Date: 3/16/26 12:46 pm From: Bill Chaisson <wpchaisson...> Subject: [NHBirds] busy day in the rain in Danbury
At juncture of Beaver and Frazier brooks:
Black-capped chickadee Blue jay Tufted titmouse Golden-crowned kinglet Common raven Mourning dove Pileated woodpecker Pine siskin American goldfinch (molting into yellow plumage)
Date: 3/16/26 10:32 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 16, 2026.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 16th,
2026.
A male KING `EIDER was seen at Four Tree Island and at Peirce Island in
Portsmouth on March 15th.
A BARNACLE GOOSE and a CACKLING GOOSE were seen at Sawyer’s Farm on River
Road in Walpole on March 14th and 15th.
A ROSS’S GOOSE was seen at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Charlestown on
March 15th, and 2 SNOW GEESE were seen at the Malnati Farm in Walpole on
the 13th.
12 BRANT were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on March 12th.
A female CANVASBACK was seen at Jackson’s Landing and a few times at the
nearby Durham Town Landing on the Oyster River on March 11-15.
4 RED-THROATED LOONS were seen at Adams Point Wildlife Management Area in
Great Bay in Durham on March 11th.
A PIED-BILLED GREBE was seen at Jackson’s Landing in Durham on March 13th,
and 1 was seen on the Ossipee River from NH Audubon’s Watts Wildlife
Sanctuary in Effingham on the 14th.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen on the coast south of Odiorne Point
State Park in Rye on March 12th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on March 12th.
A SNOWY OWL was seen on the coast on March 14th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen in West Lebanon on March 13th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a GOLDEN EAGLE seen at the Storrs Pond
Recreation Area in Hanover on March 14th.
Single NORTHERN HARRIERS were seen in Warner, Litchfield, Concord, Durham,
Dover, Hillsborough, and Orford during the past week.
An AMERICAN KESTREL was seen in Monroe, and 1 was seen in Newfields, both
during the past week.
A MERLIN was seen in Colebrook, 1 was seen in Twin Mountain, 1 was seen in
Errol, 1 was seen in Henniker, 1 was seen in Concord, and 1 was seen in
Northfield, all during the past week.
5 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Newmarket on March 14th, 3 were seen in
Sullivan on the 11th, 1 was seen in Grafton on the 10th, and 1 was seen in
Durham on the 9th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on Route 10 in Orford on March 13th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continues to be seen in Kingston and was last reported
on March 15th.
A flock of 80 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen on Chellis Road in Plainfield on
March 14th, and a flock of 60+ was seen in Sullivan on the 15th.
86 EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen at a bird-feeding station in Jefferson on
March 13th, and smaller scattered flocks were seen throughout the state.
A flock of 9 REDPOLLS was seen on Route 16 in Dummer on March 14th.
A WINTER WREN was reported from Nashua on March 9th, and an unconfirmed
report of a NORTHERN HOUSE WREN came from Durham on March 12th.
A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER and a PINE GROSBEAK were seen at Mud Pond in
Jefferson on March 10th.
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Lyme on March 10th, and 1 was seen
in Madbury on the 14th.
2 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were seen at Mechanic Street in Gorham on March 14
th, and a NORTHERN FLICKER was seen in Keene on the 13th.
Early-arrival EASTERN PHOEBES were reported from Hollis, Epping,
Peterborough, Jaffrey, Durham, and Atkinson all during the past week.
3 TREE SWALLOWS were seen in Hinsdale on March 10th.
2 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen in Salem on March 14th, and 1 was seen in
Durham on the 15th.
A HERMIT THRUSH continues to be seen in Gilford, and was last reported on
March 11th. A HERMIT THRUSH was also reported from Madbury on the 14th.
AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were reported from several locations during the past
week. PEENT!
A WILSON’S SNIPE was seen in Portsmouth on March 11th.
A GREATER YELLOWLEGS was seen in farm fields along Route 155A in Durham on
March 15th.
The warming weather should open-up bodies of water, which will attract
water birds of all sorts – so keep your eyes and ears alert and please
share your sightings!
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 3/16/26 4:23 am From: Donna Keller <dkellerphotography...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Potential 5 Goose Day
Great info on the river valley geese, Dylan. I was very happy that so many
people were able to see the Barnacle Goose this weekend :} I love sharing
the rarities that are found in my home county of Cheshire! Can we be
hopeful that someday a Tundra or Taiga Bean-Goose will make it's way into
NH? I know that both species have been spotted in NY, so why not? I'll be
out there scouring the fields and seeing what else shows up!
Happy birding!
Donna Keller
Keene
On Monday, March 16, 2026 at 12:42:51 AM UTC-4 Dylan Jackson wrote:
> Whether it feels like it or not, spring is finally here. The change in
> seasons brings birds and in the Connecticut River Valley it brings lots of
> them. Since the beginning of the month, species that have been absent for
> the winter have been roaring back. Vultures, Snipe, Woodcock, Blackbirds,
> Killdeer and Kestrel just to name a few, but as is customary in the valley,
> waterfowl bring the real show. This weekend there were scores of geese and
> ducks in the cornfields and other flat areas along the river. With so many
> geese, there are bound to be unusual species amongst them and this weekend
> was no exception. This migration event brings birders from all over NH and
> VT to valley and it's thanks to them that many of us were able to see such
> a great diversity of this taxa, so first off, thank you all. In the end 5
> species of geese were seen in the valley just this weekend alone.
>
> Canada Goose - The expected species of goose in the state made up the
> vast majority of the numbers seen. They fill the fields in such numbers
> that it makes counting a daunting task and estimating not much less
> unsettling. It doesn't help that small groups are always flying in and out
> of a given spot and skeins of birds almost constantly are passing overhead.
> Most fields where they congregate have well over 100 birds. I've had
> personal estimates of 500, 900, and up to 3000 birds in different spots
> over the weekend. While we're spoiled by (or tortured by, depending who you
> ask) by this species, it still is incredible to see them occur in such
> staggering numbers during migration.
>
> Snow Goose - For certain, I know there were a couple birds seen along the
> valley this weekend. There was one immature bird seen in the cornfields at
> Sawyer Farm in Walpole and another immature bird seen in the cornfields
> surrounding the Charlestown WTP. This species is infrequent in the state
> overall but definitely an annual find in small numbers.
>
> Cackling Goose - The Canada's diminutive cousin. There were a couple
> reports of these geese in Walpole at Sawyer Farm this weekend. Wendy Ward
> had one there on Friday and Nate Marchessault had one there on Saturday. I
> thought I may have seen one at this same spot this morning while in flight,
> but it landed in an area I couldn't see so I couldn't confirm. There was a
> report of two in the river just beyond the cornfields later on Sunday
> morning as well, but I haven't seen an eBird report or anything else to
> substantiate it.
>
> Ross's Goose - A great bird initially found by Don Clark in the cornfields
> around the Charlestown WTP. This was an adult bird keeping company with one
> immature Snow Goose in a flock of around 900 Canada Geese. According to
> eBird, it's the second record for Sullivan County with the last one
> occurring in the same location 12 years ago in 2014. This pair of white
> gooses have been reported earlier this spring bouncing between fields in
> Vermont and New Hampshire.
>
> Barnacle Goose - The star of the weekend found on Saturday at Sawyer Farm
> by Donna Keller. This striking little goose was initially found close to
> River Road in the cornfields, but later moved further towards the river but
> could be seen by walking down a small field access road. This is one of
> only a handful of records for the state and from talking to a few different
> people viewing it, it was their first view of a long-awaited nemesis bird
> for them (including me). This bird hung around for the whole morning before
> it finally took off with the goose flock disappearing moving north.
>
> While a great day for geese there still could come more. The one species
> lacking so far this season is Greater White-fronted Goose. While rare in
> the state, historically they're essentially annual in occurrence,
> especially in valley. While lots of birds have already moved through, there
> are surely many more to come so we're not out of time to find our 6th goose
> species in the valley. Much more unlikely, but Pink-footed Goose isn't out
> of the question either with past records in the valley in 2011, 2022 and
> nearby in Keene in 2025. And let's also not sleep on Brant which made a
> surprising inland appearance in large numbers last spring. Happy goosing
> everyone,
>
> -Dylan Jackson
> Wilmot
>
>
Date: 3/15/26 9:42 pm From: Dylan Jackson <jacksonwrxt89...> Subject: [NHBirds] Potential 5 Goose Day
Whether it feels like it or not, spring is finally here. The change in seasons brings birds and in the Connecticut River Valley it brings lots of them. Since the beginning of the month, species that have been absent for the winter have been roaring back. Vultures, Snipe, Woodcock, Blackbirds, Killdeer and Kestrel just to name a few, but as is customary in the valley, waterfowl bring the real show. This weekend there were scores of geese and ducks in the cornfields and other flat areas along the river. With so many geese, there are bound to be unusual species amongst them and this weekend was no exception. This migration event brings birders from all over NH and VT to valley and it's thanks to them that many of us were able to see such a great diversity of this taxa, so first off, thank you all. In the end 5 species of geese were seen in the valley just this weekend alone.
Canada Goose - The expected species of goose in the state made up the vast majority of the numbers seen. They fill the fields in such numbers that it makes counting a daunting task and estimating not much less unsettling. It doesn't help that small groups are always flying in and out of a given spot and skeins of birds almost constantly are passing overhead. Most fields where they congregate have well over 100 birds. I've had personal estimates of 500, 900, and up to 3000 birds in different spots over the weekend. While we're spoiled by (or tortured by, depending who you ask) by this species, it still is incredible to see them occur in such staggering numbers during migration.
Snow Goose - For certain, I know there were a couple birds seen along the valley this weekend. There was one immature bird seen in the cornfields at Sawyer Farm in Walpole and another immature bird seen in the cornfields surrounding the Charlestown WTP. This species is infrequent in the state overall but definitely an annual find in small numbers.
Cackling Goose - The Canada's diminutive cousin. There were a couple reports of these geese in Walpole at Sawyer Farm this weekend. Wendy Ward had one there on Friday and Nate Marchessault had one there on Saturday. I thought I may have seen one at this same spot this morning while in flight, but it landed in an area I couldn't see so I couldn't confirm. There was a report of two in the river just beyond the cornfields later on Sunday morning as well, but I haven't seen an eBird report or anything else to substantiate it.
Ross's Goose - A great bird initially found by Don Clark in the cornfields around the Charlestown WTP. This was an adult bird keeping company with one immature Snow Goose in a flock of around 900 Canada Geese. According to eBird, it's the second record for Sullivan County with the last one occurring in the same location 12 years ago in 2014. This pair of white gooses have been reported earlier this spring bouncing between fields in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Barnacle Goose - The star of the weekend found on Saturday at Sawyer Farm by Donna Keller. This striking little goose was initially found close to River Road in the cornfields, but later moved further towards the river but could be seen by walking down a small field access road. This is one of only a handful of records for the state and from talking to a few different people viewing it, it was their first view of a long-awaited nemesis bird for them (including me). This bird hung around for the whole morning before it finally took off with the goose flock disappearing moving north.
While a great day for geese there still could come more. The one species lacking so far this season is Greater White-fronted Goose. While rare in the state, historically they're essentially annual in occurrence, especially in valley. While lots of birds have already moved through, there are surely many more to come so we're not out of time to find our 6th goose species in the valley. Much more unlikely, but Pink-footed Goose isn't out of the question either with past records in the valley in 2011, 2022 and nearby in Keene in 2025. And let's also not sleep on Brant which made a surprising inland appearance in large numbers last spring. Happy goosing everyone,
Date: 3/15/26 10:21 am From: 'Susan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] spring arrivals
As I walked around my Bedford neighborhood, I saw and heard Red Shouldered Hawk, Song Sparrow, Robbins, Red Winged Black Birds and Grackles. The many Gold Finches that have spent the winter here are twittering loudly in the trees…. are they getting ready to head north ?
Blue Birds checking out the nesting boxes.
Light at the end of the tunnel !!
Any Bear sightings ??
Susan Hunter
Date: 3/15/26 9:17 am From: <nha......> <nhanke...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Location in eBird - please choose correct hotspot
eBird exists to serve generate data but is designed to appeal to users, and
there can be a tension between these two aspects. The integrity of data
collection matters for the science values, and being considerate of other
eBirders factors into accuracy of location, species ID etc.
Personal locations and hotspots are points on the map, which
represent areas rather than that point alone (except that a personal
location for a stationary checklist might be where you really stood). Some
points represent a well-defined area - conservation parcels, esp. if it has
only 1 hotspot - but many have fuzzy outlines - contiguous hotspots within
a named conservation parcel or a general area without a focal birding
feature - which are defined in subjective ways. Some areas that have
multiple hotspots also have a general hotspot that could represent birding
across the real or imaginary boundaries - for example, the hotspot Great
Bay - which in the latter instance could also represent aquatic-based
birding (or not!). You could use the checklists's Comments section to
specify.
Water bodies are common bird magnets. Eel Pond and other water body-based
hotspots may have their pins (location markers) in the middle of the
waterway, especially when the water can be viewed from multiple locations
and/or parking and pedestrian access may occur from different locations. In
these cases, the marker does not represent that the eBirder has to be in
the water. But, sometimes the context of a hotspot indicates the hotspot
does represent the eBirder being in the water. These include pins off the
NH coast, and Lake Wantastiquet at Hinsdale. Hinsdale has multiple adjacent
hotspots, with 3 representing being on land (Setbacks, Fort Hill Rail
Trail, Bluffs), and the separate one called Lake Wantastiquet, with the
latter located in the middle of the river. Lake Wantastiquet is visible
from all three land hotspots, so its existence implies it represents
aquatic-based birding, and presumably mostly waterfowl right there, as
opposed to the predominance of land birds on a checklist generated from the
other Hinsdale hotspots.
On Friday, March 13, 2026 at 9:38:25 AM UTC-4 <gregt......> wrote:
> The difference of a few hundred yards between where you are and where the
> bird is seems pretty insignificant from a data collection point of view. In
> addition, many hotspots are clearly designed to report where the bird is
> and not the birder, as for example Eel Pond vs. Jenness Beach. If hotspots
> were designed with “boundaries” in mind, this would be just one hotspot
> centered on 1A. The confusion is exacerbated by the opposite recent trend
> of marking hotspots at a parking lot entrance, which is great for people
> trying to find a location, less great for recording habitat and birding
> site.
>
> And clustered hotspots further increase confusion. Recording sightings in
> separate hotspots is a great idea — where it makes sense. If there are a
> bunch of hotspots a hundred yards apart then separate checklists for each
> spot is less tenable, and I’m not going to start a new checklist every two
> minutes. Where there are no hotspots, in the Whites for ex, ebird’s
> guidance is to start a new checklist every 5 miles or so; by comparison,
> hotspots are striving for kind of excessive accuracy.
>
> Ebird would rather have the data collected than to not have people use
> ebird at all because it is too cumbersome.
>
> On Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 1:37:25 PM UTC-4 Bruce Conti wrote:
>
>> Interesting because a few months ago one of the people at eBird
>> instructed the opposite. I had been hiking around Spatterdock Pond in the
>> Beaver Brook Reservation in Hollis, starting and finishing at the Whiting
>> Trail, and placed my location at Spatterdock Pond. I received an email
>> from eBird instructing me to relocate to the nearby Maple Hill hotspot even
>> though I hadn't been hiking through that spot, indicating that they
>> preferred using a hotspot for data rather than a custom location outside
>> the hotspot. So I changed the location in my checklist. I wish I still
>> had the email.
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM <nha......> <nha......>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> This is a reminder that location for an eBird checklist is meant to
>>> represent *where the birder was located throughout the time of that
>>> checklist*, not where they were looking towards. If you are standing
>>> outside a hotspot or in hotspot B rather than hotspot A, then do not assign
>>> the list to hotspot A.
>>> When multiple hotspots are close together, for example in Hinsdale
>>> (Hinsdale Setbacks, Hinsdale Bluffs, Fort Hill Rail Trail, Lake
>>> Wantastiquet), if you bird across more than one location, then either stop
>>> one list at the boundary and then start another, or use a personal location
>>> with a descriptive name. If you were on the bluffs and not actually in Lake
>>> Wantastiquet, do not use the pin of Lake Wantastiquet. Otherwise, data will
>>> be wrong, implying open water habitat when multiple waterfowl are reported
>>> when in fact the water is fully frozen-over. Also, birders will be misled
>>> as to where birds are located, wasting their time and energy in the wrong
>>> location.
>>>
>>>
>> --
>> Bruce Conti
>> *B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
>> *¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
>>
>
Date: 3/15/26 7:26 am From: Milton Trimitsis <trimitsis...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian waxwings in Sullivan
I just observed a large flock of bohemian waxwings in a brushy field edge adjacent to a power-line right-of-way on my farm in Sullivan. They seemed to be feeding primarily on crabapples, multiflora rose hips, and bittersweet. They were moving very actively, so hard to get an exact count. I counted at least 60 birds, and I suspect there were 10 or 20 more. There didn't appear to be any cedar waxwings among them.
Date: 3/13/26 6:38 am From: '<gregt......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Location in eBird - please choose correct hotspot
The difference of a few hundred yards between where you are and where the
bird is seems pretty insignificant from a data collection point of view. In
addition, many hotspots are clearly designed to report where the bird is
and not the birder, as for example Eel Pond vs. Jenness Beach. If hotspots
were designed with “boundaries” in mind, this would be just one hotspot
centered on 1A. The confusion is exacerbated by the opposite recent trend
of marking hotspots at a parking lot entrance, which is great for people
trying to find a location, less great for recording habitat and birding
site.
And clustered hotspots further increase confusion. Recording sightings in
separate hotspots is a great idea — where it makes sense. If there are a
bunch of hotspots a hundred yards apart then separate checklists for each
spot is less tenable, and I’m not going to start a new checklist every two
minutes. Where there are no hotspots, in the Whites for ex, ebird’s
guidance is to start a new checklist every 5 miles or so; by comparison,
hotspots are striving for kind of excessive accuracy.
Ebird would rather have the data collected than to not have people use
ebird at all because it is too cumbersome.
On Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 1:37:25 PM UTC-4 Bruce Conti wrote:
> Interesting because a few months ago one of the people at eBird instructed
> the opposite. I had been hiking around Spatterdock Pond in the Beaver
> Brook Reservation in Hollis, starting and finishing at the Whiting Trail,
> and placed my location at Spatterdock Pond. I received an email from eBird
> instructing me to relocate to the nearby Maple Hill hotspot even though I
> hadn't been hiking through that spot, indicating that they preferred using
> a hotspot for data rather than a custom location outside the hotspot. So I
> changed the location in my checklist. I wish I still had the email.
>
> On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM <nha......> <nha......>
> wrote:
>
>> This is a reminder that location for an eBird checklist is meant to
>> represent *where the birder was located throughout the time of that
>> checklist*, not where they were looking towards. If you are standing
>> outside a hotspot or in hotspot B rather than hotspot A, then do not assign
>> the list to hotspot A.
>> When multiple hotspots are close together, for example in Hinsdale
>> (Hinsdale Setbacks, Hinsdale Bluffs, Fort Hill Rail Trail, Lake
>> Wantastiquet), if you bird across more than one location, then either stop
>> one list at the boundary and then start another, or use a personal location
>> with a descriptive name. If you were on the bluffs and not actually in Lake
>> Wantastiquet, do not use the pin of Lake Wantastiquet. Otherwise, data will
>> be wrong, implying open water habitat when multiple waterfowl are reported
>> when in fact the water is fully frozen-over. Also, birders will be misled
>> as to where birds are located, wasting their time and energy in the wrong
>> location.
>>
>>
> --
> Bruce Conti
> *B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
> *¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
>
Date: 3/13/26 4:59 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jefferson Evening Grosbeaks
I counted 86 Evening Grosbeaks at our feeders in Jefferson on Thursday morning and we had a similar sized flock on Friday morning. The cooler weather and snow flurries bring them out. A friend in northern Vermont sent me a video of at least 200 in his yard. American robins, red-winged blackbirds, and grackles arrived on Monday morning. Trails are icy and I suggest you have microspikes and snowshoes if you are heading out on trails in the mountains.
Date: 3/12/26 2:06 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] finches and ducks in Coos County
On March 11 several of us birded the Jefferson region with some pleasant sightings:
Green-winged Teal- at least 13 at Hazen's Pond in Whitefield. Hazen's is just north of Airport Marsh and is more of a wetland than a pond. A good spot though a little harder to access. Green-winged Teal probably nested there in 1997 (when I was conducting a survey of the area). It's a good spot for rails and Northern Harrier's too. An early date for the county.
Hooded Merganser- four pairs at Hazen's were attractively squabbling over pair-bonding, with much flaring of crests (including the females) and chases. Meanwhile, the teal ignored them.
Finches- Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins at a couple of feeders, but many folks are taking feeders down due to the concern over black bears.
American Tree Sparrow- five in one yard.
Turkey Vulture- one flying toward Whitefield, another early date for Coos.
Other migrants- robins, crows, starlings, grackles, and red-wingeds all noticeable.
Spring was truly in the air!
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/12/26 10:56 am From: Nora Hanke <nhanke...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Location in eBird - please choose correct hotspot
Hi Bruce,
That advice makes sense to me. NH Audubon eBird policy that applies in the
Beaver Brook Association (BBA) situation is to try to locate hotspot pins
at the most likely parking area for a trail system. This amalgamates
checklists for excursions that may have started/finished at entirely
different access points that serve the same area. Maple Hill barn has a
large parking area from which people may walk down Cow Lane and eventually
over to Spatterdock Pond, or trails to the West of the pond. People wishing
to access the Whiting Trail, which has no real parking space, will probably
park at Maple Hill barn. A walk along Whiting Trail to and around
Spatterdock Pond and back "belongs to" the Maple Hill hotspot, rather than
to Beaver Brook Association--Brown Lane hotspot. Beaver Brook trails
connect to each other and it is a judgement call as to whether a walk/ski
in one area is more associated with Maple Hill or Brown Lane. If a
checklist included areas represented by more than one hotspot pin, ie you
were on trails served by Brown Lane parking AND by Maple Hill's parking,
the checklist location choices include: end one checklist and start another
when you cross an imaginary boundary (ideal); use a separate, personal
location with a descriptive name (less helpful because it does not
amalgamate your observations with others'). eBird central guidance on
choosing location when there is more than one hotspot in an area is here
<https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48001009443-ebird-hotspot-faqs#anchorChoosingAHotspot> .
-Nora
On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 1:23 PM Bruce Conti <contiba...> wrote:
> Interesting because a few months ago one of the people at eBird instructed
> the opposite. I had been hiking around Spatterdock Pond in the Beaver
> Brook Reservation in Hollis, starting and finishing at the Whiting Trail,
> and placed my location at Spatterdock Pond. I received an email from eBird
> instructing me to relocate to the nearby Maple Hill hotspot even though I
> hadn't been hiking through that spot, indicating that they preferred using
> a hotspot for data rather than a custom location outside the hotspot. So I
> changed the location in my checklist. I wish I still had the email.
>
> On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM <nha......> <nhanke...>
> wrote:
>
>> This is a reminder that location for an eBird checklist is meant to
>> represent *where the birder was located throughout the time of that
>> checklist*, not where they were looking towards. If you are standing
>> outside a hotspot or in hotspot B rather than hotspot A, then do not assign
>> the list to hotspot A.
>> When multiple hotspots are close together, for example in Hinsdale
>> (Hinsdale Setbacks, Hinsdale Bluffs, Fort Hill Rail Trail, Lake
>> Wantastiquet), if you bird across more than one location, then either stop
>> one list at the boundary and then start another, or use a personal location
>> with a descriptive name. If you were on the bluffs and not actually in Lake
>> Wantastiquet, do not use the pin of Lake Wantastiquet. Otherwise, data will
>> be wrong, implying open water habitat when multiple waterfowl are reported
>> when in fact the water is fully frozen-over. Also, birders will be misled
>> as to where birds are located, wasting their time and energy in the wrong
>> location.
>>
>>
> --
> Bruce Conti
> *B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
> *¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
>
--
Nora E. Hanke
MB,ChB, MS
email <nhanke...>
tel. 603-484-1294
Date: 3/12/26 10:37 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Location in eBird - please choose correct hotspot
Interesting because a few months ago one of the people at eBird instructed
the opposite. I had been hiking around Spatterdock Pond in the Beaver
Brook Reservation in Hollis, starting and finishing at the Whiting Trail,
and placed my location at Spatterdock Pond. I received an email from eBird
instructing me to relocate to the nearby Maple Hill hotspot even though I
hadn't been hiking through that spot, indicating that they preferred using
a hotspot for data rather than a custom location outside the hotspot. So I
changed the location in my checklist. I wish I still had the email.
On Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM <nha......> <nhanke...>
wrote:
> This is a reminder that location for an eBird checklist is meant to
> represent *where the birder was located throughout the time of that
> checklist*, not where they were looking towards. If you are standing
> outside a hotspot or in hotspot B rather than hotspot A, then do not assign
> the list to hotspot A.
> When multiple hotspots are close together, for example in Hinsdale
> (Hinsdale Setbacks, Hinsdale Bluffs, Fort Hill Rail Trail, Lake
> Wantastiquet), if you bird across more than one location, then either stop
> one list at the boundary and then start another, or use a personal location
> with a descriptive name. If you were on the bluffs and not actually in Lake
> Wantastiquet, do not use the pin of Lake Wantastiquet. Otherwise, data will
> be wrong, implying open water habitat when multiple waterfowl are reported
> when in fact the water is fully frozen-over. Also, birders will be misled
> as to where birds are located, wasting their time and energy in the wrong
> location.
>
>
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 3/12/26 8:54 am From: <nha......> <nhanke...> Subject: [NHBirds] Location in eBird - please choose correct hotspot
This is a reminder that location for an eBird checklist is meant to represent *where the birder was located throughout the time of that checklist*, not where they were looking towards. If you are standing outside a hotspot or in hotspot B rather than hotspot A, then do not assign the list to hotspot A. When multiple hotspots are close together, for example in Hinsdale (Hinsdale Setbacks, Hinsdale Bluffs, Fort Hill Rail Trail, Lake Wantastiquet), if you bird across more than one location, then either stop one list at the boundary and then start another, or use a personal location with a descriptive name. If you were on the bluffs and not actually in Lake Wantastiquet, do not use the pin of Lake Wantastiquet. Otherwise, data will be wrong, implying open water habitat when multiple waterfowl are reported when in fact the water is fully frozen-over. Also, birders will be misled as to where birds are located, wasting their time and energy in the wrong location.
Date: 3/12/26 8:00 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring arrivals - Ducks and Blackbirds!
The warm weather earlier this week brought in some nice spring
migrants. Chief among those were blackbirds and ducks. Yesterday, Jane
and I got out and had the following in the seacoast area:
Hampton Beach State Park
-----------------------------------
Snowy Owl - 1 surrounded by photographers at safe distance, but no "pure
birders" present. Bird appeared to be sleeping peacefully.
Newfields Town Landing - Snow banks still and nearby Chapman's Landing
is (currently) difficult/inaccessible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wood Duck - 9
Green-winged Teal - 10
Northern Pintail - 6
Mallard and Canada Geese
Adam's Point in Durham
----------------------------------
Red-throated Loon - 4
Common Loon - 5
American Wigeon - 6
American Black Ducks - yes
Jackson Landing in Durham
------------------------------------
CANVASBACK - female first reported by Mark Estes yesterday. Still
present as reported by others this morning.
Hooded Merganser - 12 with other assorted Ducks.
Portsmouth Road in Greenland nearing Dusk. Birds getting ready to enter
roost.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Grackle - 400
Red-winged Blackbird - 100
Date: 3/12/26 6:35 am From: Dan Young <danten66...> Subject: [NHBirds] American Woodcock - Nashua (Unconfirmed)
Wednesday Morning at about 6:20 am, I heard the tell tale meep of the American Woodcock. Merlin confirmed the sound. I heard it on and off for no more than 5 minutes before the sound disappeared.
I am in a residential neighborhood with many fenced in back yards. It was still pretty dark so I was unable to get my eyes on it to confirm.
I did not hear it this morning.
So I guess as much as I have something to report - I don't have much.
Date: 3/12/26 2:42 am From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lyme New Arrivals --- March 11
Two first of season records Wednesday. A European starling appeared at the feeders about 8am. A song sparrow was seen foraging in the feeder area about 1pm. Blake Allison Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 3/11/26 6:49 am From: Pam Weeks <pamela.weeks...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring has sprung!
My walk this morning yielded a small flock of male and female Cardinals (6-8), American Robins in several trees along the roadside, Grackles, and on my lawn, picking through the sunflower seeds that had been snow covered, were about 20 Red Winged blackbirds with 4-5 Grackles mixed in.
The Junko population is down from 20-ish to 3-4, the Eastern Bluebirds are fighting over 4 birdhouses, and I've heard but not seen Song Sparrows.
The Gold finches are starting to "yellow-up," and the snow is melting so fast it's almost exciting to watch. Just a bit better than paint drying.
Date: 3/11/26 6:45 am From: Cynthia Nichols <cnichols...> Subject: [NHBirds] Song sparrows and Turkey Vultures - Lebanon yesterday
3 Song sparrows 2 Turkey Vultures and a pair of Hooded Mergansers to boot
Lebanon Mill St parking lot - 43.63933 - 72.25575 in front of Wayne's World Gym It's a surprising little wetland in a bit of an urban area that often yields some good birding Yay!
Cynthia Nichols, MS, BSN, RN
Volunteer & Board Member: New Hampshire Healthy Climate: nhclimatehealth.org Certified Climate Change Resilience, Antioch University
(603) 508 - 1594 *Please Text Me *if you're not getting a quick response and need to reach me - it's a challenge to get to my email these days!!
Date: 3/10/26 5:38 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:30 PM Program: Birds and Other Creatures of Ghana***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:30 pm Program: Birds and Other Creatures of Ghana
In October, 2024, Kathryn and Roger Frieden went on a group birding trip to Ghana where they saw many fascinating birds and other creatures. In this program, Kathryn will share information about their adventure (and Roger’s photos).
Bio: Kathryn and Roger Frieden started birding and learning about birds around 15 years ago when their children were all off to college. Their first birding trip was to south Texas with Mass Audubon in 2011, and they have been enjoying birding travel ever since. In 2015, Kathryn started volunteering for NH Bird Records shortly after retiring as an OB-GYN physician. They lived in Manchester for many years, and moved to Nottingham 8 years ago, so now they get to include Pawtuckaway Lake birds in their yard list.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday March 11, 2026 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps, Seacoast Science Center) There will be refreshments starting at 7 pm. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 pm. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Thank You! Dunkin’ of 14 Central Ave (exit 7 off of Rte 16), Dover, NH (603) 740-9649 donates hot coffee and more for our programs. When you visit the location mention a thank you!
Al Stewart,Jr.
Date: 3/10/26 5:26 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sunny warm afternoon on the Seacoast
Enjoyed a warm sunny afternoon on the Seacoast. All the beaches were
relatively crowded, and plenty of people walking along the shore. Stopped
at Rye Harbor for a half hour, then a couple hours hiking in Odiorne
Point. Highlights were two Killdeer at Rye, and six Long-Tailed Duck in
flight at Odiorne. Thanks to Josh Fecteau and Russ Brummer here in nhbirds
for help identifying the Long-Tailed Ducks. Also observed a banded Herring
Gull at Odiorne, left 35H Green, right silver.
Rye Harbor, https://ebird.org/checklist/S308111068 with photos...
Canada Goose 3
Common Eider 1
Bufflehead 7
Common Goldeneye 3
Killdeer 2
Herring Gull 1
Common Loon 5
Song Sparrow 2
Odiorne Point, eBird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S308143624 with
photos...
Common Eider 2
Surf Scoter 2
Long-Tailed Duck 6
Bufflehead 7
Common Goldeneye 14
Red-Breasted Merganser 18
Ring-Billed Gull 1
Herring Gull 5 (1 banded)
Common Loon 1
Song Sparrow 5
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 3/10/26 5:05 pm From: Daniel M. Keefe <daniel.keefe...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rye Harbor
Took a quick trip to Rye Harbor this afternoon- warm and sunny. Really the nicest day in months. Got some nice images of Loons, including one eating a crab. Two Eagles in view on the large tree beyond the bridge (Mating). And a swan swimming in the harbor. Really a lovely way to close the day,
Date: 3/10/26 4:53 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Need help with ID
I need help with identifying these water birds, observed in flight at
Odiorne State Park this afternoon... https://www.baconti.com/inflight.jpg Image is blurry but the markings are distinctive and with yellow bills. I
haven't yet been able to find anything comparable online or in my bird
books. Thank you.
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 3/10/26 8:05 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Turkey vulture
Not sure if it's too early for them to be here but if so there's one hanging out at the intersection of Meredith Center Road and parade Road in Laconia. Regards Randy
Date: 3/10/26 8:04 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Where to Bird in Concord, NH
Hi Everyone,
I'm pleased to share one of the latest Joy of Birding articles. In this new "Where to Bird" feature, NH Audubon biologist Pam Hunt highlights some of the best birding spots in Concord, NH. There are so many places to explore that we split the guide into two parts!
Part One<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/part-1-concord-merrimack-river-foodplain/> explores the southern side of the city, including the floodplains, pine barrens, and Concord's central waterbird hotspot at Horseshoe Pond. From grassland sparrows and nighthawks near the airport to migrating ducks and gulls downtown, these accessible sites offer excellent birding throughout the year.
The Joy of Birding (joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org) is the new free, online home of New Hampshire Bird Records. You can sign up for monthly email updates on the website homepage or check back anytime for new articles. There's always something to see.
If you'd like to get in touch or are interested in writing a future "Where to Bird" article, please email <birdrecords...><mailto:<birdrecords...> or contact the editor, Grace McCulloch, at <gmcculloch...>
On Tue, Mar 10, 2026 at 12:31 AM F Keenan <fkeenanhome...> wrote:
> I checked the boatyard at Rye Harbor and saw nine loons. They were
> swimming together close to shore. All except one were still in winter
> plumage. Is this gathering of loons a sign of Spring? Have they come back
> from somewhere farther south? It was nice to see so many of them.
>
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 3/10/26 4:16 am From: Matthew Tarr <bodhinatureaudiovisual...> Subject: [NHBirds] FOY Red-wings & Grackles
The first Red-winged blackbirds and Common grackles arrived at out feeders in Gilmanton Ironworks around 1pm on Monday (3/9).
These were two males of each species feeding very frantically and they moved off very quickly and didn’t return.
They are arriving here about a week later this year than is typical for our site - perhaps due to slightly more wintery conditions than normal(?). We lost over 8” of snow yesterday and the 67 degrees predicted today should start to expose large sections of ground…at least until snow returns at the end of the week.
Date: 3/9/26 5:31 pm From: F Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] Loons in Rye Harbor
I got over to the coast yesterday afternoon to pay homage to the warm air. Saw many people walking -- or being walked by -- their dogs at Rye Beach. There were also surfers.
I checked the boatyard at Rye Harbor and saw nine loons. They were swimming together close to shore. All except one were still in winter plumage. Is this gathering of loons a sign of Spring? Have they come back from somewhere farther south? It was nice to see so many of them.
Date: 3/9/26 12:02 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 9, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 9th, 2026.
A KING EIDER was seen at Pulpit Rocks in Rye on March 9th.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen at the Lochmere Dam on
Silver Lake in Tilton and another male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be
seen at the Granite Street Bridge, on the Merrimack River in Manchester,
all during the past week.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen in Concord on March 4th, and MERLIN was seen
flying over Noyes Street in Concord on March 7th.
A BLACK VULTURE and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen on the UNH main campus in
Durham on March 8th, and 2 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Walpole on the 3rd.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on Route 10 in Orford on March 5th, and 1 was
seen at the Ines and Frederick Wildlife Sanctuary in Warren on March 8th.
A DICKCISSEL continues to be seen at 26 Elm Street in Wolfeboro and was
last reported on March 7th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continues to be seen in Kingston and was last reported
on March 3rd.
A flock of 60 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen on Chellis Road in Plainfield on
March 6th, and a flock of 52 was seen at the Houston Fields in Hopkinton on
the 9th.
5 PINE GROSBEAKS were seen in Shelburne on March 5th.
64 EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen in Jefferson on March 8th, 3 were reported
from Deerfield on March 3rd, and 8 were reported from Strafford on the 4th.
2 REDPOLLS were seen in Belmont on March 4th.
A WINTER WREN was reported from Exeter, 1 was reported from Madbury, and 1
was reported from Merrimack, all during the past week.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen at Mechanic Street in Gorham on March 5th.
and a NORTHERN FLICKER was reported from Grasse Road in Grafton on the 6th.
A HERMIT THRUSH continues to be seen in Gilford, and was last reported on
March 7th. Single HERMIT THRUSHES were also reported from Sandwich,
Litchfield, Merrimack, and Durham during the past week.
2 FOX SPARROWS continue to be seen in Londonderry and were last reported on
March 7th, and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW continues to be seen on Mechanic
Street in Gorham and was last reported on the 4th.
2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen in Orford on March 5th, 1 was seen in East
Kingston on the 6th, and 1 was seen in Concord on the 8th.
2 KILLDEER were seen at Ragged Neck in Rye on March 5th, and 4 were seen in
Exeter on the 8th.
An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was reported from Spinney Lane and Durham Reservoir in
Durham on March 4th. PEENT!
The warming weather should open-up bodies of water, which will attract
water birds of all sorts – so keep your eyes and ears alert and please
share your sightings!
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 3/9/26 7:30 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jefferson Evening Grosbeaks
I counted 64 Evening Grosbeaks on Monday morning here at our feeders in Jefferson. This number is considerably less than what we had during some of the colder periods this winter. Also continue to have a dozen pine siskins, several purple finches, and about 30 goldfinches. First two robins of the year today. I don’t think they will stay because the ground is about 95 percent snow covered. Also had a starling and I have not seen one here for several months.
Date: 3/6/26 10:35 am From: Sean Beckett <sean...> Subject: [NHBirds] Field Ornithology class in Vermont May 18-22
Birders,
At the risk of running afoul (a-fowl?) of this group's rules around promotion, I wanted to share this weeklong Field Ornithology <https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/adult-programs/biodiversity-university/ornithology-2026> class being offered in central Vermont this May 18-22. It's for those of all birding skills and interests, and created out of the growing reality that in-depth, field-based naturalist study is hard to come by in the northeast, particularly outside of academia. This retreat-style course will have food, lodging, and is timed around catching all the spring migrants you could ask for--in a really beautiful setting. Hope you'll check it out! https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/adult-programs/biodiversity-university/ornithology-2026
Thanks!
Sean Beckett (he/him) Program Director North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm St, Montpelier VT 05602
Date: 3/5/26 6:57 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] *** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:30 PM Program: Birds and Other Creatures of Ghana***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:30 pm Program: Birds and Other Creatures of Ghana
In October, 2024, Kathryn and Roger Frieden went on a group birding trip to Ghana where they saw many fascinating birds and other creatures. In this program, Kathryn will share information about their adventure (and Roger’s photos).
Bio: Kathryn and Roger Frieden started birding and learning about birds around 15 years ago when their children were all off to college. Their first birding trip was to south Texas with Mass Audubon in 2011, and they have been enjoying birding travel ever since. In 2015, Kathryn started volunteering for NH Bird Records shortly after retiring as an OB-GYN physician. They lived in Manchester for many years, and moved to Nottingham 8 years ago, so now they get to include Pawtuckaway Lake birds in their yard list.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday March 11, 2026 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps, Seacoast Science Center) There will be refreshments starting at 7 pm. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 pm. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Thank You! Dunkin’ of 14 Central Ave (exit 7 off of Rte 16), Dover, NH (603) 740-9649 donates hot coffee and more for our programs. When you visit the location mention a thank you!
At 3:30 pm today I observed a Peregrine Falcon fly from the direction of a know nest site along Rte 25 West over Tenney Mt. Observed in flight as well as perched on a distant dead tree. eBird Checklist - 5 Mar 2026 - Dodge Rd. Plymouth,NH - 2 species <https://ebird.org/checklist/S306265283>
Date: 3/2/26 10:34 am From: Keith Chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Rumney
Posting for my daughter. A flock of about 7 to 20 evening grosbeaks have been visiting since February 28th to March 2nd. The location is in Rumney on north Groton rd. Elevation appx. 1500 ft. They have been feeding with black oil around their deck. She has sent us pictures for identification. Happy Birding. Keith and Kris Ashland, NH
Date: 3/2/26 9:30 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 2, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 2nd, 2026.
A KING EIDER was seen at Pulpit Rocks in Rye on February 22nd.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen at North Hampton State Beach on February 24th.
5 BRANT were seen in Rye Harbor on March 1st.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen at the Lochmere Dam on
Silver Lake in Tilton and another male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be
seen at the Granite Street Bridge, and at Arms Park, on the Merrimack River
in Manchester, all during the past week.
1-2 GADWALLS were seen at North Hampton State Beach and coastal Rye on
several days during the past week.
A RING-NECKED DUCK, a LESSER SCAUP, and a GREATER SCAUP were seen at Bridge
Street Park in Lebanon on several days during the past week.
An ICELAND GULL was seen in coastal Hampton on February 28th.
2 BLACK VULTURES and 20 TURKEY VULTURES were seen soaring over Exeter, and
a BLACK VULTURE was seen flying over Keene, all on February 28th.
A MERLIN was seen on Long Island Road in Moultonborough on February 28th.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Rochester, and 1 was seen Durham, both
during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on Reed Road in Colebrook on February 27th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continues to be seen in Kingston and was last reported
on February 23rd.
A flock of 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen on Chellis Road in Plainfield on
February 28th.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Jefferson, Lancaster, Berlin, and
Deerfield during the past week.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on February 25
th.
A few FISH CROWS have been reported from Concord, Exeter, Dover, Durham,
Madbury, Newmarket, and Hampton during the past week. These have been
identified mainly by their vocalizations which sound different than
AMERICAN CROW vocalizations.
A WINTER WREN was reported from Hanover, and 1 was reported from Durham,
both on March 1st.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen at Mechanic Street in Gorham on February
23rd. A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Durham, and 1 was seen in
Dover, both on March 1st. A NORTHERN FLICKER was seen on Proctor Road in
Jaffrey on February 26th, and 1 was reported from Concord on the 25th.
A HERMIT THRUSH continues to be seen in Gilford, and was last reported on
March 1st.
A few blackbirds were starting to be seen during the past week, typical for
this time of year.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 3/2/26 9:25 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 2, 2026
-RBA
*New Hampshire
*March 2, 2026
*NHNH0302.26
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 2nd,
2026.
A KING EIDER was seen at Pulpit Rocks in Rye on February 22nd.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen at North Hampton State Beach on February 24th.
5 BRANT were seen in Rye Harbor on March 1st.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen at the Lochmere Dam on
Silver Lake in Tilton and another male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be
seen at the Granite Street Bridge, and at Arms Park, on the Merrimack River
in Manchester, all during the past week.
1-2 GADWALLS were seen at North Hampton State Beach and coastal Rye on
several days during the past week.
A RING-NECKED DUCK, a LESSER SCAUP, and a GREATER SCAUP were seen at Bridge
Street Park in Lebanon on several days during the past week.
An ICELAND GULL was seen in coastal Hampton on February 28th.
2 BLACK VULTURES and 20 TURKEY VULTURES were seen soaring over Exeter, and
a BLACK VULTURE was seen flying over Keene, all on February 28th.
A MERLIN was seen on Long Island Road in Moultonborough on February 28th.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Rochester, and 1 was seen Durham, both
during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on Reed Road in Colebrook on February 27th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE continues to be seen in Kingston and was last reported
on February 23rd.
A flock of 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen on Chellis Road in Plainfield on
February 28th.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Jefferson, Lancaster, Berlin, and
Deerfield during the past week.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on February 25
th.
A few FISH CROWS have been reported from Concord, Exeter, Dover, Durham,
Madbury, Newmarket, and Hampton during the past week. These have been
identified mainly by their vocalizations which sound different than
AMERICAN CROW vocalizations.
A WINTER WREN was reported from Hanover, and 1 was reported from Durham,
both on March 1st.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen at Mechanic Street in Gorham on February
23rd. A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Durham, and 1 was seen in
Dover, both on March 1st. A NORTHERN FLICKER was seen on Proctor Road in
Jaffrey on February 26th, and 1 was reported from Concord on the 25th.
A HERMIT THRUSH continues to be seen in Gilford, and was last reported on
March 1st.
A few blackbirds were starting to be seen during the past week, typical for
this time of year.
An archive of rare bird alerts is available at nhaudubon.org/rba. If you
have seen any rare birds recently you can leave a voicemail at (603)
224-9909, following the prompts on how to report a rare bird. You can also
send your sightings via email to <birdsetc...> Please put “Rare
Bird” in the subject line and include the location of the sighting and your
phone number.
*What is the Rare Bird Alert?*
The New Hampshire Rare Bird Alert is a list of birds that is posted,
usually on a weekly basis on NH Audubon’s website, and several public
websites. The primary goal of the list is to help bird watchers find
uncommon or rare birds that occur within the geographical boundaries of NH.
*What makes a bird rare?*
A bird may be considered rare if it’s outside its usual range, present at
an unusual time of year, or found in an unexpected part of the state. For
example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker in southern NH is expected, but one in
Coos County would be unusual. A Black-throated Blue Warbler in summer is
normal but in winter it would be rare. While a Roseate Spoonbill would be
rare in any season. To learn more, read “So You Think You Found a Rare
Bird? A Quick Guide to What Counts and How to Report It”
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/what-is-a-rare-bird-and-how-to-report-it/> on the *Joy of Birding.*
Thanks very much and good birding!
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 3/2/26 3:18 am From: 'evyn' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Blue birds and a red winged black bird
Very early RWBB! No white throated sparrows here.I have a flock of 25
bluebirds now! As I have no pets at the moment, I spend my pet budget on 10
LB boxes of mealworms. I wouldn't spoil them so much if the winter hadn't
been so hard.
On Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 9:22:28 AM UTC-5 Pam Weeks wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> The usual crowd of 6-10 Eastern Bluebirds are squabbling in the meal worm
> feeder, there are 7 Gold Finches at the thistle feeder, junkos, blue jays,
> white throated sparrows, mourning doves and starlings on the snow eating
> the sunflower seeds I scattered there.
>
> And to my amazement, one male red winged black bird.
>
> Also saw a red squirrel or a chipmunk yesterday. It was moving too fast
> away from me for me to be sure, but smaller than a gray with narrow tail
> held straight up.
>
> Happy Almost Spring!
>
> Pam Weeks
> Auburn, NH
>
Date: 3/1/26 6:22 am From: Pam Weeks <pamela.weeks...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue birds and a red winged black bird
Good morning,
The usual crowd of 6-10 Eastern Bluebirds are squabbling in the meal worm feeder, there are 7 Gold Finches at the thistle feeder, junkos, blue jays, white throated sparrows, mourning doves and starlings on the snow eating the sunflower seeds I scattered there.
And to my amazement, one male red winged black bird.
Also saw a red squirrel or a chipmunk yesterday. It was moving too fast away from me for me to be sure, but smaller than a gray with narrow tail held straight up.
Spent an hour along the Merrimack River on the Bedford Heritage Trail, off
the packed snow trail the snow depth was average 2 feet, no eagles and not
many species but observed in large numbers, eBird checklist
https://ebird.org/checklist/S304083575 with photos...
Mallard 48
Common Goldeneye 12
Rock Pigeon 7
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Observed at the birdfeeder setup in Nashua, Thursday Feb 25, a busy place
after the morning snowfall, eBird checklist
https://ebird.org/checklist/S303837733 with photos...
Red-Bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Black-Capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-Breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 1
European Starling 1
Eastern Bluebird 6
House Sparrow 3
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 2
Dark-Eyed Junco 8
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 4
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 2/24/26 4:23 am From: 'Evelyn Nathan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] backyard bird count
There was nothing to do during the blizzard yesterday but watch birds out of our windows, so I decided to do my own extra-numerary backyard bird count. The highlights were 30 juncos, 24 bluebirds, the oriole, (Shirley is still here) 25 goldfinches including a semi-leucistic one. I thought it was some new species and ran to get the camera but of course he was gone. He was a little smaller than the others, very noticeable black cap, and areas of white feathers.
This is the most bluebirds I’ve ever had at once. 13 is my usual count. I’m going broke on mealworms!
Evy Nathan
Kingston
Date: 2/23/26 11:32 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, February 23, 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, February 23rd,
2026.
A DOVEKIE was seen at Pulpit Rocks in Rye on February 22nd.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE and a RED-THROATED LOON were seen at Hilton Park in
Dover on February 21st and 22nd.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continued to be seen at the Lochmere Dam on
Silver Lake in Tilton and another male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continued to be
seen at the Granite Street Bridge on the Merrimack River in Manchester,
during the past week.
1-2 GADWALLS were seen at North Hampton State Beach and coastal Rye on
several days during the past week. A LESSER SCAUP was seen at Mine Falls
Park in Nashua on February 12th and 14th.
5 BUFFLEHEADS, a RING-NECKED DUCK, and a LESSER SCAUP were seen at Bridge
Street Park in Lebanon on several days during the past week.
2 BLACK VULTURES were seen at Bullard Drive in Lyndeborough on February 20th
.
A MERLIN was seen in Bethlehem on February 20th.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Rochester, 1 was seen in Dover, and 1 was
seen in Madbury, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Grafton on February 20th.
A flock of 120 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen at the Centerra parking lot in
Lebanon on February 21st.
82 EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Jefferson on February 18th, 32 were
reported from Berlin on the 21st, 23 were reported from Deerfield on the 17
th, and 14 were reported from Farmington on the 21st.
A PINE GROSBEAK was seen in New London on February 20th.
3 RED CROSSBILLS were reported from Wilmot on February 18th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on February 19th.
A FOX SPARROW was seen in Raymond on February 20th.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on February 20
th.,
An “IPSWICH” SAVANNAH SPARROW was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on
February 21st.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen in Andover on February 18th, and 1 was
seen in Sunapee on the 16th.
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Wilton on February 19th,
6 FISH CROWS were seen along Goffstown Road in Manchester, 2 were seen in
Epping, 2 were seen in Merrimack, 2 were seen in Durham, and several
singletons were seen in scattered locations, mainly in southeast NH.
A GRAY CATBIRD was seen at a private residence in Derry on February 18th,
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen at Mechanic Street in Gorham on February
20th.
A HERMIT THRUSH continues to be seen in Gilford, 1 was seen in Concord, and
1 was seen in Durham - all during the past week.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding!
Explore the birds of New Hampshire with *the Joy of Birding
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/>*, the new online home of *New
Hampshire Bird Records*. Produced by NH Audubon and supported by
volunteers, this free digital publication showcases birding stories, expert
insights, and seasonal highlights while supporting bird conservation and
community science across the state. Visit joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org to
learn more.
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 2/20/26 11:22 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Mine Falls Park
Late morning hike in Mine Falls Park, Nashua, a noisy place between the
traffic on Route 3 and construction of a housing development across the
Nashua River, probably better to visit at dawn when it's quiet, eBird
checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S302482993 with photos.
Mallard 6
Common Merganser 1
Rock Pigeon 9
Mourning Dove 3
Black-Capped Chickadee 3
American Robin 5
Northern Cardinal 1
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 2/19/26 5:16 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Thursday Afternoon on the Seacoast
Took advantage of the nice weather for a trip to the seacoast; a quick
half-hour stop at Rye Harbor followed by Odiorne. The snow cover is 1 to 2
feet deep, making the hike through Odiorne a challenge. Definitely
could've used spikes for the hard-pack trails or snowshoes to walk atop the
undisturbed snow. Spotted a flock of Robins at Odiorne, a sure sign of
spring.
Rye Harbor eBird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S302311254 with
photos
Common Eider 2
Surf Scoter 3
Bufflehead 2
Ring-Billed Gull 5
Common Loon 7
Odiorne State Park eBird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S302306581 with photos
American Wigeon 2
American Black Duck 8
Common Eider 5
Bufflehead 8
Common Goldeneye 2
Red-Breasted Merganser 4
Ring-Billed Gull 8
American Herring Gull 5
Double-Crested Cormorant 19
American Crow 4
Black-Capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 3
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 5
Snow Bunting 1
Song Sparrow 3
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 2/19/26 7:28 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jefferson Evening Grosbeaks
On Wednesday I counted 82 evening grosbeaks at our feeders. This number is down from previous weeks. The warmer weather is likely reducing their caloric needs. I also counted 9 pine siskins, 7 purple finches, and about 35 goldfinches. No pine grosbeaks seen at the feeders in the past week but I still see some along the roads and out in northern hardwood forests. We had 16 species for the weekend backyard bird count and that was a high number for the winter when we usually have 13 species. But I was around watching for four hours and picked up some species we don’t get everyday like brown creeper, raven, and Cooper’s hawk.
A friend told me he saw an evening grosbeak on one of his tray feeders just before sunrise and the bird was not moving and had its eyes closed. He thought the grosbeak was dead. He walked out and the bird took flight. It apparently was sleeping on the bird feeder.
Captured some nice images of a Northern Flicker perched at my birdfeeder
setup in Nashua, ebird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S302042801 It
was feeding on the suet, given not much opportunity to forage on the ground
with still over a foot of snow cover.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 1
Black-Capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-Breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 4
House Sparrow 2
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 2
Dark-Eyed Junco 6
Northern Cardinal 2
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
There was a Gray Catbird drinking from my heated deck bird bath this morning. First time I've seen one here in the winter. They usually arrive in late April to early May.
Date: 2/16/26 12:20 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert. New Hampshire, February 16. 2026
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, February 16th,
2026.
A DOVEKIE and a THICK-BILLED MURRE were seen at Odiorne Point State Park
and Pulpit Rocks in Rye on February 15th & 16th.
A KING EIDER was seen along the coast at Odiorne Point State Park and
Pulpit Rocks in Rye on February 10th-15th.
A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen at the Lochmere Dam on
Silver Lake in Tilton and was last reported on February 14th, and 1 was
seen near the Granite Street Bridge on the Merrimack River in Manchester on
February 15th.
A GADWALL was seen at North Hampton State Beach and coastal Rye on several
days during the past week. A LESSER SCAUP was seen at Mine Falls Park in
Nashua on February 12th and 14th.
7 BUFFLEHEADS and a RING-NECKED DUCK were seen at Bridge Street Park in
Lebanon on February 15th.
A GREAT CORMORANT was seen on the Merrimack River near Stark Landing in
Manchester on February 14th.
A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
February 9th-14th.
2 BLACK VULTURES were seen at Gilman Park in Exeter on February 12th.
3 TURKEY VULTURES were seen in Rindge on February 14th, and 1 was seen in
Mason on the 15th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen soaring over Exeter on February 13th.
A NORTHERN HARRIER was seen along the Androcoggin River near Mechanic
Street in Gorham on February 11th.
A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was seen in Rochester and 1 was seen in Madbury, both
during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on Old Dublin Road in Hancock on February 12th.
150 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen at the Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary in Conway on
February15th.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of over 120+ in Jefferson.
3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on February 12th.
A flock of 26 SNOW BUNTINGS was seen at Evans Flats Trail in Peterborough
on February 15th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at 26 Elm Street in Wolfeboro on February 14th.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was seen at the UNH Cow Barns in Durham on February 9th.
2 FOX SPARROWS were seen in Londonderry, 1 was seen in Raymond, and 1 was
seen in Epping, all during the last week.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on February 10
th, 12th. and 15th.
A CHIPPING SPARROW was seen in Weare, and a SWAMP SPARROW was seen in
Surry, both on February 14th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen in Harrisville on February 14th, and 1 was
seen in Sunapee on the 16th.
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Rochester on February 12th, and 1
was seen in Durham on the 15th.
A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen in Durham on February 15th.
A FISH CROW was seen at the HillTop Mall parking lot in Derry on February 14
th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Groveton on February 15th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen at Mechanic Street in Gorham on February
14th, and 1 was seen on Second Street in Colebrook on the 15th.
A NORTHERN FLICKER was seen in Jaffrey on February 7th.
A HERMIT THRUSH continues to be seen in Gilford, 1 was seen in Lebanon, and
1 was seen in Durham - all during the past week.
2 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen along the coast on February 11th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen in Kingston on February 14th and 15th.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding!
Explore the birds of New Hampshire with *the Joy of Birding
<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/>*, the new online home of *New
Hampshire Bird Records*. Produced by NH Audubon and supported by
volunteers, this free digital publication showcases birding stories, expert
insights, and seasonal highlights while supporting bird conservation and
community science across the state. Visit joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org to
learn more.
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Date: 2/14/26 6:09 pm From: F Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] FOY Fish crow, Derry
I heard, then saw a fish crow on lightpost in Derry Meadows Shops mall parking lot at 35 Manchester Rd. Have seen them there in previous years. No mistaking that call!
Date: 2/14/26 12:40 pm From: Tom Momeyer <tom...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Snow buntings in Peterborough
Fyi, a friend reported 24 snow buntings today at the same location. Best
view is to drive on Evans Road, Peterborough, to the end and continue into
the circular drive leading to Evans Flats trailhead. When halfway around
the circle look to the large plowed grassy area with lage pushed up snow at
the right side of the cleared area. The snow buntings have been foraging in
the exposed grass and soil areas for the past two days - may be hit or miss
as to when they're present. They sometimes fly up as a group, circle the
clearing, landscapes on utility wires, and go back to the ground to forage.
Someone emailed me and said that the reason they don't show up in an eBird
Species maps search is due to Hillsborough County having an eBird filter
set to allow 20 or fewer numbers 'go through' for this time of year and for
higher than 20 (I had 21 yesterday, someone else had 24 today) it triggers
an eBird reviewer requirement. They noted backlogs in review work lasting
quite long in some cases. So, apparently any number count higher than the
filter setting sits quietly, hidden, and unknown to the general eBird user
and may be accessible to people with higher levels of access to eBird data.
Tom Momeyer
Peterborough, NH
On Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:07:50 PM UTC-5 Tom Momeyer wrote:
> Fyi... 21 snow buntings today at/adjacent to Evans Flats trailhead, Evans
> Road, Peterborough today, in a large grassed area where the town plows the
> snow (some exposed soil). Reported to eBird right away, on site. Using
> eBird species maps this evening, they don't show, but other species
> reported do. I counted carefully by binoculars on the ground and on a
> nearby utility wire scanning carefully and there were no horned larks or
> lapland longspurs.
>
> Someone told me there is a filter on eBird for anything over 20 that a
> reviewer has to approve. That sounds 'fishy' to me, as there was no alert
> of high count using the mobile app. Sibley shows our area as normal winter
> range. I've counted over 100 in a previous year a Rt Hampton Beach SP and a
> lot higher than 20 at Pinnacle Equipment near the CT River.
>
> Why would the snow buntings report of snow buntings not show on eBird
> species maps?
>
> Tom Momeyer
> PPeterborough, NH
>
>
Date: 2/13/26 7:07 pm From: Tom Momeyer <tom...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snow buntings in Peterborough
Fyi... 21 snow buntings today at/adjacent to Evans Flats trailhead, Evans Road, Peterborough today, in a large grassed area where the town plows the snow (some exposed soil). Reported to eBird right away, on site. Using eBird species maps this evening, they don't show, but other species reported do. I counted carefully by binoculars on the ground and on a nearby utility wire scanning carefully and there were no horned larks or lapland longspurs. Someone told me there is a filter on eBird for anything over 20 that a reviewer has to approve. That sounds 'fishy' to me, as there was no alert of high count using the mobile app. Sibley shows our area as normal winter range. I've counted over 100 in a previous year a Rt Hampton Beach SP and a lot higher than 20 at Pinnacle Equipment near the CT River. Why would the snow buntings report of snow buntings not show on eBird species maps? Tom Momeyer PPeterborough, NH
Date: 2/13/26 11:12 am From: <pkursewicz...> Subject: [NHBirds] Northern Harrier
Yesterday's timing was good in order to see a Northern Harrier eating its prey (we believe it was a rabbit) close to the parking lot. We watched for about 3 minutes. It then took its prey and flew towards the dunes.
