic escapees from some farm. You can see those and more here:
https://jimblockphoto.com/2026/04/birds-of-early-spring-2026/
Yes, It would be helpful if you listened to some Northern saw-whet owl recordings. If you are able, note how an individual call (what you are calling a hoot) ends. Also, it is possible that the bird will give an entirely different call at times. So don't be surprised.
Ian
On 4/26/2026 6:22 PM, Vermont Green Mountain Access wrote: > Sawhet owl? > Sent from my iPad > >> On Apr 26, 2026, at 2:19 PM, Charlie Teske <cteske140...> wrote: >> >> 9:30 at night in hemlock trees just across a brook. I'll listen tonight re timing of hoots. >> >> >> >> On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:28:02 -0400, Ian Worley wrote: >> >> Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long >> was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all? >> Distance from you? >> >> Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live. >> >> Cheers, >> Ian >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ >>> On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote: >>> Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously. >>> Is anyone familiar with this communication? >>
> On Apr 26, 2026, at 2:19 PM, Charlie Teske <cteske140...> wrote:
>
> 9:30 at night in hemlock trees just across a brook. I'll listen tonight re timing of hoots.
>
>
>
> On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:28:02 -0400, Ian Worley wrote:
>
> Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long
> was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all?
> Distance from you?
>
> Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live.
>
> Cheers,
> Ian
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote:
>> Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously.
>> Is anyone familiar with this communication?
>
9:30 at night in hemlock trees just across a brook. I'll listen tonight re timing of hoots.
On Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:28:02 -0400, Ian Worley wrote:
Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long
was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all?
Distance from you?
Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live.
Cheers,
Ian
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote:
> Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously.
> Is anyone familiar with this communication?
Date: 4/26/26 7:36 am From: Ian Worley <iworley...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Owl call question
Hi. Nice puzzle! Can you describe in detail a single hoot? How long was each hoot? How long between each hoot? Did the hoots vary at all? Distance from you?
Time of night? What kind of woods? I don't remember where you live.
Cheers,
Ian ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On 4/26/2026 10:08 AM, Charlie Teske wrote: > Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously. > Is anyone familiar with this communication?
Date: 4/26/26 7:09 am From: Charlie Teske <cteske140...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Owl call question
Last night we had an owl repeat a "hoot" at short intervals for several minutes. No "who cooks for you" or other song like the barred or great-horned ones we've had in the woods previously.
Is anyone familiar with this communication?
Date: 4/25/26 9:56 am From: Katie DeSanto <brengy2014...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] FOY and broad wings- Easy Hardwick
Oh dear, I meant East Hardwick, not Easy Hardwick!
On Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 12:48 PM Katie DeSanto <brengy2014...> wrote:
> Calling in our woods today, Saturday, April 25.
> Blue headed vireo - foy
> Ruby crowned kinglet - foy singing
> Hermit thrush (singing for a week or so)
> Usual suspects today are robins, black capped chickadees, pine siskins,
> raven, white throated and song sparrow, juncos, pileated wp, hairy wp, and
> yb sapsucker.
> Heard a common loon fly over, maybe heading toward Caspian Lake.
> A group of 5 Mourning doves are frisky in the yard.
> Two broad winged hawks are calling and perching with each other overseeing
> our small pasture. I suspect they will nest as they have been known to do
> here.
> A nice start to the spring.
>
>
>
Date: 4/25/26 9:50 am From: Katie DeSanto <brengy2014...> Subject: [VTBIRD] FOY and broad wings- Easy Hardwick
Calling in our woods today, Saturday, April 25. Blue headed vireo - foy Ruby crowned kinglet - foy singing Hermit thrush (singing for a week or so) Usual suspects today are robins, black capped chickadees, pine siskins, raven, white throated and song sparrow, juncos, pileated wp, hairy wp, and yb sapsucker. Heard a common loon fly over, maybe heading toward Caspian Lake. A group of 5 Mourning doves are frisky in the yard. Two broad winged hawks are calling and perching with each other overseeing our small pasture. I suspect they will nest as they have been known to do here. A nice start to the spring.
And seen this afternoon in Bristol -along Monkton Road between intersection of Burpee Road and Hardscrabble Road. One flying solo overhead.
Kay in Hinesburg
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Friday, April 24, 2026, 8:38 AM, Russ Ford <russell.f.ford...> wrote:
A pair has been feeding in a hayfield here this morning, and in an adjacent
area of beaver-modified wetlands. Not what I expect to see from my kitchen
window!
Date: 4/24/26 5:38 am From: Russ Ford <russell.f.ford...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Sandhill Cranes in Berkshire
A pair has been feeding in a hayfield here this morning, and in an adjacent area of beaver-modified wetlands. Not what I expect to see from my kitchen window!
Date: 4/20/26 2:31 pm From: David Traver Adolphus <proscriptus...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Great egret in Sunderland
Sorry for the potato photo, it did not like me approaching. I'm going to go back with a real camera. It's hanging out in the swamp at the corner of Lathrop Ln. and 7A.
Date: 4/20/26 4:13 am From: <jim...> <jim...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Early Spring Birds -- PHOTOS
I put photos of birds from the Upper Valley of NH and VT in a new blog post. Flying Eagles, a cute American Kestrel, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, and some very strange ducks: five Muscovy Ducks in Hanover, perhaps domestic escapees from some farm. You can see those and more here:
https://jimblockphoto.com/2026/04/birds-of-early-spring-2026/
Date: 4/18/26 2:21 pm From: Ian Clark <000010860f90edae-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Free slideshow on loons, Rockingham, VT May 2 11am
I'll be presenting my slideshow, an Uncommon Look at the Common Loon at the Library. I've been following the loons on three local ponds since 2012; this show has the highlights of the loons' adventures.
The show covers the natural history of loons, then follows a loon family through the breeding season and closes with some of my favorite loon photos.
Date: 4/13/26 10:47 am From: Toni Mikula <wldlfgrl...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Vermont Center for Ecostudies seeks help for whippoorwill study
From VCE:
We’re looking to connect with landowners who have *regularly heard
whip-poor-wills on their property in recent years* and are willing to host
a recording unit from *mid-May through mid-August, 2026*.
The devices only record audio and are:
· small and weatherproof
· easy to deploy (just strap to a tree)
· no maintenance required
We’ll ship everything needed (or drop it off), and cover return shipping.
Landowners don’t need to collect data or manage the device—just host it on
a tree where Whip-poor-wills can be heard.
We’re hoping to identify ~12 host sites for this summer’s pilot, with
additional interested landowners considered for future years when we hope
to expand this project.
