Date: 1/23/20 4:07 pm From: Jeanne-Marie Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] North of the notch birding
A warm forecast of 45 degrees led me to venture north (or should I say further north).
As we left the house it was 25 with beautiful sun. Crossing over the notch the temps started to plummet rapidly- 16 degrees in Gorham, and not much better in Berlin/Milan.
Finally heading toward Dummer and Errol the temps skyrocketed to 31 late afternoon in Errol with the next storm front clearly on it’s way and clouding over the remaining sun.
Birds were good for this time of year and weather (total 25): 60+ Cedar Waxwings (Gorham- no Bohemian), Purple Finches in Berlin in good numbers, ZERO Evening Grosbeaks (Chickwalnopy is being logged), and in Errol we got good numbers of Red crossbills and a few White wing crossbills, as well as a pair of Black Back Woodpeckers along Magalowy/Umbagog. Photos unavailable until I get back to the computer in Nashua.
GOOD LUCK ON SUPERBOWL! - hope the weather holds for you!
Date: 1/23/20 2:03 pm From: Scott Heron <smheron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Quick run along the coast
I made a short sprint along the coast yesterday (1/22). In anticipation of this year's Superbowl of Birding (not competing this year) I came across a small handful of "3-point" birds. Nothing crazy, but those 3-pointers add up.
Green-winged Teal - female or non-breeding male flushed from the saltmarsh south of Rye Harbor Glaucous Gull - right where it should be Snowy Owl - Hampton Beach jetty. Eventually took off heading south (to Plum Island, no doubt) Lapland Longspur - with Horned Larks and Snow Buntings in Hampton Beach State Park parking lot Snow Bunting - a few dozen in Hampton Beach State Park parking lot Savannah Sparrow - in the dunes of Hampton Beach State Park Swamp Sparrow - along Harbor Rd near Rye Harbor
In the yard last Friday, a Pine Warbler briefly visited the suet feeder before disappearing.
After 64 continuous days of enjoying the chat in our yard it seems to have moved on or perhaps more likely, "moved on." Saturday the 19th is the last day we saw it. It came to the feeders briefly and also fed on a clementine we put out for it. We already miss its feisty spirit and cheerful flash of yellow across the winter grays and browns.
Date: 1/21/20 11:38 am From: Jane Hills <jhbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Stratham Bullock's - NO
As I already had an appointment nearby in Stratham this morning, I spent some time looking for the Bullock's Oriole. Before lunch, there were zero birds around the feeders (only heard typical birds in the trees); after lunch, there was much more activity, including a beautiful pair of bluebirds at the meal worm feeders, but it soon died down to zero again. My feet were frozen, so I left at that point.
Jane
Jane Hills
Manchester, NH
jhbird(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
"We are all environmentalists now, but we are not all planetists. An environmentalist realizes that nature has its pleasures and deserves respect. A planetist puts the earth ahead of the earthlings." --William Safire
Date: 1/21/20 9:22 am From: Bob Holt <bobholt...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Weekend observations
That's similar to our experience in the area, too.
We took a short hike through the fresh powder at the Horatio Colony Preserve in Keene on Saturday. Incredibly silent. Possibly heard a single peep from a sparrow just as we got back to the car.
There are sizable groups of starlings, robins, and cedar waxwings in the wooded area at the northeast corner of Cheney Ave. and Kaufmann Dr. in Peterborough. That wooded area is full of dead/dying trees, so there are a number of woodpeckers (at least a pair of red-bellied and several downy and hairy with the occasional pileated) there in the mornings. Four house finches (3 female, 1 male) came to our nearby feeder for the first time yesterday.
On Tue, Jan 21, 2020 at 10:33 AM John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> wrote:
> Over the weekend I visited the MacDowell reservoir in Peterborough, and a > couple of spots along the Contoocook River in Peterborough and Hancock. > Nothing exotic. > > It was quiet at MacDowell, not much activity at all. As I was walking back > to my truck I came across a mixed flock of chickadees, nuthatches (WB), > juncoes, titmice, a downy woodpecker and a pair of golden-crowned kinglets. > They were active and noisy, working a mixed stand of oak and hemlock. All > of a sudden a sharp shinned hawk zoomed in from behind me, and went after > one of the kinglets in a hemlock. The chase was fast, and very acrobatic. > The hawk missed, and landed in a tree about 20 feet away, sitting for a > minute before flying off. The flock was absolutely still for several > minutes - no movement, no vocals. Then the chickadees (the bravest, > apparently) began to move and make a little noise. > > The Peterborough dump was busy yesterday (they maintain a set of feeders). > Cardinals, chickadees, juncoes, nuthatches (WB & RB), starlings, bluejays, > ravens, crows, robins, titmice, a hairy woodpecker and a lone song sparrow. > And as I was driving up 202, I spotted an adult bald eagle circling over > Cavender road. > > There's a lot less winterberry than there was a month ago, getting eaten > I'm guessing. I did see a few cedar waxwings and bluebirds on crab apple > trees in Peterborough, and a couple of different red-tailed hawks in > Peterborough and Hancock. The snow storm brought the goldfinches back to my > feeders (they're foul weather opportunists) to join the juncoes, > chickadees, titmice, downy woodpeckers and bluejays. > > JR > > -- > To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit: > https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "NHBirds" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...> > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAHrSy0J12bwjMSZ45eLG8XSJAP%<2BpsKiZxdE6Ue96MLr4wYjZBA...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAHrSy0J12bwjMSZ45eLG8XSJAP%<2BpsKiZxdE6Ue96MLr4wYjZBA...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 1/21/20 8:50 am From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] "Focus on the Natural World" Exhibit in Lyme
The Converse Free Library is hosting an exhibit of bird and wildlife photos taken by Lyme residents Scott Kalter and John Skelly. The show is on view now through March 29, 2020.
Date: 1/21/20 7:33 am From: John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> Subject: [NHBirds] Weekend observations
Over the weekend I visited the MacDowell reservoir in Peterborough, and a couple of spots along the Contoocook River in Peterborough and Hancock. Nothing exotic.
It was quiet at MacDowell, not much activity at all. As I was walking back to my truck I came across a mixed flock of chickadees, nuthatches (WB), juncoes, titmice, a downy woodpecker and a pair of golden-crowned kinglets. They were active and noisy, working a mixed stand of oak and hemlock. All of a sudden a sharp shinned hawk zoomed in from behind me, and went after one of the kinglets in a hemlock. The chase was fast, and very acrobatic. The hawk missed, and landed in a tree about 20 feet away, sitting for a minute before flying off. The flock was absolutely still for several minutes - no movement, no vocals. Then the chickadees (the bravest, apparently) began to move and make a little noise.
The Peterborough dump was busy yesterday (they maintain a set of feeders). Cardinals, chickadees, juncoes, nuthatches (WB & RB), starlings, bluejays, ravens, crows, robins, titmice, a hairy woodpecker and a lone song sparrow. And as I was driving up 202, I spotted an adult bald eagle circling over Cavender road.
There's a lot less winterberry than there was a month ago, getting eaten I'm guessing. I did see a few cedar waxwings and bluebirds on crab apple trees in Peterborough, and a couple of different red-tailed hawks in Peterborough and Hancock. The snow storm brought the goldfinches back to my feeders (they're foul weather opportunists) to join the juncoes, chickadees, titmice, downy woodpeckers and bluejays.
Date: 1/21/20 7:05 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Confirmed Oriole in Hampton
NH Audubon has received photos of an oriole visiting feeders at 125 Landing Rd in Hampton this morning. The pictures confirm that it's an oriole but aren't clear enough to determine whether it's a Baltimore or Bullock's. The bird was last seen at the feeder this morning before 8:20 am.
Zeke Cornell and I went in search of some year birds today, as well as checking some Hampton spots for the Twitchers.
After several failed attempts earlier this year, we finally got a Western Tanager - the Plaistow bird as previously posted. We saw it several times over about 20 minutes coming to #10 Hale Spring Rd.
Other highlights as follows.
Hampton Beach State Park
Ipswich Savannah Sparrow - 1
Snow Bunting - 5
Horned Lark - 2
Rye Harbor State Park
Semipalmated Plover - 1
Belted Kingfisher - 1
Hooded Merganser - 1
North Mill Pond, Portsmouth
Black-crowned Night-Heron, 1 sitting on the rocks right by the Market Street bridge, on the west side of the water, viewed from the Chamber of Commerce.
Date: 1/20/20 5:53 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 20, 2020
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 20th,
2020.
A male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE has been seen visiting a birdfeeder at a private
residence in Stratham, and was last reported on January 18th.
A WESTERN TANAGER continues to be seen at a private residence in Plaistow
and was last reported near there on January 20th.
An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was discovered along North River Road near
Burley Farm in Epping on October 5th, and was last reported on January 20th.
To look for the bird, locate the SELT trailhead located north of Burley Farm
on North River Road and walk the trail east to a mixed-age forest
overlooking a large wetland. Listen for a dry-rattle. Another immature
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen along Wednesday Hill Road in Durham on the
14th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at a private residence at South
Mill Pond in Portsmouth and was last reported on January 14th. A COMMON
YELLOWTHROAT was reported from Concord on the 19th. 2 PINE WARBLERS were
seen in Exeter on the 20th, and 1 was seen in Kingston on the 17th.
A DICKCISSEL continues to be seen with a flock of HOUSE SPARROWS in the
bushes near the fence between #5 and #7 at the River's Edge Estates on
Longmeadow Drive in Concord and was last reported on January 19th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along East River Road in Milan on January 20th.
3 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen north of Stark Landing on the Merrimack
River in Manchester on January 19th. These birds have been seen as far north
as the Notre Dame Bridge, and they are usually seen with COMMON GOLDENEYES.
2 GADWALL were seen at Jackson’s Landing in Durham on January 18th, and a
NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen along Garland Road in Rye on the 19th.
A WOOD DUCK was seen in a wetland along the west side of Red Hill Road in
Moultonborough on January 12th.
A SNOW GOOSE was seen at Parson’s Creek salt marsh west of Route 1A at
Wallis Sands beach in Rye on January 15th.
2 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were seen at North Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
January 16th.
A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER continues to be seen sporadically at Ragged Neck in
Rye, and was last reported on January 19th.
A RAZORBILL, a BLACK GUILLEMOT, 2 SANDERLINGS, and 18 PURPLE SANDPIPERS were
seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on January 18th.
Birders on an offshore boat trip in New Hampshire and Massachusetts waters
on January 14th reported 3 POMARINE JAEGERS, 16 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, 1
THICK-BILLED MURRE, 62 COMMON MURRES, 44 RAZORBILLS, 394 DOVEKIES, 12 BLACK
GUILLEMOTS, 3 NORTHERN FULMARS, 2 ICELAND GULLS, and 97 BLACK-LEGGED
KITTIWAKES.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in Seabrook near Hampton Harbor on January 19th.
2 RED CROSSBILLS continue to be seen in Stoddard and were last reported on
January 19th, and several WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were reported from Errol
on the 20th.
3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at 14 Pinnacle View Lane in Walpole on January
19th.
There have been an unusual number of late-migrating TREE SWALLOWS reported
from the coast during the past month with a recent sighting of 2 in Seabrook
on January 18th.
2 FISH CROWS were reported from near Hampton Marsh on January 18th.
Lingering migrant species of note that were reported during the past week
included: AMERICAN KESTREL, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, TURKEY VULTURE, BELTED
KINGFISHER, HERMIT THRUSH, GRAY CATBIRD, WINTER WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, FIELD
SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD,
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, and NORTHERN FLICKER.
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 at:
<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
Date: 1/20/20 5:42 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bullock's Oriole in NH - VIEWING FOR SATURDAY'S SUPERBOWL
For those who are interested in trying to get the Bullock's Oriole for
NEXT SATURDAY during the Superbowl of Birding event:
* The bird is coming to the rear of #45 Butterfield Lane, Stratham, NH.
This is at the rear of a cul-de-sac that borders on the Squamscott River.
* The bird has been regularly seen each day since about Christmas. Today
it was seen roughly every 2 hours over the course of the day.
* The bird has been most frequent at meal worm feeders and loves to use
the bird bath. There are a few meal worm feeders. One of the meal worm
feeders is on their deck slider door and the bird bath is on their
deck. When the bird is on the deck, the bird can't normally be seen.
* The typical "legal" viewing spot has been from a position to the right
of the house and the right of the white wooden fence along a ROW near
where there is a chain fence.
* The typical viewing spot does not offer a view to the deck. So THE
OWNERS ARE ALLOWING FULL ACCESS TO THEIR YARD IN ORDER TO TRY TO VIEW
THE BIRD DURING THE SUPERBOWL.
TEAMS CAN TRY TO VIEW FROM ANY ANGLE THAT WORKS. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT
YOU CUT DOWN FROM THE TYPICAL SPOT TO BE ABLE TO VIEW BACK TOWARD THE DECK.
* THIS IS A ONE DAY ONLY DEAL FOR THE SUPERBOWL!! AFTER THAT, PLEASE
STAY OUT OF THEIR BACK YARD AND TRY FROM THE NORMAL SPOT.
This morning, Joe Scott and I birded the Rte. 16 corridor from Berlin to Errol. We did not have much in the way of boreal species but did have several White-winged Crossbills in a couple of locations, a flyover Red Crossbill, several Purple Finches and a Northern Shrike along E. River Rd. in Milan. A shout out to Lori Charron for pointing us toward the Magalloway River trailhead where we did have one of the pairs of White-winged Crossbills we saw.
Along with an adult Bald Eagle, we also had a few Am. Goldeneye, two male Common Merganser and lots of Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Junos and Am. Goldfinch among other species.
Date: 1/20/20 4:39 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] More nice birds (2 Pine Warblers, 2 RS Hawks, 2 RC Kinglets, Fox Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow)
More scouting in Rockingham County today for next Saturday's Superbowl.
Several nice birds with their potential point total if we find them next
weekend:
(5 points) RED-HEADED WOODPECKER - Immature continues at Burley Farm in
Epping. Exact same location where it was found by Greg Tillman back in
early November.
(5 points) CHIPPING SPARROW - 1 at feeder opposite #35 South Road in
East Kingston. Nice to finally find one this winter, especially after
missing Becky's birds in Hampton yesterday.
(4 points) Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2 more today! AMAZING that we have
now found 6 different Ruby-crowned Kinglets in the last 2 weekends.
Today's birds included one off Giles Road in East Kingston near the
intersection with Rt. 108. The other at the end of Laurel Lane in
Stratham. This is a rare bird for mid-winter and we've only recorded it
once in the last 15 Superbowls. Hopefully we can find one of these next
weekend! :-)
(4 points) Pine Warbler - 2 at the same time near feeder at #57 Hayes
Mobile Home Park in Exeter. One very drab female and one slightly less
drab female with a yellow wash on the breast. At one time both seen in
the same tree together.
(4 points) Fox Sparrow - 1 below feeder at #20 Autumn Lane in East Kingston.
(4 points) Red-shouldered Hawk - 2 including one while driving westbound
on Rt. 101 in Exeter. A 2nd off Depot Street in Newfields.
(3 points) Hermit Thrush - 1 off Rt. 108 in Kensington. I almost hit it
when it crossed the road!
Date: 1/20/20 6:30 am From: <rsuomala2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Western Tanager, Plaistow
Seen this morning on Hale Spring Rd. around the corner from Palmer Ave., a couple of houses down from where it was first being seen. It was coming to the feeders under the car port and the holly bush at #10 (opposite Springview Terrace).Becky Suomala
I spent some time on the coast this afternoon, just looking around to see what was there. I didn't get much; as usual, all the interesting birds decided they had pressing business elsewhere. My best sighting was an even dozen Sanderlings busily feeding among the rocks at the north end of Jenness Beach. Other sightings included THE Glaucous Gull at Seabrook beach, and the usual suspects scattered along the coast: Common Loons, Common Eiders, Surf Scoters, a couple of cormorants, at least one Common Goldeneye, at least one Red-breasted Merganser...
I had better luck at Massabesic Audubon Center a few days ago, where I chalked up a total of at least four and possibly as many as six Pileated Woodpeckers.
Northern Pintail - 1 female in with Mallard flock off Garland Road in Rye.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - 1 continues in Rye Harbor at low tide.
Glaucous Gull - Adult sitting on his spot overlooking Hampton Harbor in
Seabrook.
https://flic.kr/p/2iheT1D
Eastern Towhee - THREE. One male off Brackett Road in Rye just north of
Massacre Marsh in thickets. And two males together off Garland Road in
Rye near entrance to well area gate. I had lamenting that we hadn't
relocated any of the birds from the Christmas Count in December. And
today we get three!
Ruby-crowned Kinget - 1 with towhee off Brackett Road in Rye just north
of Massacre Marsh. That makes 4 (!) Ruby-crowns that we have found in
the last 8 days. Incredible for January!
Hermit Thrush - 1 in marshy area near feeders off Huckelberry Road in
Hampton.
https://flic.kr/p/2ihim8c
Swamp Sparrow - 1 in same area of Hermit Thrush off Huckleberry Road in
Hampton.
Chipping Sparrow - 0. No luck with Becky's birds in the cemetery and
surrounding neighborhood in Hampton.
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 at corner of Appledore Road and Rt. 1A in
North Hampton.
Orange-crowned Warbler - 0. We tried to get our bird from last weekend,
but no luck.
Date: 1/19/20 1:01 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Common Yellowthroat in Concord!
After my Penacook Survey this morning I took a quick walk along West Locke Road in search of the RC Kinglet that's been around since December. I didn't find it, but about halfway down the rad I heard the distinctive chip note of a Common Yellowthroat coming from the marshy area downstream of the stream culvert. I bushwhacked into the area from the side (to get the light behind me), and waited there ~30 minutes, but never saw anything or heard it again.
On my way out one of the local Winter Wrens called a little from near the road, and even launched into a brief song. A SECOND wren was a little closer to the entrance gate about 5 min later.
Date: 1/18/20 7:39 pm From: Lori Charron <lpcharron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Coos County Finch Count!
Hi All, The Coos County finch count will be on Feb. 8th. We will meet at McDonalds in Gorham at 8 a.m. We will slowly bird our way up to Errol. I am excited to be able to be part of this count again! I so enjoyed it last yr. Anyone interested just send an e-mail so I can have a list of names. Car pooling would be good as we make frequent stops along the road. I look forward to seeing those of you who can make it.
Happy Birding
Lori
I ran across a Swamp Sparrow in the wetlands in front of Hollis / Brookline High School, the bird had a very quick response to my pishing, I was rather surprised given the weather and time of year.
Recordings of the Swamp Sparrow (calls and dzeets)
The Twitchers were scouting Hampton today in preparation for the Superbowl of Birding next weekend. We are doing Hampton again this year (we switched last year after doing 10 years in Rye) so our team name is the "Twitchers out of the Rye." Despite the cold, we had some nice finds. Highlights below. As usual, pledges to the team will support NH eBird and New Hampshire Bird Records (both programs of NH Audubon's Conservation Department) and we have some very creative pledges, including a bonus for a photo of a raptor with prey (unless it's a warbler!). We appreciate all pledges - see the end for pledge links.
Highlights
Chipping Sparrow - 2 at the cemetery on High St.
Red-winged Blackbird - at least 4 on North Shore Rd.
Northern Flicker - 1 on North Shore Rd.
Hermit Thrush - 1 on Tide Mill Rd., 1 on Willow Ln.
Belted Kingfisher - Landing Rd. (no sign of the oriole reported earlier)
Bicentennial Park
Razorbill - 1
Black Guillemot - 1
Sanderling - 2
Purple Sandpiper - 18
Good luck to all the Superbowl teams and special thanks to those who share their sightings before the event.
Becky Suomala, for all the Twitchers - Andrea Robbins, Kathryn Frieden and Susan Wrisley
Date: 1/18/20 2:26 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] 55F colder on coast (TREE SWALLOWS, Semi. Plover, BC Night-Heron, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE)
Last Sunday, it was 71F. Today, it barely made it out of the teens. At
least 50F to 55F colder! Nothing "new", but a few continuing birds:
TREE SWALLOW - TWO continue in Seabrook Back Dunes! Visible from Rt. 1A
opposite Haverhill Street. Flying low over the dunes. Only one last
weekend, but the second bird
is still around. 10F this morning, but no snow. Hopefully the snow
storm tonight doesn't turn to ice. First January record for State.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - One continues in Rye Harbor. Today conspicuous on
flats. Strangely, this bird seems to disappear from time to time.
First January record for State.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON - One (of apparently 2) that have been hanging
around the North Mill Pond area of Portsmouth Harbor. The last few days
they seem
to be hanging around the vicinity of the 500 Market Street office
complex or the Chamber of Commerce. The bird we had was hidden
underneath the Market Street
Bridge. Perhaps the 3rd January record for NH.
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE - Immature male continues at feeders in back of the
house at #45 Butterfield Lane, Stratham. This is at the end of a
cul-de-sac that borders on the Squamscott River. To view the feeders,
walk to the right of the residence and to the right of the white wooden
fence. You will see a chain gate across an access road that is marked
with two signs that say "private property". From this spot, you should
be able to look to the left and see the feeders to the rear of the
residence. The bird has been present since about Christmas and was
regular at the feeder today. Mary has been stuffing it with meal worms
and providing a nice warm bird bath!
Hermit Thrush - TWO. One off Chapel Drive in North Hampton at the
original Western Tanager spot opposite the open field. A second off the
RR Tracks marsh off Great Bay Drive in Greenland. But no luck with
either of the Gray Catbirds we had on the Christmas Count.
Field Sparrow - One continues near feeders off Frontier Street in Rye.
Western Tanager - 0 in North Hampton. I haven't heard of any positive
reports in the last couple of weeks of the North Hampton bird. It
certainly might still be in the area, however.
You can also read another free article from the Winter 2018-19 issue on the House Finch Eye Disease and why it's a good idea to clean your feeders. See below for all the other articles you'll receive as a subscriber.
The remarkable story of ornithologist Chandler S. Robbins continues with the final installment by George Robbins. It is an amazing story! We are very grateful to George for sponsoring all four 2018 New Hampshire Bird Records issues in memory of his father.
Also in the Winter 2018-19 issue:
Thank You to Donors
Chandler S. Robbins: His final 24 years - 1993-2017 by George Chandler Robbins
Winter Season: December 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019 by Katherine Towler and Jim Sparrell
A Unicorn Does a Fly-by by Steve Bennett, for "the Ross's Five"
A Comparison of Three Winter Pelagics compiled by Rebecca Suomala
Christmas Bird Count Summary by David Deifik
119th Christmas Bird Count Table & Map
Winter 2018-19 Field Notes compiled by Diana Stephens
Peregrine Falcon Dive Bombs Photographer by Deb Powers
Winter Wrens at Locke Road by Pam Hunt
Razorbill Seen Inland at Adam's Point in Durham by Steve Mirick
Snowy Owl Dies on Star Island by Alexandra de Steiguer
Red-shouldered Hawk Seen on Same Branch Five Years Later
Bald Eagle versus Bald Eagle by Kris Hakoun and Chris Martin
Black-throated Blue Warbler in Raymond
Return of the Ospreys
Field Trip Report compiled by Gail Coffey
Coos County Winter Finch Count 2019-Trip Report by Lori Charron
New Hampshire Teams in The Superbowl of Birding
Zone-tailed Blitzers Win Superbowl of Birding XVI by Steven Lamonde
Wedding Interrupts the Superbowl! by Steve Mirick
Twitchers out of the Rye 2019 by Kathryn Frieden and Rebecca Suomala
Where Have All The Redpolls Gone? by Diana Stephens
Barred Owl Phenomenon by Kathryn Frieden
Who is Ross? by Kathryn Frieden
Backyard Birder - Preening by Brenda Sens
River Valley Birding in Westmoreland and Walpole by Adam Burnett
NH Rare Birds Committee Report - Spring 2016 through Winter 2016-17, and Selected Historical Records
Answer to the Photo Quiz by David B. Donsker
Date: 1/17/20 11:02 am From: ROBERT SWEET <rgsweet...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hooksett - Thursday around 1:30pm. Bald Eagle soaring over the river near train trestle and other bridges near VFW.....
Date: 1/17/20 9:25 am From: Jane Hills <jhbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Merrimack River field trip CANCELLED
With apologies to birders with more stamina, I am reluctantly cancelling the Capital Area Chapter Winter Birding on the Merrimack field trip scheduled for Saturday, January 18. Given the weather forecast of dangerous wind chills of minus 10 to minus 20 below zero tomorrow morning, it seems prudent to keep us all inside and toasty.
If the lack of normal bird activity at my feeders today is any indication, the birds are trying to stay "inside" and toasty as well!
Jane Hills
Manchester, NH
jhbird(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
"We are all environmentalists now, but we are not all planetists. An environmentalist realizes that nature has its pleasures and deserves respect. A planetist puts the earth ahead of the earthlings." --William Safire
Date: 1/17/20 8:05 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Plaistow Western Tanager hotspot
NH Audubon has received updated information that the Western Tanager is still being seen (as of yesterday) at the Plaistow location. As a reminder, the house where it's being seen is at a 4-way stop on Palmer Ave. up the street from the police station. Alan, the homeowner, asks that birders call or email before coming: 603-770-0478, <acarifio...><mailto:<acarifio...>. The feeders are visible from one of the side streets and are relatively close to the road.
Additionally, there is now a stakeout hotspot for the location, and any eBird users with a personal location for this Western Tanager are requested to please merge your location with the hotspot. It make take a few hours before it's visible on the map. It's called "stakeout Western Tanager, Palmer/Hale Spring Rd., Plaistow." It would be great if everyone could use it to submit their eBird reports so all reports are under the same location and easy to find. If you have already entered the sighting you can easily merge your personal location with the Hotspot, so please take a minute to do so. The instructions are below. If you have other checklists from this location, and you only want to merge the checklist with this rarity, there are also specific instructions for this listed.
TO MERGE A LOCATION:
1. Click on "My EBird" at the top right of any page
2. Click on "Manage my locations" on the list on the right
3. Find the location that you want to merge
4. At the far right of the site entry, click "edit".
5. This should pull up a map with your location at the center and several round "radio buttons" above the map next to the words: Rename, Move, Merge.
6. Click the "Merge" button and pre-existing hot spots should appear on the map as red "pins" and your personal locations as blue "pins".
7. Click on the hot spot you wish to merge your location WITH (your location will be indicated by a green and red symbol). The name of the hot spot will appear at the top of the map indicating how many checklists you are merging with that spot.
8. We highly recommend that you check the box next to "delete after merging" - this will not delete your data or the merged location, it will simply delete that original location so you won't be tempted to use it again.
9. Click on the square box labeled "Merge"
10. eBird will ask if you are sure. Double check before you click "Yes" as this action can't be undone!
All your records for the old location will get relabeled in the database as the pre-existing hot spot. This is the location that will now appear in "my locations." You can always rename a hot spot within your "my locations" list, but that won't change the name in the eBird database.
TO CHANGE A SPECIFIC CHECKLIST LOCATION TO A HOT SPOT LOCATION:
1. Click on "My EBird" at the top right of any page
2. Click on "Manage my Checklists" on the list on the right
3. Find the observation that you want to change
4. At the far right of the site entry, click "View or edit".
5. Click "edit location" on the right next to the location name.
6. Click on Find it on a Map and enter NH, then Zoom to town.
7. Zoom in until you find the appropriate Hot Spot
8. Click on the Hot Spot and then Continue.
9. Your Checklist will appear with the new location.
Date: 1/16/20 11:15 am From: 'jenna_pett' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Concord dickcissel
Dickcissel continues at the River's Edge trailer park with a flock of house sparrows. Seen on the bushes near the fence between #5 and #7 and at the feeders at #8.Jenna Pettipas Manchester, NHSusan Wrisley Hollis NHMaria Norton Harwich MASent via my Samsung Galaxy, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Date: 1/15/20 10:46 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Possible Baltimore Oriole in Hampton
NH Audubon has received a report through Facebook that there was a possible female Baltimore Oriole seen yesterday in Hampton at 125 Landing Rd. There is a flowering crab with suet feeders in the front yard where the bird was seen for at least 30 minutes. It hasn't been seen yet today. The homeowner is welcoming to birders checking out the feeders.
Kathryn Frieden for NH Bird Records
New Hampshire Bird Records
All about birds and birding in New Hampshire
www.nhbirdrecords.org<http://www.nhbirdrecords.org>
Date: 1/14/20 9:54 pm From: Steven Lamonde <slamonde...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Carolina Wren? correct ID for winter? Somersworth
Hi Debra,
This bird is indeed a Carolina Wren!
According to eBird, within the past 5 years in York County, ME, Carolina Wrens were reported on 1.57% of eBird checklists in the first week of January. Certainly an uncommon sighting this time of year, yet becoming less uncommon as this species moves their range northward in response to warmer winters.
Best, Steven
On Tue, Jan 14, 2020 at 6:28 PM DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> wrote:
-- Steven Lamonde Conservation Biology (MS) candidate Adjunct Faculty - Department of Environmental Studies Manager - Antioch Spatial Analysis Lab Antioch University New England Keene, New Hampshire <slamonde...> (339) 236-1421
Date: 1/14/20 7:04 pm From: Zeke Cornell <zekecornell...> Subject: [NHBirds] Eastman's fishing trip with good alcids
Eight of us joined the fishing boat out of Hampton Harbor, today. The seas were forecasted to be three feet; it seemed about half that amount or less. The viewing was fantastic. The wind calmed as the day progressed, and we had a great birding day for the middle of January. (The fishing was pretty good, as well, as the crew was cleaning fish and chumming almost all the way to the harbor.)
Most of the hours and all of the fishing were in MA waters, but we had great birds in NH waters during the time we motored there. For the day we had a sweep of the six local alcids--five in NH (no Thick-billed Murre) and five in MA waters (no Black Guillemot). The highlights are below (totals for the day and NH only in parentheses):
Dovekies 394 (15 in NH) Razorbill 44 (11 in NH) C. Murre 62 (6 in NH) B. Guillemot 12 (all in NH) Atl. Puffin 16 (5 in NH) TB Murre 1 photo research to confirm Large Alcid 18 (3 in NH) N. Fulmar 3 Iceland Gull 2 Pom. Jaeger 3 (1 in NH) Black-legged Kittiwake 97 (1 maybe 2 in NH)
Date: 1/14/20 3:28 pm From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] Carolina Wren? correct ID for winter? Somersworth
While participating in the Eagle count this past weekend I came across this wren. I have been told it is a Carolina Wren, when I look it up I think that is correct. Do they winter in this area? Perhaps this ID is not correct. Thanks Deb Powers-South Berwick Maine
Date: 1/14/20 11:00 am From: Charlie Nims <charlie.nims...> Subject: [NHBirds] Dovekies
Yesterday, the timing finally worked out for me to take one of the Eastman fishing boats out to the Jeffrey’s Ledge area. It worked out well other than the high swells experienced on the way out; coming back was fine and at least the temperature was good for this time of year. The Dovkie show continues, on the way out, my estimate was 250-300 ranging from singles to a groups up to ~20. Some other species of interest to me were: Black-legged Kittiwakes, Iceland Gull, Northern Fulmar, Pomarine Jaeger, Common Murre and Razorbill.
A full report with photos has been posted to eBird.
For those interested in the fishing, there were large numbers of Haddock and Pollack caught.
Date: 1/13/20 5:39 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 13, 2020
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 13th,
2020.
A female BULLOCK’S ORIOLE was located at a private residence in New Castle
but has not been reported since January 3rd. A male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE has
been seen visiting a birdfeeder at a private residence in Stratham, and was
last reported on the 11th.
A WESTERN TANAGER was discovered in North Hampton on December 14th, and has
been seen many times since then, but has not been reported since January
6th. It was mainly seen foraging on both sides of Maple Road near Chapel
Road. Another WESTERN TANAGER was seen at a private residence in Plaistow on
the 8th.
An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was discovered along North River Road near
Burley Farm in Epping on October 5th, and was last reported on January 11th,
2020. To look for the bird, locate the SELT trailhead located north of
Burley Farm on North River Road and walk the trail east to a mixed-age
forest overlooking a large wetland. Listen for a dry-rattle. Another
immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen along Wednesday Hill Road in Durham
on January 10th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at a private residence at South
Mill Pond in Portsmouth and was last reported on January 12th. An
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen along Brown Road in Hampton Falls on January
12th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was photographed flying overhead in Warren on January 9th,
and 1 was photographed flying overhead in New Ipswich on the 11th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen in Walpole on January 11th.
2 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Nashua on January 11th. Over 50 TURKEY
VULTURES were reported soaring over Exeter on January 9th, and a flock of 12
TURKEY VULTURES was seen roosting in Exeter on the 8th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at a field along Old Hancock Road in Hancock on
January 8th, and 1 was reported from Moultonborough on the 11th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen with a flock of HOUSE SPARROWS in Concord on January
11th and 12th.
1 male and 1 female BARROW’S GOLDENEYE were seen north of Stark Landing on
the Merrimack River in Manchester on January 11th. These birds have been
seen as far north as the Notre Dame Bridge, and they are usually seen with
COMMON GOLDENEYES.
A REDHEAD was seen on Great Bay from the Greenland side on January 11th.
A GADWALL was seen at Jackson’s Landing in Durham on January 12th.
A SNOW GOOSE was seen with 13 CANADA GEESE along the coast of Rye Harbor
State Park on January 13th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in Seabrook near Hampton Harbor several times
during the past week. 2 ICELAND GULLS were seen in Exeter on January 11th.
3 RED CROSSBILLS were seen in Thornton on January 7th, 1 was reported from
Stoddard on the 13th, and 1 was reported from the Harris Center in Hancock
on the 11th.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen in North Hampton on January 7th.
2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen in fields adjacent to West Portsmouth Street
in Concord on January 11th, and 1 was seen at Pinnacle Lane in Walpole on
the 9th.
Several SNOW BUNTINGS and HORNED LARKS were seen in fields adjacent to West
Portsmouth Street in Concord on January 7th.
A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER continues to be seen sporadically at Ragged Neck in
Rye, and was last reported on January 10th. A BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen
in Hampton Harbor on the 7th, and an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen in Dover on
the 11th.
There have been an unusual number of late-migrating TREE SWALLOWS reported
from the coast during the past month with a recent sighting of 2 in Seabrook
on January 10th.
2 FISH CROWS were reported from near Hampton Marsh on January 11th.
A MERLIN was seen at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis, and 1 was reported from New
Castle, both on January 11th.
Lingering migrant species of note that were reported during the past week
included: WOOD DUCK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, TURKEY VULTURE, BELTED KINGFISHER,
HERMIT THRUSH, GRAY CATBIRD, WINTER WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, FIELD
SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and NORTHERN
FLICKER.
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 at:
<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
Do the property owners want to be notified before looking for the bird? Or is it ok to use the hotspot and Steve’s directions to view the bird? I do not want to upset the property owners so any info would help. I am hoping to take the journey from Errol tomorrow
Thanks
Lori
Today there were 6 bluebirds in my backyard, I was very surprised to see 2 standing on the roof of a nest box that tree swallows nested in last year and even one going in it. The swallows may not get it back in the spring!
This weekend was certainly an extraordinary weather experience for
January. Sadly, it may be a sign of the future with global warming. :-(
Saturday peaked out at 67F in my car, and today, it peaked at 71F!!!
Incredible. Almost as incredible this afternoon, was the sudden impact
of a wind shift
that hit us like a brick. While driving through Hampton at about 12:30
PM, the wind was strong out of the west, the sun was out, and people
were in
shorts and T-shirts and covering the beach. As we drove up the coast
passing from through North Hampton and into Rye with our windows open, I
felt
a sudden chill on my arm as it hung out the window. within MINUTES, the
wind shifted to the northeast and the temperature dropped from 71F to
45F or 26 degrees!
It was like someone turned an air conditioner on!
We were mostly scouting for the upcoming Superbowl of Birding a week
from Saturday. We were able to find a few new birds, but could not find
a few birds we had back in
mid-December. Highlights from the weekend:
Red-shouldered Hawk - 2 in Exeter yesterday. One adult at the end of
Webster Ave. Another perched on power lines (!) at the intersection of
Swazey Parkway and Rt. 85.
https://flic.kr/p/2idD77v
AMERICAN WOODCOCK - 1 bird seen at Liberty Mutual in Dover yesterday.
Thanks to Unity and Pam for their detective work and directions, we were
able to find this bird.
My first January woodcock and one of very few for New Hampshire.
https://flic.kr/p/2idC28D
Belted Kingfisher - 1 at Beckman's Landing in Seabrook yesterday.
TREE SWALLOW - 1 today in Seabrook Back Dunes opposite Haverhill Street
in Seabrook. We watched it for about 5 or 10 minutes, hoping for the
2nd bird to show, but
no luck. Hopefully it is somewhere nearby.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3 (!!). We found and photographed 3 Ruby-crowns,
but barely found a single Golden-crowned. One Ruby-crown was off River
Road in Stratham
yesterday along the western edge of the open conservation land farm
field. Another was found yesterday in Newmarket at Moody Point at the
end of the loop of
Lubberland Drive. We found a 3rd today in Hampton Falls off Brown Road,
near the intersection with Old Stage Road.
Winter Wren - 1 today with 2 Swamp Sparrows in Cain Brook behind the
American Legion hall off Walton Road in Seabrook.
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - 1 seen briefly, but definitively off Brown Road
in Hampton Falls near the intersection with Old Stage Road. It was with
the RCKI and assorted
feeder birds. Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me and it did not
stick around.
Red-winged Blackbird - 3 males perched together off Webster Ave in
Exeter yesterday.
Bird was in this same area around 11:45 this morning, and again at 3 p.m. when I went back with Unity. At the latter time it appeared in the bushes next to trailer #8 with the House Sparrows, but then disappeared.
In other Concord news, I had a Gray Catbird along the stream at Merrill Park around noon, and Unity and I had a winter wren at the end of the canal trail at W Locke Road. Otherwise increasingly quiet with the increasing wind, but no one could argue with the spring-like temperatures!
Pam Hunt
Penacook
On Sun, 12 Jan 2020 11:07:39 -0500, <rsuomala2...> wrote:
I relocated the bird this morning just north of where it was yesterday. It was with a large flock of House Sparrows on the fence line between the Rivers Edge Estates trailer park and Merrimack Sheet Metal (on Hall St. at the corner if Basin St.). There are dense bushes next to the sheet metal building and the birds were buried in the bushes - tough to spot the Dickcissel but it teed up once.
The birds appear to be going to feeders on the trailer patk at 8 Longmeadow Dr.
Date: 1/12/20 8:08 am From: <rsuomala2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Concord Dickcissel
I relocated the bird this morning just north of where it was yesterday. It was with a large flock of House Sparrows on the fence line between the Rivers Edge Estates trailer park and Merrimack Sheet Metal (on Hall St. at the corner if Basin St.). There are dense bushes next to the sheet metal building and the birds were buried in the bushes - tough to spot the Dickcissel but it teed up once. The birds appear to be going to feeders on the trailer patk at 8 Longmeadow Dr. Becky SuomalaConcord, NH
Date: 1/11/20 3:05 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Woodcock and Field Sparrow, Dover
Unity Dienes and I explored Rochester and Dover today, with something of a focus on areas that aren't birded as often, especially in winter. This is NOT the case for Pickering Ponds, but that's where we started, hoping for the shrike that several people found there yesterday. No shrike, but we did find the Gray Catbird that's been present near the start of the River Trail for some time, plus a nice look at a first year Iceland Gull with all the Herrings on the frozen pond.
After an uneventful stop at the Strafford County Farm, we headed into Dover for lunch. But first, we tried for the American Woodcock at the Liberty Mutual Campus that were reported to NH Audubon yesterday and then to this list. Thankfully, Unity was the one who talked to the original observer, and after wandering around this MASSIVE complex she recognized the flagstones from the photos sent to Audubon. We wandered around the area a little, and soon found a woodcock on some bare ground underneath a pine tree next the building. To find this bird (or both, since two were reported to NH Audubon), you need to go to the SECOND large building in the complex (address apparently 150 Liberty Way). To the left of the front entrance to this building there is a flagstone walkway that passes along the wall near what appears to be a n employee lunchroom (some tables outside as well). The woodcock we found was a little farther along the wall here. Lots of bare ground, even running water from gutters, and apparently a nice place for out-of-season shorebirds to hang out.
After lunch in Dover we randomly stopped in a vacant lot/parking lot downstream from the River/Water St intersection and found a FIELD SPARROW with songs and trees.
Day ended at the Bellamy River WMA, with some good general birding but nothing super noteworthy.
Great day to be out and about. High temp in Dover today was 64 degrees!
Portsmouth Country Club, Greenland
----------------------------------
We braved the windy, warm temps (HA!) and walked the length of the golf course to scope the bay:
Mallard-X
American Black Duck-X
REDHEAD-1 drake, LISA FOUND IT! I searched a tightly packed, long row of GRSC to no avail for ~30 minutes; she put her face up to the scope and in 2min 27sec calmly said, "I have a male in the center". Dope slap for yours truly.
Greater Scaup 200 undercounted for sure--tons of 'em!
Greater/Lesser Scaup-X, too distant for ID
Bufflehead-19
Common Goldeneye-57, no Barrow's for us
Hooded Merganser-2
Common Merganser-8
Bald Eagle-1 distant bird
Had two BAEA on the Osprey tower at Chapmans Landing; no Osprey.
Date: 1/11/20 9:38 am From: Jane Rice <moultnews...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bluebirds and a shrike
A neighbor of mine reported a kestrel this week, which didn't seem very likely, although they are seen in the big hayfield near where we both often walk, but not quite this early in the season. However, the walk down the road was worth it to have excellent views of a northern shrike, plus a flock of 13 bluebirds! I only saw 8 on the CBC, but today they were closer to the road. Also a large flock of cedar waxwings last Monday that were missed on count day, must have been at least 75.
Date: 1/11/20 9:09 am From: David <dhtucker...> Subject: [NHBirds] Merlin Newcastle
While conducting an eagle survey this morning in Newcastle we saw a merlin on top of a tree on leach's island, visible from Campbell's island. Dave Tucker and Heather Rutledge
Date: 1/11/20 6:31 am From: <rsuomala2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Longspur and Dickcissel, Concord
The 2 Lapland Longspurs were in the West Portsmouth St. fields around 7:30 this morning with 7 Horned Larks. They were by the southern-most long manure pile with the fresher uncovered pile, but were in the low tire track and you had to be close to see them. Unfortunately they flew south towards Horseshoe Pond. We found a Dickcissel at a feeder on Hall St. in the Concord Business Center (street sign says #126 and #128). It was with House Sparrows at feeders on a deck in the center of the complex but disappeared before we could get a photo. There are several feeders at different locations in the complex. Becky Suomala and Zeke Cornell
Date: 1/11/20 3:08 am From: evyn <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Golden Eagle (ID) Images from todays (01-09-2020) sighting
Talk about being an opportunist!
On Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 8:25:20 PM UTC-5, David Lipsy wrote: > > > ID images of a juvenile Golden Eagle seen today above the NH Fish & Game's > Warren Fish Hatchery as part of today's Lakes Region Mid-winter Eagle > Survey. > > Sorry for the poor image quality; shooting towards the sun at a very high > bird does not make for quality images. > > > https://flic.kr/s/aHsmKBGab2 > > > > David Lipsy > Eagle Eye Photography > Eagle Eye Sports Photography > Nature & Sports Photographic Services > Concord, NH > > Email: <dli......> <javascript:> > > > > > >
For years I've seen a lot of TV's around Exeter. I guessed they had a roost along the river somewhere in a nice, remote area...but no, by an oil change shop! (funny!)
On Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 4:47:25 PM UTC-5, Sam Lewis wrote: > > Over 50 TV's circling over route 27 near the ice rink. They seem to be > roosting in trees behind the oil change shop nearby. > > -- > Samuel Lewis > Exeter, NH >
Date: 1/10/20 1:31 pm From: Anne H. <annehadshi...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Osprey Exeter
One osprey would be very rare, but two at this time of year?? are you sure?
On Friday, January 10, 2020 at 8:43:12 AM UTC-5, Sam Lewis wrote: > > Just saw two Osprey fly over the Park Street playground in Exeter toward > Washington Street (away from the river). They appeared to be fighting > (loving?) one another. Didn't realize they were around this time of year. > > -- > Samuel Lewis > Exeter, NH >
Date: 1/10/20 12:56 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Remarkable January TREE SWALLOWS & SEMIPALMATED PLOVER Continue!
Incredibly, the following mega-rare January birds are attempting to
over-winter and continue as of today. I don't expect them to go
anywhere, or at least not very far. Now it's up to the weather and good
luck to see if they survive the rest of the winter. Short days and long
nights can be very difficult for birds, but ice storms and avian
predators may be the biggest challenge. It remains to be seen if they
survive.
TREE SWALLOWS - 2 continue from Seabrook Back Dunes opposite Haverhill
Street in Seabrook where they are likely feeding on the still common
patches of bayberry fruit. There were 10 birds as recently as December
22, but since the last few days of December, there have been only 2
birds. I'm not sure what happened to the other 8. Seems unlikely they
all perished. Perhaps they found a better bunch of bayberry further
south? With the lack of snow and the incredible warm weather forecast
for the next few days, the two birds should be safe from any serious
weather issues in the short-term.
According to Keith & Fox in "The Birds of New Hampshire",
> The latest known fall reports are at Little Boar’s Head 22 Nov 1954
> (C. deWindt /et al/.), at Rye 22 Nov 1968 (N.B. Struckhoff), and at
> Rye 28 Nov 1968 (E.W. Phinney).
>
A review of eBird records shows that the small group of Tree Swallows in
the Scarborough/Portland, ME area were still there as of a week ago and
there have also been two separate birds reported from Nova Scotia since
January 1st! Otherwise, I don't see ANY historic January records for
Tree Swallows along the Atlantic seaboard north of Cape Cod. My
personal latest record prior to this year was November 19, 2006!!
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - 1 continues from the Rye Harbor area. Today in
Rye harbor at low tide, but also sometimes seen at Ragged Neck. Foraging
all by itself, it seems like it might be a good target for a hungry
Merlin or Cooper's Hawk. It has been present since November. According
to Keith & Fox in "The Birds of New Hampshire":
> All birds are usually gone by the first week of November. There are
> few records after mid-November, the latest of which are 1 at Seabrook
> 27–28 Nov 1966 (R.W. Lawrence /et al/.), 1 at Rye 5 Dec 1992 (S.R.
> Mirick /et al/.), and 1 at Hampton 5 Dec 2004 (S.R. Mirick /et al/.).
A review of eBird records shows this species to also be extremely rare
in January in New England with only a small number of records north of
Cape Cod and the northernmost January records in the eastern US coming
from Plum Island in 2006 & 2017.
Date: 1/10/20 11:25 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Twitchers in the Superbowl of Birding
The "Twitchers in the Rye" will be in the Superbowl of Birding again this year and are accepting pledges to support NH eBird and New Hampshire Bird Records (both programs of NH Audubon's Conservation Department).
For those who don't know, the Superbowl involves looking for as many species as possible in 12 hours and is run by Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center. Teams compete in Essex County, MA and/or Rockingham County, NH. This year the competition is on January 25th.
After doing 10 years in Rye, last year the team tried out the town of Hampton, with great success so we're trying Hampton again. That means we will once again be the "Twitchers out of the Rye." We had fun learning a new town and we hope we'll do even better this year.
I will continue as the team captain with the same crew as last year: Andrea Robbins, Kathryn Frieden and Susan Wrisley. We hope some of you will consider competing with us in another town for the "Townie Award".
Help spur us on by pledging an amount per species or per point (different species get different numbers of points) or a flat amount - and support the collection of bird data for conservation at the same time.
You can pledge to support us on-line (see below) or contact me at <rsuomala...>, 603-224-9909 x309. All monies go to NH eBird and New Hampshire Bird Records.
Date: 1/10/20 10:07 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bullock's Oriole stakeout hotspot in eBird
For eBird users,
There is now a stakeout Hot Spot for the Stratham Bullock's Oriole to report your sighting. It make take a few hours before it's visible on the map. It's called "stakeout Bullock's Oriole, Butterfield Ln. r-o-w, Stratham." It would be great if everyone could use it to submit their eBird reports so all reports are under the same location and easy to find. If you have already entered the sighting you can easily merge your personal location with the Hotspot, so please take a minute to do so. The instructions are below. If you have other checklists from this location, and you only want to merge the checklist with this rarity, there are also specific instructions for this listed.
As a reminder, if you are going back to look for this bird, please use the right-of-way to the right of the residence described in Steve Mirick's previous post.
TO MERGE A LOCATION:
1. Click on "My EBird" at the top right of any page
2. Click on "Manage my locations" on the list on the right
3. Find the location that you want to merge
4. At the far right of the site entry, click "edit".
5. This should pull up a map with your location at the center and several round "radio buttons" above the map next to the words: Rename, Move, Merge.
6. Click the "Merge" button and pre-existing hot spots should appear on the map as red "pins" and your personal locations as blue "pins".
7. Click on the hot spot you wish to merge your location WITH (your location will be indicated by a green and red symbol). The name of the hot spot will appear at the top of the map indicating how many checklists you are merging with that spot.
8. We highly recommend that you check the box next to "delete after merging" - this will not delete your data or the merged location, it will simply delete that original location so you won't be tempted to use it again.
9. Click on the square box labeled "Merge"
10. eBird will ask if you are sure. Double check before you click "Yes" as this action can't be undone!
All your records for the old location will get relabeled in the database as the pre-existing hot spot. This is the location that will now appear in "my locations." You can always rename a hot spot within your "my locations" list, but that won't change the name in the eBird database.
TO CHANGE A SPECIFIC CHECKLIST LOCATION TO A HOT SPOT LOCATION:
1. Click on "My EBird" at the top right of any page
2. Click on "Manage my Checklists" on the list on the right
3. Find the observation that you want to change
4. At the far right of the site entry, click "View or edit".
5. Click "edit location" on the right next to the location name.
6. Click on Find it on a Map and enter NH, then Zoom to town.
7. Zoom in until you find the appropriate Hot Spot
8. Click on the Hot Spot and then Continue.
9. Your Checklist will appear with the new location.
Date: 1/10/20 8:18 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] American Woodcocks in Dover
NH Audubon has received a sighting with supporting photographs of 2 Woodcocks in Dover. They have been seen twice (January 6 & 7) at the Liberty Mutual Insurance campus in Dover (150 Liberty Way). The photographs show them poking among the green ground cover between the building and a walkway.
Date: 1/10/20 7:24 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lapland Longspurs in Concord
Greetings all,
Unity Dienes and I found TWO Lapland Longspurs with 8 Horned Larks at the West Portsmouth Street fields this morning. They were foraging in both piles of frozen manure near the road, and observed in flight near the far pile (which was also covered in tracks). Becky and Zeke were there later in the morning and had not seen them as of roughly 10, but were going to check out other fields nearby.
On the flip side, there was no sign of the Snow Buntings that David Lipsy found here a few days ago.
Date: 1/10/20 5:43 am From: Samuel Lewis <samlewis100...> Subject: [NHBirds] Osprey Exeter
Just saw two Osprey fly over the Park Street playground in Exeter toward Washington Street (away from the river). They appeared to be fighting (loving?) one another. Didn't realize they were around this time of year.
Date: 1/9/20 5:25 pm From: David Lipsy <dlipsy...> Subject: [NHBirds] Golden Eagle (ID) Images from todays (01-09-2020) sighting
ID images of a juvenile Golden Eagle seen today above the NH Fish & Game's Warren Fish Hatchery as part of today's Lakes Region Mid-winter Eagle Survey.
Sorry for the poor image quality; shooting towards the sun at a very high bird does not make for quality images.
Date: 1/9/20 11:16 am From: <dlipsy...> Subject: [NHBirds] GOLDEN EAGLE - LAKES REGION TODAY!!!
Today around 11:00 I was at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Warren Fish Hatchery as part of the Lakes Region Mid-winter Eagle Survey. High above I saw a large bird whose proportions didn't quite look right.Not taking chances, I fired off around 20 frames. Upon examination, a white tail with a very wide dark sub-terminal band gave me pause... I first thought it was a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk. But when I came to another photograph this one showing a really nice cross section the beak was way too big to be a Roughie. I just came from the lunch meeting at the Squam Lake Science Center The images, though not my best work confirm my suspicion of having seen a juvenile GOLDEN EAGLE. It was last seen circling high above Route 25 heading due South. Keep your eyes peeled to the sky! Photos, such as they are, to follow tonight. David Lipsy Concord, NH
Date: 1/8/20 7:37 pm From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] eastern towhee, McLane center
Ah sorry, I didn't realize it had been around that long, someone probably posted about it a while back. Yes, the feeders were definitely the hub of activity. I'm not sure just how much those sparrows can puff themselves out before their feet and head are absorbed into the bird-sphere but it was hilarious to watch!
-Molly Jacobson On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 05:28:24 PM EST, Phil Brown <downtownpab...> wrote:
Yes, the male Eastern Towhee has been present since at least late November, when I detected it by call near the center. Since then, it has been a regular along Silk Farm Road just past the McLane Center entrance.On Monday, we started feeding birds, and the Towhee (along with up to 10 white-throated sparrows and associated species) have quickly moved into the courtyard for the new food source. Nice looks from inside the center on Monday, and glad to hear it continuing today. Birders can come by and enjoy the feeder scene from the warmth of the building - and even check out the gift shop!
No luck recently with the Gray Catbird along the Old Orchard Path that I first saw in mid-December.
Phil BrownHancock, NH and NH Audubon
On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 5:21:18 p.m. EST, 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
Had a male eastern towhee hanging out at the McLane Audubon Center near the feeders today. According to ebird reports it's a continuing bird but I don't think I've seen a post on it yet here.
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack (but back to NY for a while now)
Date: 1/8/20 2:28 pm From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] eastern towhee, McLane center
Yes, the male Eastern Towhee has been present since at least late November, when I detected it by call near the center. Since then, it has been a regular along Silk Farm Road just past the McLane Center entrance.On Monday, we started feeding birds, and the Towhee (along with up to 10 white-throated sparrows and associated species) have quickly moved into the courtyard for the new food source. Nice looks from inside the center on Monday, and glad to hear it continuing today. Birders can come by and enjoy the feeder scene from the warmth of the building - and even check out the gift shop!
No luck recently with the Gray Catbird along the Old Orchard Path that I first saw in mid-December.
Phil BrownHancock, NH and NH Audubon
On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 5:21:18 p.m. EST, 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
Had a male eastern towhee hanging out at the McLane Audubon Center near the feeders today. According to ebird reports it's a continuing bird but I don't think I've seen a post on it yet here.
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack (but back to NY for a while now)
Date: 1/8/20 2:21 pm From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] eastern towhee, McLane center
Had a male eastern towhee hanging out at the McLane Audubon Center near the feeders today. According to ebird reports it's a continuing bird but I don't think I've seen a post on it yet here.
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack (but back to NY for a while now)
Date: 1/8/20 12:16 pm From: David Larson <dlarson...> Subject: [NHBirds] The Superbowl of Birding is on the horizon
Birders,
Oh yes, it's that time again. Time to get out the long woolies, the heavy boots, and the hand and toe warmers, pull together a team of 4-7 like-minded birders, and sign up for the Superbowl of Birding XVII. This contest, the premier birding event in the universe, will be held on January 25, 2020 in Essex County Massachusetts and Rockingham County New Hampshire. And your team could win the Zeiss-Joppa Cup, or at least have a good time. Prizes are awarded in ten categories. Check out the rules and checklists on our website at massaudubon.org/superbowl. Mail the completed registration form to Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950 or call 978-462-9998.
We have not lost a team yet and the tally party at the end of the day is always fun. Besides, what else are you planning to do on the 25th of January?
Dave
David M. Larson, Ph.D., Science and Education Coordinator
Joppa Flats Education Center, Mass Audubon, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950
Telephone: (978) 462-9998 E-mail: <dlarson...>
Ask me about my upcoming 2020 trips to Colombia at the end of February, Alaska with an extension to the Pribilofs in June, and Grand Tetons / Yellowstone in early October!
Date: 1/8/20 6:10 am From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barrow’s goldeneye
Yesterday morning I searched for the barrows at stark street. Had over 50 common goldeneyes and two female barrows but the male surprisingly wasn’t around. After a bit of a search found him behind waumbeck mills at 0930 am ( Manchester ) !
Date: 1/8/20 6:06 am From: Susan Wrisley <swrisley13...> Subject: [NHBirds] Western Tanager - Plaistow
Alan, the homeowner, reports that the Western Tanager is coming to his feeders this morning. Refer to the original post for location and contact info for Alan.
Date: 1/7/20 2:34 pm From: Christopher McPherson <cmcpherson687...> Subject: [NHBirds] Audio Recorder for sale
I am posting this with the permission from the moderator!
I have a Sound Device Mixpre-3 audio recorder for sale (first generation 24 bit), I used this for the 2019 season and I have recently upgraded (next generation 32 bit). This is a very high performing digital recorder and has become very popular with bird song recordist world wide.
The Macaulay Library reviews the Sound Device Mixpre-3 in this link:
Any interest please contact me off line, I'm asking $425.
With a few exceptions everything in this warbler compilation was recorded with the Sound Device Mixpre 3 using two different microphone configurations.
Date: 1/7/20 1:03 pm From: Susan Wrisley <swrisley13...> Subject: [NHBirds] 3 Barrows - Manchester
I had 2 male and 1 female Barrow's Goldeneyes behind Waumbec Mill in Machester this afternoon. I don't recommend driving behind the building to see the ducks since it is a very tight/congested/busy area and all parking spaces in back are assigned. I parked in front and walked to to the back.
I'm currently watching a small flock of Snow Buntings and a separate small flock of Horned Larks in the Southeast corner the big field on West Portsmouth Street.Viewing from the road right at the open corner. There are also 241 American Crows. David LipsyConcord, NH
Date: 1/6/20 3:55 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 6, 2020
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 6th,
2020.
A female BULLOCK’S ORIOLE has been located at a private residence in New
Castle and was last reported on January 3rd.
A male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE has been seen visiting a birdfeeder at a private
residence in Stratham, and was last reported on January 5th.
A WESTERN TANAGER was discovered in North Hampton on December 14th, and has
been seen many times since then, most recently on January 5th. It has mainly
been seen foraging on both sides of Maple Road near the intersection with
Chapel Road.
An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was discovered along North River Road near
Burley Farm in Epping on October 5th, and was last reported on January 5th,
2020. To look for the bird, locate the SELT trailhead located north of
Burley Farm on North River Road and walk the trail east to a mixed-age
forest overlooking a large wetland. Listen for a dry-rattle. Another
immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen along Wednesday Hill Road in Durham
on January 6th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at a private residence at South
Mill Pond in Portsmouth and was last reported on January 5th.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on January 3rd.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Berlin on January 1st, and 1 was seen in Weare
on the 3rd.
2 male and 1 female BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen near Stark Landing on the
Merrimack River in Manchester on January 3rd.
A CACKLING GOOSE was reported from Great Bay on December 29th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in Seabrook near Hampton Harbor several times
during the past week.
Birders on two different offshore boat trips in New Hampshire and
Massachusetts waters on January 4th reported 2 POMARINE JAEGERS, 2 ATLANTIC
PUFFINS, 67 COMMON MURRES, 47 RAZORBILLS, over 2,200 DOVEKIES, 3 BLACK
GUILLEMOTS, 7 NORTHERN FULMARS, and 132 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES.
A few small flocks of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and RED CROSSBILLS were
reported from the White Mountains during the past week. 5 RED CROSSBILLS
were reported from Mount Monadnock on January 1st.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen in North Hampton on January 5th.
3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Pinnacle Lane in Walpole on January 1st.
A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER continues to be seen sporadically at Ragged Neck in
Rye, and was last reported on December 31st.
There have been an unusual number of late-migrating TREE SWALLOWS reported
from the coast during the past month with a recent sighting of 2 on January
1st.
2 FISH CROWS were reported from near Hampton Marsh on January 1st.
A PIED-BILLED GREBE was reported from the Mascoma River in Lebanon on
January 5th.
Lingering migrant species of note that were reported during the past week
included: WOOD DUCK, TURKEY VULTURE, BELTED KINGFISHER, COMMON GRACKLE,
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, EASTERN PHOEBE, HERMIT THRUSH, GRAY CATBIRD, WINTER
WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, CHIPPING
SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, FIELD SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW,
NORTHERN FLICKER, and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.
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 at:
<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
Date: 1/6/20 2:43 pm From: Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...> Subject: [NHBirds] RHWP back in Durham (or Lee)
Birders
The Red-headed Woodpecker discovered just before the Lee/Durham CBC returned today to the feeders at the Lee/Durham town line on Wednesday Hill Road. Michelle Whisnant, the homeowner, is quite welcoming and has a nice feeder set up. Her email is <spiritfawn...>, and her phone is 603- 369-0907. If you'd like to see the bird, there are a few options.
1) Park at the town land known as Thompson Forest and walk about 1/4 mile down the road to the house.
2) park at Misty Meadows farm, which is right next door (Michelle checked with Misty Meadows and they're fine with that)
3) Call or email Michelle and ask for permission to come on her land. She has two dogs who like to bark--sadly, someone a while back threw rocks and sticks at them while passing on the road and they're now skittish around people, especially with baseball caps (which I wear more often than socks...), so she would like not to have surprise guests.
Date: 1/6/20 5:27 am From: steph ttlc <steph...> Subject: [NHBirds] Capital Chpt. FT: Winter Birding on the Merrimack (01/18)
Field Trip: Winter Birding on the Merrimack
Date: Saturday, January 18, 8:30 am
Join Jane Hills as we look for Bald Eagles, wintering ducks, and Peregrine Falcons, along the Merrimack River between Concord and Manchester. Meet at the McLane Center in Concord at 8:30 AM. Snow or icy roads cancel trip. For more information, contact Jane at <jhbird...>
Date: 1/5/20 4:18 pm From: Linda M. Charron <clinda912...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Trumpeter swan
Where did you see it "maybe dead"....?
Linda Charron 10 Pearson Lane New Boston, NH Cell: 603 470-7037 Home: 603 487-3760
On Sun, 5 Jan 2020 07:14:20 -0800 (PST), Jady Girlz <<jadygirlz...>> wrote: I think I just saw the swan but maybe dead???? Is the swan still around???
Date: 1/5/20 3:32 pm From: Wayne Scott <wsscott...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pied-billed Grebe in Lebanon
Saw a Pied-billed Grebe in the Mascoma Rive off Blacksmith Street in Lebanon. Also in the immediate area between the street and the river: 1 Carolina Wren, 2 White-throated Sparrows, a song sparrow and at least 5 cardinals.
It's my understanding that the Trumpeter Swan was last seen in mid-November in between a couple of early freezes, and is presumed to have departed for warmer climes. If it was still present and dead I'd have assumed we'd have heard a report prior to now, but I'm saying this without whatever observation prompted the original poster to wonder if it was dead. Given the amount of time that has passed and people still looking in late November, I think it's safe to say the bird is not in NH. Whether it is dead or alive elsewhere is of course impossible to determine.
Pam Hunt
Penacook
On Sun, 5 Jan 2020 16:16:26 -0500, Lori Charron <<lpcharron...>> wrote:
Date: 1/5/20 7:35 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Two boat trips yesterday offshore (Dovekies, puffins, and Jaegers)
Remarkably, there were two different offshore boat trips yesterday.
Becky Suomala summarized her trip in a previous email. They traveled on
an "Eastman's" fishing boat out of Hampton, NH roughly due east to an
area on the inner edge of Jeffrey's Ledge near "New Scantum" where they
stopped to fish. Jane and I, along with Ben Griffith and Leo McKillop
traveled aboard the UNH research boat "Gulf Challenger". We went east
from New Castle, NH crossing over "Jeffrey's Basin", "Jeffrey's Ledge",
and then to a spot on the western part of "Wilkinson's Basin" (deep
water). The two trips were similar but separated by roughly 5 miles and
likely represent different birds. Neither trip had any opportunity to
chase birds. Both trips had remarkably similar lists.
Our trip totals represent one-way totals (mostly outbound) with
discussion related to Becky's trip.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POMARINE JAEGER 2. We had a dark morph and light morph. Both
adults/subadults with one chasing a kittwake in the wake of the boat.
Becky also had 2 Pomarine Jaegers. All 4 were in NH waters and appear
to be first January records for New Hampshire.
https://flic.kr/p/2iae8C7 https://flic.kr/p/2iaepyf
DOVEKIE 2,273+. Fascinating that only 1/10 of this total was counted
on the return trip as most of count was of flying birds. Dovekies seem
to be flying east in morning hours flying further offshore. Apparently
this has been seen on other boat trips out of Hampton this winter.
Dovekies were in view continuously as we headed offshore; at times
flying in small flocks all across the horizon. On the return trip over
the precisely same route, the Dovekies were NOT flying, but sitting on
the water as the boat ran over/by them. 1,980+ we counted in NH appears
to be a record high count for the State. Becky reported a very similar
count of 1,715 birds. Clearly a lot of Dovekies offshore!!!
https://flic.kr/p/2ia9j6R https://flic.kr/p/2iabuwh
Common Murre 33. Remarkable how digital photography has allowed
birders to ID fast flying alcids on bumpy boats!! Becky reported 67 as
well as higher counts of Razorbills and large alcids.
https://flic.kr/p/2iaf9hm https://flic.kr/p/2ia9jLD
Razorbill 20
Atlantic Puffin 2. Surprisingly only 2. Both adults or sub-adults.
Becky had 2 also.
Black-legged Kittiwake 46. Mostly scattered individuals. Becky
reported 132. No doubt this is due to an increase in gull activity
around the fishing boat vs. our research boat.
Herring Gull 17 We didn't have many large gulls offshore. When we
stopped for water samples, gulls and fulmar flew in to investigate, but
very few.
Great Black-backed Gull 9
Northern Fulmar 7. Only 7 well offshore when we stopped for water
samples. Some dark morphs. Surprisingly ZERO on Becky's trip.
Five of us took a chance on the weather and went out on an Eastman’s fishing boat out of Seabrook Harbor today. Conditions were great for spotting alcids with 1 foot seas, very little wind, and no rain until we headed back around 1:30. We were in both NH and Mass waters. The Dovekie numbers were amazing with many birds groups flying east while we were fishing in the morning. Kittiwakes followed the boat once the fish cleaning began and they out numbered the other gulls at times. There was lots of activity pretty much throughout the trip and it was lots of fun. Below are some of the totals from the entire trip (both states). Dovekie 1,715 Atlantic Puffin 2 (NH waters) Common Murre 67 Razorbill 47 large alcid sp. 135 Black Guillemot 3 Pomarine Jaeger 2 (NH waters) Black-legged Kittiwake 132 Becky Suomala Concord, NH
Date: 1/4/20 11:30 am From: Sue Francesco <sue.francesco...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hooded Mergansers
[image: IMG_7499 (2).JPG] Just observed (2:30 PM) a pair of Hooded Mergansers in the Ashland River. Pair has been seen for a few days just east of the Meredith Village Savings Bank along Route 3.
Date: 1/4/20 10:46 am From: paul <pkursewicz...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bullock's Oriole - Yes
We arrived and met Ed Norton packing up his gear into his car. He had just saw the bird. Ed was kind enough to walk us over to where he was standing when he saw the bird, and pointed out the exact feeder it was feeding from. And...he waited with us until the bird re-appeared again around 10:52 am.
Date: 1/4/20 4:40 am From: Studio Buteo Gmail <studiobuteo...> Subject: [NHBirds] Northern Shrike in Weare
Greetings!
I had a Northern Shrike visit my bird feeders yesterday — it was more interested in the other birds visiting the feeders than the seed or suet, I’m assuming.
Way cool — I’ve seen signs of them in the past (June bugs pierced on barbed wire fences) but this is the first time I’ve gotten such a good look at one.
Date: 1/3/20 5:00 pm From: Steve Bennett <sbennett999...> Subject: [NHBirds] A good birding afternoon on the coast (Western Tanager, Short-eared Owl, etc.)
This afternoon I got out for a few productive hours along the coast.
First stop was the Western Tanager stakeout. When I arrived there were five birders looking for the bird. It was reported earlier in the day in the trees and brush across from 9 Maple Road. Harold O'Brien & I concentrated our search in that area and we soon located it a little further up the road, feeding in an apple tree along the property line between #15 and #19 Maple Road, just to the left of the wooden fence.
Later I met up with Susan Wrisley. While looking for Horned Larks in he Hampton Beach SP parking lot we noticed Joann O'Shaughnessey across the parking lot, so we stopped over to say hello and she pointed to a Short-eared Owl sitting on a post at the edge of the dunes.
2020 is off to a good start.
*Stephen Bennett* *<sbennett999...>* <sbennett999...> *Bennett and Moore Auctioneers & Appraisers*
Date: 1/3/20 11:41 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] SECOND Bullock's Oriole in Stratham
Incredibly, a SECOND Bullock's Oriole has been found in New Hampshire in
the last 3 days! This one is an immature male and has been visiting a
feeder in Stratham. It was first noticed around Christmas and is still
being seen as of this morning. The feeders are to the rear of the
residence, and can not be seen from the road. The owners are cautious
about birders visiting, but there appears to be some visibility from a
private right-of-way adjacent to the home and they felt that it might be
OK for visitors to visit and watch their feeders from here.
Please respect the privacy of owners and neighbors, do not block
driveways, and do not trespass onto their property!!!
The bird is coming to the rear of #45 Butterfield Lane, Stratham. This
is at the rear of a cul-de-sac that borders on the Squamscott River. To
view the feeders, walk over the snow banks to the right of the residence
and to the right of the white wooden fence (currently lined with
Christmas wreaths). You will see a chain gate across an access road
(buried in snow) that is marked with two signs that say "private
property". From this spot, you should be able to look to the left and
see the feeders to the rear of the residence. The views are not close,
so good photos may not be possible; however, the bird should be viewable
with binoculars.
Date: 1/3/20 11:29 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Possible Snowy Owl in Concord
I heard from Sheri Oosterveen of a 2nd hand report of a possible Snowy Owl perched on the Cheer's Restaurant on Depot Street in Concord at 10:47 this morning.
Although this may likely be a Red-tailed Hawk, it's worth keeping your eyes out in the downtown area.
Date: 1/3/20 8:53 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Western Tanager: stakeout hotspot eBird location
For eBird users,
There is now a stakeout Hot Spot for the N. Hampton Western Tanager to report your sighting. It make take a few hours before it's visible on the map. It's called "stakeout Western Tanager, Chapel/Maple Rd., N. Hampton." It would be great if everyone could use it to submit their eBird reports so all reports are under the same location and easy to find. If you have already entered the sighting you can easily merge your personal location with the Hotspot, so please take a minute to do so. The instructions are below. If you have other checklists from this location, and you only want to merge the checklist with this rarity, there are also specific instructions for this listed.
TO MERGE A LOCATION:
1. Click on "My EBird" at the top right of any page
2. Click on "Manage my locations" on the list on the right
3. Find the location that you want to merge
4. At the far right of the site entry, click "edit".
5. This should pull up a map with your location at the center and several round "radio buttons" above the map next to the words: Rename, Move, Merge.
6. Click the "Merge" button and pre-existing hot spots should appear on the map as red "pins" and your personal locations as blue "pins".
7. Click on the hot spot you wish to merge your location WITH (your location will be indicated by a green and red symbol). The name of the hot spot will appear at the top of the map indicating how many checklists you are merging with that spot.
8. We highly recommend that you check the box next to "delete after merging" - this will not delete your data or the merged location, it will simply delete that original location so you won't be tempted to use it again.
9. Click on the square box labeled "Merge"
10. eBird will ask if you are sure. Double check before you click "Yes" as this action can't be undone!
All your records for the old location will get relabeled in the database as the pre-existing hot spot. This is the location that will now appear in "my locations." You can always rename a hot spot within your "my locations" list, but that won't change the name in the eBird database.
TO CHANGE A SPECIFIC CHECKLIST LOCATION TO A HOT SPOT LOCATION:
1. Click on "My EBird" at the top right of any page
2. Click on "Manage my Checklists" on the list on the right
3. Find the observation that you want to change
4. At the far right of the site entry, click "View or edit".
5. Click "edit location" on the right next to the location name.
6. Click on Find it on a Map and enter NH, then Zoom to town.
7. Zoom in until you find the appropriate Hot Spot
8. Click on the Hot Spot and then Continue.
9. Your Checklist will appear with the new location.
Date: 1/2/20 2:17 pm From: 'Stephen Whitney' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lakes Region
>> 1/2/2020 Thursday <nhbirds...> "Stephen Whitney" <swhit_41...> Subject: Lakes Region
Meredith Docks-- 7:45 A.M. Hooded Mergansers, 9 in open water between the docks. Rapid shallow dives, in a close gathered group, count could be off by one less. Ring-billed Gull, 3
Date: 1/1/20 5:07 pm From: Hale, Stephen <Steve.Hale...> Subject: [NHBirds] Mt. Potash - crossbills and kinglets
I had a beautiful and snowy hike up Mt. Potash in the White Mtns today. On the Kanc drive to the trailhead (from the East) there was a small flock of juncos along the road and later a flock of Red Crossbills and White-winged Crossbills. On the hike up the Mt. Potash Trail, there is a large stand of hemlock that held several groupings of Blsck-capped Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red Crossbill, and White-winged Crossbill. Closer to the summit, the spruce-fir hosted more of all of these species. Good numbers of kinglets and crossbills (although I was not counting) across different flock encounters for Winter.
Steve Hale
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
Date: 1/1/20 3:50 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Coast (Western Tanager, Tree Swallows, BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, and the return of "Glockenspiel"!!!)
A fun day along the coast to start out 2020!!! From south to north:
TREE SWALLOW - 2 continue into January!!!! Extraordinarily late birds
(record late) continue in the Seabrook Back Dunes area where they are
feeding on bay berry. There are very few January records north of Cape
Cod for this species!
GLAUCOUS GULL - The adult Glaucous Gull, nicknamed "Glockenspiel" has
FINALLY returned. I had not heard of any reports of this bird, and I
really thought it was gone. But he lives!!! I'm not positive when the
first year/first sighting of this bird was, but I believe it was on or
about November 24, 2008 when I aged it possibly as 2nd or 3rd winter
bird. So now returning for the 10th year and perhaps 12 or 13 years
old!!!! The bird habitually dominantly sits on the top dome of the bath
house building overlooking Hampton Harbor south of the bridge in
Seabrook. Today he (we thing it's a male) was clearly exerting his
dominance while feeding on crackers. He grabbed a Herring Gull's head
in its mouth and held on to it for about 10 full seconds while the gull
struggled to escape.
WESTERN TANAGER - Female continues off Chapel Road in North Hampton.
Again today, it was in the apple tree at the far edge of the open field.
and
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE!!! - Jane and I found the previously reported female
"Baltimore Oriole" on Walton Road in New Castle; however, I believe it
is a female BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. This ID is tricky as some Baltimore
Orioles can be very drab; however, this bird is strikingly pale gray on
the back and has no brown tones in it's scapulars or sides of the neck
and head. The owner at the house seemed to be very friendly; however,
the road is narrow and I'm not sure how this will work going forward.
Birders are advised to park legally and stay on the road.
Date: 1/1/20 3:25 pm From: Paul Kursewicz <pkursewicz...> Subject: [NHBirds] Western Tanager - Yes
After 3 attempts (one in Plaistow) we saw the bird today at Maple Road, in North Hampton. We arrived around 11:40 am. Too late...the bird was seen around 11:00. We hung around for about an hour but no bird. So we took off to explore the coast and returned to Maple Road at 1:10 pm. Two birders were at this location and just spotted the bird upon our arrival. It was across the street from mailbox 9 and near the road perched low near the ground on an out-cropping of a large Maple tree.
Date: 1/1/20 1:43 pm From: John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> Subject: [NHBirds] Seen over the past week in Hancock and Peterborough
Lots of chickadees, titmice, juncoes, bluejays, cardinals, starlings, rock pigeons.
Quite a few Pileated, hairy and downy woodpeckers.
Goldfinches, house finches and (first this winter for me) purple finches.
Lots of bluebirds, I have not seen so many, winter or summer. Quite a few flocks of 4-6 birds, and a couple of about 15. They are exceptionally numerous this winter...
Bunches of robins and cedar waxwings, often together on winterberry and crab apple. One flock of over 100 robins, and one flock of 25 CWs.
A couple of tree sparrows.
Nuthatches (quite a few WB) and another first for me this winter, one red-breasted. Also a couple of brown creepers.
Several crows and a few ravens.
A handful of Mourning doves.
A Red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and right in downtown Peterborough keeping an eye on a flock of house sparrows, a pair of sharp-shinned hawks (saw them there two days in a row, right outside the po
I checked, but have not seen the chipping sparrow or Carolina wrens again.
Date: 1/1/20 1:25 pm From: Ken Klapper <kklapper...> Subject: [NHBirds] Moultonborough - Wood Duck and RC Kinglet
I drove down to Center Harbor via Bean Road this afternoon for some groceries. On the way down, I checked the little wetland area just south of Red Hill Road that's been good for birds and wildlife (bobcat, etc) over the years. Just a few hundred feet south of there, I re-found the Ruby-crowned Kinglet that first appeared on December 9 - what a tough little bird! On the way home, the wetland (which was mostly thawed) was occupied by four American Black Ducks and a drake Wood Duck. What a thrill to see up here in January! I believe both that and the kinglet are first count week records for the Sandwich CBC. Unfortunately no luck on the Carolina Wren I last saw Dec 22.
Date: 1/1/20 9:10 am From: Pam Blair <pamelynblair...> Subject: [NHBirds] 100+ cedar waxwings in Keene
Exciting to see 100+ cedar waxwings in Keene on Gilbo Ave. Didn't see any BOWA's but they flew before I could screen them all. Also, it has been heartening to see the usual feeder birds come to the feeders with the recent storm after such low numbers this winter so far! Pam Blair, Walpole
Date: 1/1/20 7:23 am From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] One-legged female E Towhee, Kensington
On Wild Pasture Road, feeding with white-throated sparrows. She's been present for several weeks. Plucky lady. Have two pictures, if anyone would like to see her.
The 25th Sandwich Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday. The weather was as good or better than we've ever had it. Final number won't be compiled for a while but there were a few highlights.
The intrepid mountain team (Ben and Jason) tallied a record 23 Boreal Chickadees. They saw a couple of White-throated Sparrows between 2200 and 2500', the same area they started hearing the first Boreal Chickadees. I'm guessing not too many birders have seen those two species near each other in winter! Eastern Bluebirds have been increasing in winter over the years. In the first nine years of the count we did not have a bluebird on count day. This year eight teams counted a total of 38 bluebirds, more than twice our previous record. An adult Northern Goshawk was seen near Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary. There were a handful of Red Crossbills and White-winged Crossbills marking the sixth time they have both been seen on count day. We only saw one turkey, one Barred Owl and one Northern Shrike.
As usual, there were a few birds trying to push the northern limit of their winter range. These included a Belted Kingfisher, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a Winter Wren; four Song Sparrows beat the old record by one.
Saturday was the Laconia-New Hampton CBC, and 29 people participated this year under clear skies with warm temps. Most water was open. In the end we tallied 57 species, which is about average for the last couple of decades. Highlights included:
First Canada Geese in four years - I don't know where they've been but they used to be much more reliable. Female Northern Pintail in the lower section of Winnisquam Lake (10th count record, along Rt 3) 2 Lesser Scaup on the main part of Winnisquam Lake female Long-tailed Duck on Winnisquam (5th count record, probably the same bird I had here in November) 2 male Barrow's Goldeneye on Winnisquam 10 Bufflehead 98 Wild Turkeys was the lowest in seven years 11 Bald Eagles was a record high 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (both a feeders) were a 5th count record A Peregrine Falcon near downtown Laconia was - amazingly - a first count record (Thanks Ken et al!) 36 Common Ravens was also a record high 257 Tufted Titmice was only 7 short of a record! And a few more "half-hardies" including Winter Wren, Field Sparrow (4th record), and Swamp Sparrow
Good birding to all in 2020! Pam Hunt, compiler Penacook
The Hanover - Norwich Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is scheduled to take place on New Year's Day. People interested in participating should gather in front of Dartmouth's Hopkins Center beginning at 7:00 a.m. to receive route assignments.
The post CBC gathering is scheduled for Ramunto's Brick & Brew (9 South Street) beginning after sunset to tally the day's counts and share some post count camaraderie.
For more information or to pre-register, please contact count organizers Nancy Martin (<borealdee...>) or Walter Ellison (<rossgull61...>). -- Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon
Date: 12/30/19 10:54 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Baltimore Oriole, New Castle
NH Audubon received a photo of a Baltimore Oriole at the top of Walton Rd. in New Castle. It had been present for a week or so and was still there as of the 27th when we contacted the observer. This is a residential area with no easy access but the observer thought that people would be able to see it from the road. That is the extent of available information.
Becky Suomala
New Hampshire Bird Records
All about birds and birding in New Hampshire
www.nhbirdrecords.org<http://www.nhbirdrecords.org>
Date: 12/30/19 9:03 am From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sandhill Crane report in Holderness
While doing the Sandwich Christmas Bird Count yesterday Sue Francesco and I bumped into a delightful young couple who own a home in Holderness (on Rt. 113). Once we started chatting about the count, they asked if I could identify some birds that they had seen over their house on November 2. He (Gemini Meeh) showed me a video on his phone. To my amazement it showed a flock of at least 20 (Gemini stated in a follow up email that there were 22 or 23) Sandhill Cranes circling around a calling loudly. Gemini said they circled overhead for nearly an hour before heading west towards Plymouth. A pretty cool record for New Hampshire.
Since yesterday was likely the last nice weather day of 2019, I opted to stick local and see how many species I could find within a 5-mile radius of my house - essentially a low key repeat of the 'big day' I did back in May. This wasn't actually my plan until around 10:00, after the first three hours of birding turned up some good finds.
Unity and I stared the day at Brookford Farm in Canterbury, where among the expected sparrows and "feeder birds" we also found a *Yellow-bellied Sapsucker*. There were also Canada Geese ans Common Goldeneyes in the river, but the cowbirds we had at the beginning of the month appear to have taken off.
From 9:30 to 11:00 I walked a three-mile loop around Locke Road and W Portsmouth Street. With the first couple hundred yards at West Locke Road I had TWO Winter Wrens (1 sang spontaneously!), a Swamp Sparrow, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. An hour f so later, a Northern Flicker and Savannah Sparrow were along W Portsmouth Street.
After brunch at home I poked around Penacook a bit (RB Nuthatch and Hooded Merg being highlights) before wrapping up the day at Horseshoe Pond. Here there were over 200 crows in a pre-roost gathering, and Peregrine in a tree along the pond. Walking back along the tracks I found a Hermit Thrush in a bittersweet thicket, and another 100+ crows working their way south.
I ended the day with a quite respectable 47 species, only a few less than the Concord CBC tallied two weeks previously. Biggest miss was probably Cedar Waxwing, but they've been pretty tricky around here for the last month or more (which means there'll be a flock on my way to work today!).
Here's to wrapping up and excellent year of birding in 2019, and looking forward to what 2020 will have in store.
Date: 12/29/19 7:50 pm From: Susan Wrisley <swrisley13...> Subject: [NHBirds] Cackling Goose - Great Bay
While scoping Great Bay from the Discovery Center today, I came across a very small (duck-sized), Cackling Goose. Unfortunately, 3 men in a power-boat kept scaring all the ducks/geese into the air and I quickly lost sight of it. Keep an eye out for this goose - it is likely the same one I saw in November. The size difference is obvious.
Date: 12/29/19 6:34 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 30, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 30th,
2019.
A WESTERN TANAGER was first seen visiting a birdfeeder at a private
residence in Plaistow on December 6th, and has been seen several times since
then, most recently on the 28th. A different WESTERN TANAGER was discovered
in North Hampton on December 14th, and has been seen several times since
then, most recently on the 29th. It has mainly been seen east of 51 Chapel
Road, foraging on fruit on both sides of the road.
An immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was discovered along North River Road near
Burley Farm in Epping on October 5th, and was last reported on December
28th. Another immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was found along Wednesday Hill
Road at the Lee/Durham town line on December 21st, and was last reported on
the 24th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth
and was last reported on December 28th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SHORT-EARED OWL seen from Autumn Lane
in East Kingston on December 26th.
2 NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen in coastal Rye on December 25th.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen near Stark Landing on the
Merrimack River in Manchester and was last reported on December 26th.
A REDHEAD and 2 GADWALLS were seen on Great Bay on December 26th.
A birder on an offshore boat trip on December 27th, reported a POMARINE
JAEGER, an ATLANTIC PUFFIN, a THICK-BILLED MURRE, 47 COMMON MURRES, 34
RAZORBILLS, 621 DOVEKIES, 48 NORTHERN FULMARS, 45 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 1
GLAUCOUS GULL, and an ICELAND GULL.
A flock of 38 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS was seen in Crawford Notch in the
White Mountains on December 21st, a flock of 22 was seen in Errol on the
25th, and a flock of 6 was reported from Trudeau Road in Bethlehem on the
22nd. There have been a few reports of RED CROSSBILLS during the past week,
including 3 in Milford and 2 in Errol.
3 EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen in Crawford Notch in the White Mountains on
December 21st.
2 SPRUCE GROUSE were seen along the Ethan Pond Trail in Crawford Notch in
the White Mountains on December 21st.
An AMERICAN PIPIT was seen in corn-stubble fields located on the south side
of the Souhegan River and north of Agway on Elm Street in Milford on
December 28th.
A SEMIPALMATED PLOVER continues to be seen sporadically at Ragged Neck in
Rye, and was last reported on December 29th. A SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was
also seen here on the 29th.
There have been an unusual number of late-migrating TREE SWALLOWS reported
from the coast during the past month with a recent sighting of 10 on
December 24th.
2 FISH CROWS were reported from near Hampton Marsh, and 1 was reported from
the Wildcat Falls Conservation Area in Merrimack, both on December 28th.
A flock of 47 TURKEY VULTURES was seen flying over Exeter on December 27th.
Lingering migrant species of note that were reported during the past week
included: TURKEY VULTURE, BELTED KINGFISHER, COMMON GRACKLE, RED-WINGED
BLACKBIRD, EASTERN PHOEBE, HERMIT THRUSH, GRAY CATBIRD, WINTER WREN,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, CHIPPING
SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, FIELD SPARROW, NORTHERN FLICKER, and YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKER.
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 at:
<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
The Nashua-Hollis CBC took place yesterday (12/28/19) and our team covered the Milford sector. The weather was great with mild temperatures and a wind that wasn’t too bad. Our highlights were: American Pipit - 1 on a manure pile in the fields along the Souhegan River off Elm St. (behind Hayward’s Ice Cream) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 immature bird along the Souhegan River at the Boys and Girls Club on Rt. 13. Red Crossbill - 3 flyovers at the Milford Fish Hatchery where we also had our usual Winter Wren. Northern Flicker - 9, of which 8 were in one group on Christian Hill (and there were probably more than that). We are usually lucky to find 1. The Count had 56 species at the compilation, but not all reports were in. Other highlights were: Mute Swan - 1 at Mine Falls Park in Nashua Turkey Vulture - 2 at the landfill Great Horned Owl - 1 Fish Crow - 1 Hermit Thrush -1 Swamp Sparrow - 1 Common Grackle - 1 Common Goldeneye count was a record high Thanks to compiler Richard Bielawski. Becky Suomala Concord, NH
Date: 12/28/19 1:16 pm From: Christopher McPherson <cmcpherson687...> Subject: [NHBirds] New Hampshire Warbler songs and calls
To the few that may have linked to my original New Hampshire warbler overview I have revised the guide to make a few edits and in doing so the original version is no longer available. Version-2 can be found at this link:
I decided to add a twist to my usual after-Christmas birthday birding, and challenged myself to find as many birds as possible. However, I admit to a rather laid-back start. I began my bird-day challenge by failing to get up early, then missing many of my usual feeder birds. Downy Woodpeckers, Bluebirds, Cardinals, House Finches, Mourning Doves and Blue Jays were all no-shows in my yard. Maybe they slept late too?
I finally got moving and stopped in Nashua for the once-reliable Screech Owl, but struck out (3rd try recently), so I hit the highway and headed east. The next stop was Burley Farm in Epping where the continuing Red-headed Woodpecker made a nice showing and even posed for photos. I was soon back in my car and on my way to Great Bay, picking up a few more birds along the way.
Great Bay had been largely frozen over the last time I was there, but on this visit I found plenty of open water along with thousands of geese and ducks. I was pleased when my scoping efforts turned up the continuing male Barrow's Goldeneye and one Redhead, but disappointed when I couldn't find a single Bald Eagle. Less surprising, but still disappointing was the continuing lack of Eurasian Wigeons.
After spending too much time at Great Bay, I met up with Steve Bennett for a fast run down the coast as we raced against the fading light. We got all three Scoters, as well as other expected sea ducks and Purple Sandpipers, but dipped on Great Cormorant, grebes and owls. I'm sure more time would have turned up more birds, but time waits for no one, and the sun went down.
All in all, my bird-day challenge netted 52 species, with a few really nice birds in the mix. The most notable miss was Downy Woodpecker, which is almost as embarrassing as missing Rock Pigeon a couple years ago during the Birding Superbowl. The best bird of the day was probably the Red-headed Woodpecker, but only because we ran out of time/light to search for the Western Tanager. Maybe next year I'll try to get up earlier.
Susan Wrisley, Hollis
12-26-2019 - Hollis, Nashua, Epping, Great Bay, NH Coast:
Canada Goose Mute Swan Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Redhead (continuing male, Great Bay) Greater Scaup Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Barrow's Goldeneye (continuing male, Great Bay) Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Purple Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Common Loon Coopers Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Turkey Vulture Red-headed Woodpecker (continuing, Epping) Red-bellied Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Blue Jay American Crow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Golden-crowned Kinglet Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren European Starling Northern Mockingbird Eastern Bluebird American Robin House Sparrow House Finch American Goldfinch Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Northern Cardinal
Date: 12/27/19 2:28 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Crawford, Littleton, and Island Pond CBCs
The final three of five North Country Christmas Bird Counts were held in the past week and these are the highlights.
The Crawford Notch CBC was held on Saturday 21 December 2019 and coincided with the Winter Solstice. A total of 31 species and 533 individuals were tallied. Of interest were 2 Spruce Grouse on the Ethan Pond Trail boardwalk section, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the Crawford Path, 6 Gray Jays, 6 Boreal Chickadees, 26 Robins, 5 Cedar Waxwings, 8 Purple Finch, 38 White-winged Crossbills, 19 Pine Siskin, and 3 Evening Grosbeaks. Craig Repasz was the organizer and compiler.
The Littleton count was held on Sunday 22 December. A total of 28 species and 1299 individuals were counted. This was the second lowest count of species and the number of individuals was well below the average. Part of this is due to the closure of some landfills that previously attracted many scavengers like gulls. The only species of note were 3 Cooper’s Hawks seen, tying a previous high count. We saw 6 White-winged Crossbills at the Trudeau Road Wetlands and 22 species on our five mile walk through this beautiful spruce forest. David Govatski was the compiler.
The Island Pond, VT count was held on Thursday 26 December. While this is not a NH CBC it is of interest to many NH birders. The count center is Island Pond, VT located in Essex County. This county has the distinction of being the county with the lowest population of any county in New England, with a population of 821. It is home to the legendary, for birders, Moose Bog Trail. We tallied 23 species and 701 individuals. Species of interest included 15 Gray Jays, 3 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 1 Spruce Grouse, 11 White-winged Crossbills, and 29 Pine Siskins. We only had three birders doing this count. The starting temperature was 3 but there was no wind and quite pleasant out. Bob Stymeist was the compiler.
I participated in all five Northern CBCs and have some general comments. First, is that the natural food supply of spruce cones, mountain ash, crabapples, and other food remains abundant and largely untouched. The winter finches are lingering further north due to abundant food supplies there, as was predicted in the Winter Finch Forecast. There are fewer people feeding birds on these counts and we noted many places that had empty feeders or no longer had feeders out. No Pine Grosbeaks or Bohemian Waxwings were found and other winter finches were found in low numbers. Blue Jays are abundant and many will say over abundant this winter. Decent numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and Golden-crowned Kinglets are here this winter and Black-capped Chickadee numbers seemed to be lower than usual.
My final conclusion is that winter finch numbers will slowly improve in January.
Date: 12/27/19 1:29 pm From: Michael G. Harvey <mgh272...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jeffreys Ledge - 12/27
Despite rough weather, the birding was excellent on an Eastman's fishing trip from Hampton Harbor due east to Jeffreys Ledge today (7:00am-2:10pm). Complete list:
Canada Goose (30) Common Eider (11) White-winged Scoter (4) Long-tailed Duck (5) Red-breasted Merganser (20) POMARINE JAEGER (1 light morph adult) DOVEKIE (621: large flocks just inshore of Jeffreys) COMMON MURRE (47) THICK-BILLED MURRE (1) Razorbill (34) large alcid sp. (68) ATLANTIC PUFFIN (1: leisurely observation of a bird on the water as we dropped anchor at Jeffreys) Black-legged Kittiwake (45) Ring-billed Gull (1) Herring Gull (150) Iceland Gull (1 adult) Glaucous Gull (1 1st-cycle) Great Black-backed Gull (113) Common Loon (7) NORTHERN FULMAR (48: ~20% dark/intermediate morphs) Northern Gannet (45)
Date: 12/27/19 8:42 am From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] Eastern Phoebe Newmarket continues
After a brief walk this morning, I relocated the Eastern Phoebe in Newmarket, Lubberland still near the Rookery. It appeared to still be in good shape. Hoping in will make it through the winter. Thanks Deb Powers-South Berwick Maine
Date: 12/26/19 1:06 am From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] Xmas at the seacoast
I spent the day visiting various locations along the NH coast from Rye south to the MA border, and briefly in Salisbury SP. Other than the most common species, the following of interest (to me) were found: *Carolina wren* 2 hopping around on a portable cement mixer at Exeter WTP *horned lark* 15 at Hampton Beach SP in Newburyport Harbor seen from Salisbury SP: long-tailed duck 31 common eider 8 white-winged scoter 4 bufflehead 12 common goldeneye 22 common loon 4 in marshes at Salisbury SP: *blue-winged teal* 3 gadwall 8 mallard 5 black duck 13 northern harrier (f) 1 Boar's Head: surf scoter 6 white-winged scoter 7 black scoter 2 red-breasted merganser 8 horned grebe 2 *sanderling *25 at Sawyer's Beach (chased by dogs) *purple sandpiper* 36 at Pulpit Rocks
Zeke Cornell and I did some Christmas birding in Errol today, looking for a few species for our year lists. There was not a breath of wind and temperatures got up into the mid-twenties so it was a great day by northern NH standards. Thanks to Lori Charron for the tips on looking for the Black-backed Woodpecker in her area, although the bird did not cooperate. I finally got a few Pine Siskins for the year. Other highlights are below.
Red Crossbill - several fly overs and two that came down to the road on Rt. 26 just west of town giving us great views
Canada Jay - Rt. 16 near Long Pond - two coming down to the road to get grit
White-winged Crossbill - a flock of 22, including a singing male, on Greenough Pond Road near mile 5
Red-winged Blackbird - downtown Errol
Purple Finch - in a few places, with a nice flock of 15 on the west edge of downtown
Our annual tradition now is to do some birding on Christmas morning and
arrive late at my sister's house for Christmas dinner! :-)
Today was no exception.
Highlights on a quick trip up the coast this morning included:
WESTERN TANAGER - Female continues. But seen again today in apple tree
on far side of open field off Chapel Drive in North Hampton. I wonder
if it may be spending
more time over there now as the supply of fruit along the road may be
dwindling.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - Record late bird continues at Ragged Neck. Today
is my first sighting since 12/15.
NORTHERN SHRIKE - Two! First a bird at the intersection of Central Road
and Rt. 1A in Rye (aka the Spotted Towhee spot) and then shortly
thereafter, a bird in the thickets near the north side of Eel Pond in
Rye. Both appeared to be young birds.
TREE SWALLOW - 0. Couldn't find any today in Seabrook, but I suspect
the group is still in the area. Jason Lambert reported 10 birds there
yesterday.
And our Christmas Card this year with a Panama theme:
Michael and I spent a quieter day hiking in the white mountains, up to 3000 feet to reach beautiful boreal forrest (Ethan Pond), near Crawford notch, where the snow is still hanging on.
We were serenaded by both white wing, and red crossbills. Had a photo op but by the time I fumbled my way our of my mittens and into the pack for the camera….. gone.
The rugged little chat continues to chow down mealworms - this is day 40. Initially it didn't come to the feeder, but now feeds almost exclusively on the tray feeder. It chases the house sparrows away but concedes to the blue jays and starlings.
