Date: 1/18/21 3:11 pm From: <mrsuomala...> <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 18, 2021
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 18th,
2021.
During the Corona virus outbreak NH Audubon encourages you to enjoy birding
safely; please follow travel and social distance recommendations from state
and federal authorities.
A SAGE THRASHER continues to be seen along the trail at the north end of
the Hinsdale Setbacks along the Connecticut River, and was last reported on
January 16th.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues to be seen in trees along Jordan Road
between #175 and #205 in Keene and was last reported on January 18th.
Another RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues to be seen in trees along fields on
Old Concord Road in Henniker, and was last reported on the 15th. There was
also 1 reported from near Dimond Hill Farm at 314 Hopkinton Road in Concord
on January 13th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen near Goodrum’s Crossing Road along Route 63 in
Westmoreland, and 1 was seen at the Strafford County Farm Complex in Dover,
both on January 17th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at the Community Gardens on Birch Street in
Concord on January 14th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen in North Haverhill on January 15th. A flock of
60
SNOW BUNTINGS was seen in Warren on January 15th.
3 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in
Manchester on January 18th, and 1 was seen below Sewall’s Falls on the
Merrimack River in Concord on the 17th. Another BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen
off of Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on the 16th and 17th.
A NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen in Portsmouth on January 12th, and 1 was seen
in Exeter on the 17th. A RUDDY DUCK was seen in Exeter on January 13th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen on Lake Winnipesaukee from Lake Shore Park in
Gilford on January 15th.
3 DOVEKIES, and a probable THICK-BILLED MURRE were seen along the coast on
January 16th, and12 RAZORBILLS were seen in coastal Rye on the 14th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in Rye Harbor, and 1 was seen in Hampton Harbor,
both on January 16th. 2 ICELAND GULLS were seen at Odiorne Point State
Park, and 1 was seen at Rye Harbor State Park, all on the 16th. 8
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES and 6 NORTHERN GANNETS were seen off of coastal Rye
on the 16th.
A flock of 65 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen in Jefferson on January 13th, a
flock of 15 was seen in Peterborough on the 18th, and a flock of 9 was seen
in Jaffrey on the 15th.
PINE GROSBEAK sightings during the past week included 15 in Keene, 11 in
New London, 8 in Concord, 9 in Rochester, 9 in Stratham, and 8 in Gilford.
Smaller numbers were reported from scattered locations.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 35 in
Nelson, 30 at Pack Monadnock, 17 in Swanzey, and 13 in Penacook. RED
CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 15 in Swanzey, 12 in
Hinsdale, and 12 in Hancock. Smaller numbers of both CROSSBILL species were
reported from scattered locations during the past week.
Single HOARY REDPOLLS were seen in Errol, Hollis, and Swanzey, and there
continue to be scattered sightings of COMMON REDPOLLS from around the
state, all during the past week.
54 TURKEY VULTURES were seen at a roosting site in Exeter on January 18th.
Late-migrating species reported during the past week included; SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN. RED-SHOULDERED
HAWK, NORTHERN FLICKER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, EASTERN TOWHEE, HERMIT
THRUSH, OVENBIRD, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, LINCOLN’S SPARROW,
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, GRAY CATBIRD, RUSTY
BLACKBIRD, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, and FISH CROW.
New Hampshire Audubon’s Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.
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
Thanks very much and good birding.
Subscribe to New Hampshire Bird Records – learn more about birds and birding
in New Hampshire: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft? Windows? and Linux web and application
hosting - https://link.myhosting.com/myhosting
Date: 1/18/21 3:07 pm From: S. Lewis <samlewis100...> Subject: [NHBirds] Common Merganser- Exeter
I took a socially distant walk with my mom through Swazey Park this afternoon and there were three common merganser (Mergansers? Mergansi?) in the river. Two drakes and one hen. It seems a little early for them to return, but we're not having much in the way of winter so it is understandable. Also observed: Great Blue Heron (on the lawn at the far end of the park near the stream) -1 Bluebirds -5 or 6 Turkey Vultures (vulturii?) - 4 Sharp-shin Hawk - 1
No shoveler, though the mallards were in the far side and it was getting dark. Nice male ring necked duck in with scaup and bufflehead in the upper pond. Roger Stephenson Stratham
Date: 1/18/21 7:14 am From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rough-legged Hawk in Westmoreland
I found a light morph Rough-legged Hawk at around 4 pm yesterday along Rt. 63 in Westmoreland. The bird was perched near the top of a short tree (in typical fashion for this species) in front of #158 Rt. 63 about 400 feet north of the junction with Goodrums Crossing Rd. It flushed shortly after I saw it and flew east across the road into a complex of fields where this species has been observed regularly in past winters.
Phil BrownHancock, NH
Date: 1/18/21 2:55 am From: <rsuomala2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barrow's Goldeneye, Concord and Manchester
A female was at Sewall's Falls in Concord yesterday just down river from the parking area on Sewalls Falls Rd. It was with 3 Commons and the group eventually flew down river. A male was at Stark Landing in Manchester with about 40 Commons. Becky SuomalaConcord, NH
The exciting staging and roosting action continues around the Winter Crow Roost in Lawrence! Great to see more visitors coming to take in this breathtaking avian spectacle!
Two new videos posted with first one showing staging, streaming, rooftop action, and an inside look at the roost after dark with dynamic night vision optics:
A group of 7 Hooded mergansers, 3 male, 4 female I believe, visit often at high tide in the marsh that abuts my backyard to the Squamscot River in Stratham.
Date: 1/17/21 10:39 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Penacook Survey squeeks in another record
I didn't think it was going to happen, when after 3 hours this morning the Penacook Survey stood at 28 species, well short of the mid-January record of 32. But as I crossed back to the island on Island Road, a redtail flew over and ushered in a flurry of adds that put me over the top: Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper (about time), Hooded Merganser, and WT Sparrow (which would have been a terrible one to miss). Yep, that's 33. Other highlights were the expected crossbills, redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, and RB Nuthatches, plus a bonus GC Kinglet in the same area along Bog Rd where I had one on Xmas Eve. These little guys have definitely been scarce this winter. Sparrows were scarce, with only 13 juncos, the aforementioned whitethroat, and no trees (I stopped expecting Songs this winter several weeks ago).
Stay tuned next week, when we'll see if I can beat the LATE January record - which also stands at 32. The real question will be whether I can beat it two weekends in a row!
Pam Hunt
Penacook
P.S. In tangential news, I just saw the Concord Community Gardens shrike - but not in the main part of the gardens. It was in the strip of garden plots along Clinton Street.
Date: 1/16/21 2:50 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Coast (Dovekies, Barrow's, ANOTHER (?) Semipalmated Plover
A strong, but quick hitting storm hit late last night and into the
afternoon, but then cleared. Winds howling at up to 40 knots out of the
ESE. Rain stopped or let up by about noon leaving good visibility.
Highlights:
DOVEKIE - 1 on water off Great Boar's Head. Then later 2 flybys at
Ragged Neck in Rye with Jason Lambert and Chris Duffy.
MURRE SP. - 1 very close flyby with full hood at Ragged Neck that I
didn't get on until it had passed. Jason seemed to think a Thick-billed.
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE - 8 distant flybys at Ragged Neck.
NORTHERN GANNET - 6 at Ragged Neck.
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE - 1 female with bright orange bill at Odiorne. Likely
the same bird being reported by Stuart Varney recently.
ICELAND GULL - 2 at Odiorne and another at Ragged neck
GLAUCOUS GULL - 1 immature at Ragged Neck and THE adult at Seabrook.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - 1 at Hampton Beach State Park!? First reported by
Leo McKillop, Jane and I found it later in the afternoon. Not 100%
sure, but it appears that
this bird is a first winter and DIFFERENT from the Rye bird. However, we
did not see the Rye harbor bird.
Date: 1/16/21 1:48 pm From: Phillip <phillip...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: ID help requested
That's an immature Cooper's Hawk. The skinny teardrop breast streaks are your best clue, likewise the pale nape, and graduated (rounded) tail feathers say Coopers Hawk. Adults have grayer heads backs, and wings, w/reddish barred chests and red eyes.
On Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 9:28:06 AM UTC-5 Edward Larrabee wrote:
Date: 1/16/21 6:28 am From: Edward Larrabee <Edward_Larrabee...> Subject: [NHBirds] ID help requested
Friday, Claire and I visited Plum Island (a legendary part of south-eastern NH) and met the bird in these pictures. Sibley and Google cannot clearly indicate its species. I appeal to bird experts everywhere for help.
Date: 1/16/21 6:12 am From: sallie barker <salliebarker...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks in New London
There are still plenty of Pine Grosbeaks in NL on the Colby Sawyer College campus. They are in the woods/fruit trees behind The Lodge. 10 females and one male were mixed in with about 13 robins earlier in the week - and then they were mostly on their own by the end of the week. There is still plenty of fruit on the trees, so hopefully they will stay around for a while. Hope they will leave some fruit for the waxwings! Sallie Barker
Date: 1/15/21 10:55 am From: Alex Lamoreaux <aslamoreaux...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Keene mockingbird (and woodpecker viewing question).
Joshua and others,
You can temporarily pull off the road as far as safely possible on the same side of the street at 197 Jordan Road. The homeowners there are friends of Lauren (who found the bird) and know about the woodpecker and are expecting birders to be in the area and briefly parking on their property. Above all, be safe and yea - try to avoid the ditches!
-Alex
On Fri, Jan 15, 2021 at 1:37 PM Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> wrote:
Their is a mockingbird in the crabapple trees at People's United Bank in Keene. He just chased off a flock of starlings.
Also, for people seeking the Red Headed Woodpecker seen on Jordan Rd where do you park? It is all peoples properties and the free roadside areas have a drainage ditch.
Date: 1/15/21 9:56 am From: <mccoskren...> Subject: [NHBirds] Long Tailed Duck Gilford
Just seen a Long Tailed Duck feeding with Common Goldeneye and Common Mergansers in Lake Winni. off the beach at Lake Shore Park In Gilford. This was at 1;00P.M. Had the scope on it for about 10 minutes. the lake is dead calm.Very unusual for this time of year.
Mike Coskren
Date: 1/15/21 8:51 am From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: [NHBirds] Peterborough Finches
In Peterborough, on Kauffman Dr., there is a ninety degree bend in the road at the top of the hill. It overlooks a draw behind a culdesac on Cheney ave. It’s a good place for birds, Kauffman and Cheney.
This morning there were no less than 9 evening grosbeaks feeding on tent caterpillar nests, among other things. There were also several dozen pine siskins. I could hear an enormous roar of birds from somewhere in the draw. Best I could tell, they were mostly siskins with EVGR and maybe waxwings too.
Also a purple finch. That’s a reasonably good bird for this birder, this year.
NH Audubon has received a report with a credible description of a Red-headed Woodpecker seen on Jan 13th just below Diamond Hill Farm in Concord. The bird, which "had a solid red head and neck with black and white on its back" flew across the road from the right and landed in a tree at the side of the road. There is no photo available. The person reporting the sighting is familiar with pileateds and red-bellies and gets them in her yard frequently. Happy hunting!
After trying many times, I finally saw the Northern Shrike that has been reported at the Birch St. Community Gardens. It was working the hedgerow between the gardens and the fields to the west. Becky Suomala Concord, NH
Date: 1/14/21 10:40 am From: Aaronian, Richard S. <raaronian...> Subject: [NHBirds] Coast
David Gulick and I spent a few hours this morning on the coast from Rye Harbor to Odiorne’s. Nice conditions: flat sea, little wind but a bit foggy offshore. Expected species observed along with the following:
Razorbill 12
Red-necked Grebe 2
Horned Lark 1 (on sand at Concord Point)
Great Cormorant 5
Belted Kingfisher 1 (on wire just south of Rye Harbor)
Date: 1/14/21 5:23 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lawrence MA Winter Crow Roost Jan 11 &13
Report of crow numbers We were out on Monday evening with four other ladies. We started in the New Balance parking lot. The crows started to come in singly and head over the 202 building (the brick building on the east side of So. Union St.) We decided to go to the top of the parking garage and found they were staging in the treetops far to the east south east many in North Andover. Later vast flocks came in from the east, south east and then those from the west - NW and SW flocks too joined them with not many in the O'Connell Common trees. After sunset they began to swirl in large flocks flying towards the clock tower and then around and a round. We went down to the street and looked up. Many, many different swirling flocks each flock of maybe a thousand birds. - over Merrimack St., over South Union St. It is now quite dark and some start to settle down on the flat roof of the R&D building. Bob and the ladies went back up to the top of the garage. I walked back to the car and saw some trickling into the roost while they had 15,000+ still on the roof. NO WAY YOU COULD COUNT THEM SYSTEMATICALLY.
Last night with Bob Quinn from NH we went there. Again, the early single birds trickled over to North Andover. We even tried to find them in NA. Back to the garage. Small numbers heading east south east, then the migrant flocks from the east and south east. The western birds were visible far to the west, some in trees, many landing on what we think was the ice not coming towards us though. After sunset, the birds from the west came towards un in vast flocks heading towards the commons. The SE birds moved towards the commons. Pure mayhem followed as thousands of birds in so many different flocks circled around some going all the way to the north side of the river beyond Rt. 28. Later under darkness you could see a few settling down in the roost going way up towards the Casey Bridge but most still in the air. Then thousands dropped onto the far R&D roof and stayed there.. When we left at 5:10 pm. Again, no way to systematically count them as we had on December 19th. Bob Quinn and Bob Fox BOTH *estimated* there were OVER 20,000 BIRDS. A few Fish Crows were heard flying over in one flock, none id while they were sitting. Do pland to visit the roost by the end of February before the birds begin to head north or stay on their nesting territory. Let me know if you would like to get directions or have a guided tour. Dana Duxbury-Fox and Bob Fox North Andover, MA <dana.fox1939...>
Date: 1/13/21 5:58 pm From: Cook Anderson <hca314...> Subject: [NHBirds] American Robins
Encountered a flock of American Robins, 20+, feeding on the Bradford Pear fruit here at the Laconia Taylor Community. I looked at these birds carefully and noted a few were "Newfies".
We saw the bird at 1:40 pm. Parked at the North parking lot as recommended by many. Then walked North onto the rail trail for about 100 yards to where a small stream is with orange poles in the ground. It stayed in that area and at one point came very close us. I won't be able to post my photos to eBird until tomorrow. But I did create the below album in google photos. There were also a pair of Bald Eagles high in a tree across the water.
Date: 1/13/21 7:39 am From: RUTH WHITE <RBWHITE117...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red poles
Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App Flocks of red poles are still in the Hilltop Place area in New London . There are usually 2 Hoary Red Poles with them.
Date: 1/13/21 2:23 am From: bikenbird via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER***NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday January 13, 2021 7:30 pm Zoom Program - Pelagic Birds and Wildlife of the Gulf of Maine ***
New HampshireAudubon Seacoast Chapter
Wednesday January13, 2021 7:30 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) Zoom Program: Pelagic Birds andWildlife of the Gulf of Maine Join Steve Mirick, long time active NHbirder and leader of many pelagic bird trips, for an exploration of the birdsand assorted marine life encountered off the NH coastline in the Gulf of Maine.Learn why this area is so important for marine life and how pelagic birds haveadapted to a life at sea. Bio: Steve Mirick has been birding in theState of NH for over 35 years. He was the former fall editor for NH BirdRecords and is the author of Birding the New Hampshire Seacoast and Great Bay.He has led countless field trips along the NH coast, has led many pelagic birdtrips off the coastline and is the moderator of this NHBirds Google Group. All are welcome to attend our Wednesday January 13, 2021 program via Zoom. The Zoom program Meeting begins at 7:30 PM,but feel free to sign on early after 7 pm to socialize. You may need todownload Zoom (https://zoom.us/download)to attend the program. Please register in advance for this meeting. You can register right up through the start time:https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErdOqrqjIiGddYw7pQV4MZsThlj1EmyUkv After registering, you will receive aconfirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For more information see our web site athttp://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs. Cancellations will be announced onhttp://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group. Al Stewart, Jr.
Date: 1/12/21 7:32 pm From: Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher still in Hinsdale.
After six trips looking for it I finally found the Sage Thrasher. He landed in a bush right in front of me, standing at alert before flying to a bush on the other side of the path to feed.
Date: 1/12/21 4:09 pm From: Marc Beerman <oldmanphoto22...> Subject: [NHBirds] Cedar Waxwings
A flock of 20+ Cedar Waxwings was in Hanover at the NH/VT border at the Ledyard Free Bridge around 12:15 this afternoon. Flock flew south almost immediately.
First picture - flock of 20+ in tree Second picture - close up of Cedar Waxwing
Date: 1/12/21 11:45 am From: Richard Frechette <frechette7...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hoary Redpoll
Still at Woodmont in Hollis. Seen with 40 to 50 Common Redpolls at the edge of the peach orchard on the hill. Excellent views on it on snow as well as perched on a low branch. Stayed in view for prolonged study. Rich Frechette
Date: 1/11/21 9:20 pm From: Alex Lamoreaux <aslamoreaux...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jan 10th Pelagic Birding Summary
Thanks to the tip-off from Zeke Cornell that January 10th would be the last outing this winter with Eastman's charters, Lauren diBiccari and I arrived at the dock at 630am Sunday morning ready to head out into the frigid wind for our first New Hampshire pelagic. We were excited to meet fellow birder Chris Duffy on board, and a boatload of fisherman seemed confused why the three of us would ever want to stand in the wind and salt-spray on the top deck just to look at seagulls... nonetheless, we set off with smiling faces.
Here's a quick summary of our trip, with links to eBird checklists/photos:
In the harbor an adult (Glockenspiel) and 1st-winter Glaucous Gull were mixed with the Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. https://ebird.org/checklist/S79037288
7:10am to 9:25am were spent motoring 31 miles slowly but steadily east to Jeffrey's Ledge. We passed about 4 miles south of the Isles of Shoals. The ocean conditions were rough, with choppy seas (average 4 meter swells, and a few bigger waves), and strong winds tossing spray up onto the top deck. Clear, sunny skies were a silver lining however, and we did our best scanning and started spotting Razorbill and Common Murre 9 miles from shore. Our first Dovekie were spotted 22 miles from shore, then they became abundant after 25 miles. Black-legged Kittiwakes joined the gulls behind the boat at 12 miles offshore, and we only noted adults. Four Iceland Gulls came and went behind the boat, although one 1st-winter bird with 2 missing tail feathers latched onto us early and stayed with us for literally the entire day. A 1st-winter Glaucous Gull briefly followed us around 30 miles offshore just before we reached the ledge. We spotted our first Northern Fulmar 19 miles offshore, and then another one 28 miles offshore. The majority of these pelagic sightings were technically in Maine waters. https://ebird.org/checklist/S79037634
From 9:30am to 1:10pm we covered ~11 miles up on Jeffrey's Ledge where the wave action was much more calm and the wind speed died down. We were in Maine waters (according to nearest point of land) for this entire time. We moved steadily south on the ledge and made at least 3 dedicated stops so that fisherman aboard could try for Haddock. They were very successful in catching Haddock, and notable bycatch included many Atlantic Cod, at least 5 Longhorn Sculpin, and at least 1 beautiful Acadian Redfish. Chris took some Haddock home for soup, and told me he found a juvenile Red Hake in the stomach of a Haddock. On the bird front, the only waterfowl seen were a single group of 4 female Common Eider, single group of 3 White-winged Scoter, and a lone female Long-tailed Duck. Alcids were abundant, especially Dovekie. We kept careful count and had 157 Dovekie, 31 Common Murre, 25 Razorbill, and 29 unidentified large alcid (Razorbill/Common Murre). Chris had brief views of a distant Atlantic Puffin. Around 12-15 Black-legged Kittiwake were constantly surrounding the boat, plus ~45 others were seen moving generally northward in small groups. All kittiwakes were adults. At least 6 Northern Fulmar were spotted, and all were light type. The fulmar were a mix of fresh juveniles and molting adults. Four adult Northern Gannets put on a nice show. A small group of Short-beaked Common Dolphin were seen by Chris just as we left the ledge. https://ebird.org/checklist/S79037714
From 1:15pm to 3:30pm we motored steadily west back to Hampton Inlet. For this leg of the trip we were about 6 miles south of the Isles of Shoals and solidly within New Hampshire waters. We picked up another 52 Dovekie and 5 Common Murre, but they were all further than 20 miles offshore. Thirteen Razorbill and 14 unidentified large alcid (Razorbill/Common Murre) were peppered along the entire route back. At 17 miles offshore Chris spotted 2 Atlantic Puffins! A lifer for Lauren! Both were probable adult males by bill size and color. The second bird was so engorged on fish that it was unable to fly away from the boat. At 10 miles from shore I spotted another distant puffin. Among 55 kittiwakes, we spotted our one and only juvenile of the entire day. At least 150 Herring and 80 Great Black-backed Gulls trailed behind the boat, and mixed with them were 2 Glaucous and 2 Iceland Gulls. Our final Northern Fulmar of the day was 23 miles offshore. https://ebird.org/checklist/S79038302
Entering the inlet, there was a nice collection of Harbor Seals lounging on the rocks and we again had the standard assortment of seaducks plus 1 Red-necked Grebe. Chris spotted an adult Peregrine feasting on some unfortunate bird. https://ebird.org/checklist/S79038380
Overall a really wonderful day on the sea, with some great birds and fun times! I can't wait until the boat starts going back out in March (if we are still around). Thanks to Chris for his company on board!
Dovekie 241 Common Murre 55 Razorbill 45 large Alcid sp 61 Atlantic Puffin 4
Date: 1/11/21 3:14 pm From: <mrsuomala...> <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 11, 2021
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 11th,
2021.
During the Corona virus outbreak NH Audubon encourages you to enjoy birding
safely; please follow travel and social distance recommendations from state
and federal authorities.
A TOWNSEND’S WARBLER that was first reported at birdfeeders in Derry on
December 30th, continues to be seen there, and was last reported on January
11th.
A SAGE THRASHER continues to be seen along the trail at the north end of
the Hinsdale Setbacks along the Connecticut River, and was last reported on
January 10th.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues to be seen in trees along Jordan Road
between #175 and #205 in Keene and was last reported on January 10th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen in Concord on January 5th.
4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS and several HORNED LARKS were seen in fields along Mace
Hill Road in North Haverhill on January 7th. A flock of at least 25 SNOW
BUNTINGS was seen at the Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Plant on January
10th.
Single NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen in Concord, Moultonborough, Milan, and
Pittsburg, all during the past week.
3 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen on the Merrimack River in Manchester on
January 10th, and 1 was seen on the Androscoggin River in Errol on the 9th.
A REDHEAD was seen on the south side of Great Bay on January 6th.
A NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen in Portsmouth, and 1 was seen in Exeter, both
on January 10th. A GADWALL was seen at Widow Harris Brook in Salem on
January 10th.
A LESSER SCAUP was seen on Spofford Lake in Chesterfield on January 10th,
and a BLACK SCOTER was seen on the Androscoggin River in Gorham on January
6th.
A DOUBLE-CRESTED COMORANT was seen on Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford on
January 6th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continues to be seen in Hampton Harbor and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye.
About 500 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen in Gorham during the past week.
68 EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Jefferson on January 8th, and
smaller numbers were reported from scattered locations.
PINE GROSBEAK sightings during the past week included 24 in Somersworth, 30
in Concord, 22 in Epping, 20 in Nashua, 14 in Exeter, 12 in Rochester, 10
in Strafford, and 11 in Gilford. Smaller numbers were reported from
scattered locations.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 20 in
Greenfield, and 8 in Concord. RED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week
included 14 in Swanzey, and 12 in Hancock. Smaller numbers of both
CROSSBILL species were reported from scattered locations during the past
week.
Single HOARY REDPOLLS were seen in Errol, Pittsfield, Hinsdale, Hollis, and
New London, and there continue to be scattered sightings of COMMON REDPOLLS
from around the state, all during the past week.
37 TURKEY VULTURES were seen roosting together in Exeter on January 7th.
Birders on a boat trip out of Hampton reported: 48 DOVEKIES, 21 COMMON
MURRES, 7 RAZORBILLS, 3 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, 5 BLACK GUILLEMOTS, 7 NORTHERN
FULMARS, 83 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 3 ICELAND GULLS, a GLAUCOUS GULL, and
8 NORTHERN GANNETS, and a THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen along the coast in
North Hampton, all on January 8th.
Late-migrating species reported during the past week included; SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WILSON’S SNIPE, AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN.
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, NORTHERN FLICKER, YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKER, WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, GRAY CATBIRD, RUSTY BLACKBIRD,
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, and FISH CROW.
New Hampshire Audubon’s Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.
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
Thanks very much and good birding.
Subscribe to New Hampshire Bird Records – learn more about birds and birding
in New Hampshire: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers.
I agree with Carol, camo clothing is not necessary and overly intimidating in these times. I don’t blame neighbors for calling police. And for each police response for this complaint, they could be more productive in catching legitimate bad guys elsewhere!
Date: 1/11/21 2:27 pm From: Carol Foss <cfoss...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] Concerns expressed over Gorham Hotspot
I would also strongly suggest that birders NOT wear camouflage clothing when birding in developed areas, given current tensions. One thing when out on trails and trying to blend in with the forest, but not particularly effective and definitely attention-getting in urban and suburban habitats.
Carol
-----Original Message-----
From: <nhbirds...> [mailto:<nhbirds...>] On Behalf Of David Govatski
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 5:23 PM
To: <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Concerns expressed over Gorham Hotspot
Hi Everyone:
A Gorham resident sent me an email expressing concern about an eBird Hotspot on Mechanic Street in Gorham. This location is a good place to see Bohemian Waxwings at this time of year. Fortunately it was not a concern over bad behavior, but instead a concern over who these people (birders) were. I asked Rebecca Suomala and Steve Mirick for advice and they suggested I post this message because the Gorham concern is something that may be occurring elsewhere.
This is an extract of the concern. “Yesterday a neighbor saw some folks in camo with long lens cameras, walking down the street. They were birders looking for waxwings, red belly woodpeckers, etc. But the neighbor did not know them or that they were birders.
She had seen some truck with political flags racing up and down Main Street last Wednesday and put two and two together. So she called police who came and chatted with the birders. So it’s probably wise to post something on eBird and let birders know they should identify as birders and be a bit cautious about getting neighbors worried.”
My impression is that local residents don’t know how these waxwings and others birds are of such interest to birders. So if you see a resident just explain that you are looking for rare birds to reassure them. There is parking on Main Street too. Just glad that this is not a bad behavior issue and instead a perception issue to non-birders. I will see if we can let the local paper know about the birds and birders and that will help too. Birders are good for business is a positive thing. Thanks everyone for reading this. Reply to me offline if you have any questions or suggestions.
Date: 1/11/21 2:23 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Concerns expressed over Gorham Hotspot
Hi Everyone:
A Gorham resident sent me an email expressing concern about an eBird Hotspot on Mechanic Street in Gorham. This location is a good place to see Bohemian Waxwings at this time of year. Fortunately it was not a concern over bad behavior, but instead a concern over who these people (birders) were. I asked Rebecca Suomala and Steve Mirick for advice and they suggested I post this message because the Gorham concern is something that may be occurring elsewhere.
This is an extract of the concern. “Yesterday a neighbor saw some folks in camo with long lens cameras, walking down the street. They were birders looking for waxwings, red belly woodpeckers, etc. But the neighbor did not know them or that they were birders.
She had seen some truck with political flags racing up and down Main Street last Wednesday and put two and two together. So she called police who came and chatted with the birders. So it’s probably wise to post something on eBird and let birders know they should identify as birders and be a bit cautious about getting neighbors worried.”
My impression is that local residents don’t know how these waxwings and others birds are of such interest to birders. So if you see a resident just explain that you are looking for rare birds to reassure them. There is parking on Main Street too. Just glad that this is not a bad behavior issue and instead a perception issue to non-birders. I will see if we can let the local paper know about the birds and birders and that will help too. Birders are good for business is a positive thing. Thanks everyone for reading this. Reply to me offline if you have any questions or suggestions.
Date: 1/11/21 1:59 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Ipswich Savannah Sparrow? I believe
Yes. This is an "Ipswich Sparrow". A subspecies or race of the
Savannah Sparrow. They have a restricted breeding range where they nest
ONLY on Sable Island, Nova Scotia; however, I believe they breed with
regular Savannah Sparrows on the mainland in Nova Scotia creating
intergrades.
They are regular in fall migration and more rarely in mid-winter along
the NH Seacoast. They are most often found along the immediate
shoreline east of Rt. 1A.
They are identified by their overall pale frosty appearance as compared
to the "regular" Savannah Sparrow.
Date: 1/11/21 12:28 pm From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ipswich Savannah Sparrow? I believe
I believe this is correct, I saw a pair of them on Seabrook Harbor Beach this morning. I am not the best at identifying little birds....lol. It just does not look the same as a Savannah more buff colored, or maybe just winter colors?
Date: 1/11/21 12:06 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] 23 Spruce Grouse in the Baraga Plains
OK, it’s not NH, so sue me. An observer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
recently reported finding 23 Spruce Grouse in a 200 yard stretch along a
rural road near Baraga, MI. He speculated that they were there for easy
access to grit in the form of the sand put down by road crews.
I once found six Spruce Grouse in the Kirtland’s Warbler area near Mio,
MI.I had stopped by an extensive jack pine stand to look for Black-backed
Woodpecker, but when I discovered grouse tracks I went in search of the
makers. There were three species possibilities. It was not until today that
I realized why they might have been so close to that road.
The suspension of territoriality by Spruce Grouse in winter allows them to
concentrate on eating. They consume prodigious quantities of the buds of
jack pine, spruce and fir. They are one of the few bird species to GAIN
weight in wintertime.
This suggests that observers in both New Hampshire and Maine may want to
investigate grouse habitat close to grit sources.
Date: 1/11/21 11:34 am From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] E. Thetford Common Redpolls Monday Afternoon
A flock of 75+/- individuals was observed foraging among a vegetable field's stubble about a half mile south of Cedar Circle Farm on Pavillion road about 1:00 pm.
Date: 1/11/21 7:30 am From: David Blezard <dblezard...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lingering Blackbirds - Lee NH
I have been walking the fields at our house on Riverside Farm Drive in Lee weekly. It is something I hope to keep going throughout the year.
Both last week and this one I have been rewarded with blackbirds in with the flock of starlings. Last week I only picked out Red-winged Blackboards, but this week I found both Red-wings and Brown-headed Cowbirds.
In total, I saw 3 male and 2 female Red-winged Blackbirds and 4 male and 1 female Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Date: 1/10/21 5:01 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Circumnavigation of Coos County
Greetings all,
Unity and I took a two-day trip up north this weekend with excellent results. We started Saturday morning at Trudeau Road, which was beautiful but fairly quiet with 8 species. Continuing onward, after finding nothing around the Whitefield Airport, we headed north along Hazen Drive toward Route 116, when a massive raptor in a dead tree proved to be an immature Northern Goshawk, essentially a lifer for Unity and an auspicious start to our Coos County adventure. It even had a patch of what could only have been blood on its breast feathers. From there we took in Dave Govatski's feeders (thanks Dave!) where we were treated to his impressive Evening Grosbeak flock and nice looks at a bright pink Common Redpoll.
As we crossed over Bowman Notch we called in a take-out order from the "Road Hawg BBQ" place in Gorham, picked it up, and proceeded to the old Burger King next door to find Susan Wrisley and Jenna Pettipas watching the local Bohemian Waxwings (although only 33 by Jenna's count). This was a fun meeting, since Susan and Jenna had left a note on my car along Trudeau Road while we were out hiking, and we were hoping to run into each other SOMEWHERE north of the notches. Shortly afterward David and Anne Forsyth pulled in, and we had a nice little distant gathering of birders. But our lunch was getting cold, so Unity and I took our leave and drove to Mechanic Street to eat in the car, keeping the windows open to listen for the local Red-bellied Woodpecker or whatever else. We never found the woodpecker either from the car or during a subsequent short walk, but the latter did turn up a few Pine Grosbeaks, lots of Mallards (and two black ducks) in the river, an impressive number of Blue Jays, and a eBird-triggering SIX cardinals. It would appear that these guys are getting well established at the southern fringe of Coos County.
Somewhere in here, Unity discovered via eBird that Lori Charron photographed a HOARY REDPOLL at her feeders the day before, and since we were heading toward Errol we added it to the afternoon itinerary. But first was a brief and unsuccessful search for the Black Scoter reported upriver in Gorham a couple of days previously, and an equally unsuccessful search for the shrike that Susan and Jenna had seen a couple of HOURS previously. A brief bit of searching downtown Berlin yielded a mixed flock of Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls (ratio about 4:1), and it was on to Milan. Searching the edge of the airport revealed no Snow Buntings, and despite the fact that the feeder bird mix there was likely the same as at Dave's house, we drove up Chikwolnepy Road just to check things out. Here we found a large flock (30+ birds) of redpolls, only to have them scatter as a beautiful adult Northern Shrike flew down to the feeders. It flew off just as quickly, but seeing as how we missed the one in Gorham we deemed the side trip well worth it!
After finding Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye (but, alas, no Barrow's) along the river in Errol, we pulled into Lori's house to watch the feeders. Chickadees were essentially the only visitors, and we were about to call it a day, when Lori came out to let her dog run just as a flock of redpolls descended into a nearby conifer. After learning that the viewing was better on the other side of the feeders, we left the car - although the redpolls had all disappeared in the meantime. But eventually they came back, and careful scrutiny eventually revealed the female Hoary. Another lifer for Unity and my first in several years. Then we drove through a beautifully snowy Dixville Notch to spend the night in Colebrook.
After a bit of unsuccessful owling just south of Colebrook this morning, it was on to Pittsburg, where we had a date with Canada Jays and Boreal Chickadees. An initial plan to walk part of East Inlet Road was stymied by no place to park nearby along Route 3, so we continued up to Deer Meadow Campground. Our first species of the day was a flyover WW Crossbill while we were gearing up, but the second was a friendly group of three Canada Jays that relieved us of a good number of peanuts and raisins. One even landed on my camera. Otherwise, however, the snowy woods were deathly quiet - save for the occasional whoosh of the wind through the spruce and fir. Walking Sophie's Lane to the dam revealed a single bird: another Northern Shrike teed up at the top of a conifer in the distance. The scene at the dam was arctic indeed, with frost on trees facing the wind, and we quickly crossed the frozen impoundment above the dam to the relative shelter of the campground. In the end, our 2 hour walk yield 7 species. As others have said about the north woods this winter - it can be pretty quiet out there away from feeders!
A walk along Magalloway Road was even quieter, yielding only 7 redpolls and a raven, so we headed south to more tropical climes. We added a handful of other species in the rest of Pittsburg, but left town at noon with maybe a dozen total - the same number in 5 hours as we had in 45 minutes at Dave's feeders the day before. And we never found a Boreal Chickadee, but plenty of chance for that on our next visit. The next significant stop was along Water and Winter Streets in Lancaster, where a couple of chickadees heard as we were driving led to a half hour walk that netted 16 species, including a single Pine Siskin and two more cardinals. A little farther down the road, we lucked into a flock of 25-30 Snow Buntings at the Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Plant.
We left Coos County with a quite respectable 37 species for the weekend, with many memorable sightings and experiences, and of course some beautiful scenery. We might not get all the way north again until May, when leaves and warblers will have replaced frost and finches, and we'll have fun all over again.
Now back to local birding for the rest of the week!
Pam Hunt and Unity Dienes
Concord
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
We all hope that 2021 will see an end to masks and seclusion, with a return to group birding trips. But until then, why not take advantage of your time at home and pay more attention to the birds that frequent your yard? You might be surprised by the number of species you can record, and if you're new to birding, it's a great way to start learning more about species identification, bird behavior and migration timing. Learn about creating a Yard List in the Spring 2017 issue of New Hampshire Bird Records: https://nhbirdrecords.org/nhbr-pdfs/V36%20N1%20Spring%202017%20web.pdf ("Yard Listing: The Fascination, the Anecdotes, and the Numbers" begins on page 38).
Other articles in this issue include: Birding Orford - A Habitat-rich Town in the Upper Valley; Osprey Nest Taken Over by Bald Eagles; Successful Eagle Rehabilitaion; photos and field notes from the 2017 spring season and of course a Photo Quiz. Enjoy them all!
New Hampshire Bird Records is providing free access to its archives during the Covid-19 outbreak to help birders find information on birding locally and to remind us of the joy of birding.
For information on how to subscribe: http://nhbirdrecords.org/subscribe-and-support-nh-bird-records/subscribe-and-support-nh-bird-records/ or go directly to the on-line subscription page: http://nh-audubon-nature-store.myshopify.com/collections/nh-bird-records-subscription/products/new-hampshire-bird-records-subscription From all of us at New Hampshire Bird Records-
Stay Safe - Stay Healthy!
Date: 1/10/21 8:59 am From: Joel Huntress <joelhuntress...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spotting scope for sale
I’d asked permission to post sometime ago and have finally gotten around to doing so. I have a Vortex Diamondback spotting scope, tripod and gimbal head for sale. If interested here’s the link.
Date: 1/10/21 8:45 am From: Carol McCluskey <saltbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hermit Thrush Ellacoya SP Gilford
I went hoping to spot the White-winged Crossbills reported yesterday, but didn’t see any today. I was very surprised to spot a Hermit Thrush as I pulled my car in to park near the road culvert. It may have been feeding in a multiflora rose bush at the culvert opening. I was able to watch it move about for a few minutes from a distance of about 12-15 feet before it flew to deeper cover. The photos I attempted are worthless unfortunately. There were also two groups of Common Goldeneye in the area, totaling 49 that I could count.
As noted in my prior email, I spotted 11 Pine Grosbeaks feeding in a crabapple at the Gilford Yacht Club entrance. They were not there as I passed by a little later. I also spotted a solitary Pine Grosbeak high in a deciduous tree in downtown Laconia. They are all around here it seems, but I haven’t seen an Evening Grosbeak yet this season.
Date: 1/10/21 8:45 am From: 'Lynn Zeltman' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher - YES
Three of us also saw a Rusty Blackbird in the same area.
LynnPlainfield, NH
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
On Sun, Jan 10, 2021 at 10:41 AM, Steve Mirick<smirick...> wrote: Seen at first stream crossing about 100 yards north of the parking lot feeding on bittersweet and multiflora rose.
Steve Mirick Bradford MA
Date: 1/10/21 7:21 am From: <mccoskren...> Subject: [NHBirds] Kinglets in Gilford
Afew birds from Ellacoya State Park; 2 Golden Crowned Kinglets working the trees along Scenic Dr. next to the parking lot. A large flock still of Common Goldeneye; a couple of Common Mergansers with them plus 1 Raven.
Mike Coskren
Date: 1/9/21 2:04 pm From: CK Borg <patch.bird.poacher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Creepin' at Becks: Ch.2 "The first find - NSHR"
1/9/21
Today brought many new additions to "the list" including great looks at ~25 Common Redpolls at Sewall's Falls and later ~40 Redpolls at the Birch St. Community Gardens. In between there were Pine Grosbeaks seemingly everywhere I looked, but most numerous at the South Concord Meadows Apartments (~30) birds. Although the day yielded many new discoveries for "the year" efforts to relocate a Northern Shrike I found the previous evening at the Birch St. Community Gardens proved fruitless. I first spotted the bird in the early evening immediately before sunfall. Long enough to spot, identify, and score nice looks, but not early enough to rally the troops. That happened at around 7:30 AM today... yup you guessed it... while "Creepin at Becks." Still no sparrow, but fantastic looks at Beck through the kitchen window. She, Brand, Mark, and I attempted to relocate the Shrike for several hours, but to no avail. That said, it appeared to be very similar in plumage as the bird discovered back in November... so perhaps it's set up for the winter?
Date: 1/9/21 1:43 pm From: CK Borg <patch.bird.poacher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Creepin' at Becks: Ch.1 "The start of it all"
1/8/21
I caught wind of the idea... literally, not figuratively, about a few days prior to this writing. It began with a friend flaunting Pine Grosbeak sightings and then photographs proclaiming the start of his big "Concord" year. The mere idea reeked of stringing. And then the e-bird posts began to filter in. Images of clay-colored sparrows danced through my head. This, I thought, was a job for the Patch.Bird.Poacher! And so it should come as no surprise that shortly thereafter I was "staked out" at Becks early one morning with great anticipation. And so it begins, I exclaimed... I need the species! And although I didn't see "it" I did twitch my first species of this whole affair including a handsome American Tree Sparrow.
Birders
I went over to Lee to look for Sue's Pine Grosbeaks this afternoon. My first pass of the urgent care parking didn't pan out, so I went to the hardware store (my cover story). As I was about to turn on to US 4, several birds flew overhead with the somewhat rollercoaster pattern, heading from the McDonald's to the urgent care, so I turned around with one gratuitous honk from a passing driver. About 8 birds were moving around urgent care, plus there was a big flock of redpolls around the Market Basket lot.
Date: 1/9/21 12:10 pm From: Jane Rice <moultnews...> Subject: [NHBirds] Shrike in moultonborough
Same place as it was seen last winter and early spring, at the Burrows farm on Ossipee Mt Rd., in an overgrown pasture full of Russian olive and multiflora rose bushes. Also a red tailed hawk and several bluebirds.
Date: 1/9/21 10:17 am From: k9vet114 <k9vet114...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] good morning for BAEA Litchfield
Saw and heard a Carolina wren today in North HamptonSent via the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: Joan McKIbben <joanmckibben725...> Date: 1/9/21 12:53 PM (GMT-05:00) To: NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] good morning for BAEA Litchfield Two adult bald eagles this morning at 9:45 flying to the east from the direction of the Merrimack River - ar 431 Route 3A LitchfieldJoan McKibbenLitchfield
Date: 1/9/21 9:53 am From: Joan McKIbben <joanmckibben725...> Subject: [NHBirds] good morning for BAEA Litchfield
Two adult bald eagles this morning at 9:45 flying to the east from the direction of the Merrimack River - ar 431 Route 3A Litchfield Joan McKibben Litchfield
Date: 1/9/21 9:38 am From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jaffrey, too...
First year BAEA seen on Monday in Jaffrey and this morning one of the adult Bald Eagles which nest behind our farm was working diligently carrying nesting material in the direction of the nest.
Date: 1/9/21 9:10 am From: Jim and Julie Moulton <jmoultons...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Bald Eagles at Chapman’s Landing
I do know that Ospreys typically use the platform at the transmission lines and that Balds have nested the last couple years across the river and within sight of the platform nest you may be looking at. Eagles had two young this year, I believe.
Date: 1/9/21 7:08 am From: <mccoskren...> Subject: [NHBirds] White Winged Crossbills in Gilford
While walking this morning at Ellacoya State Park I came upon a large flock of Crossbills along the Poor Farm Brook; both males and females. Nice to see. Also, out off the beach was a flock of Common Goldeneyes unfortunately no Barrows with them.
Mike Coskren
Date: 1/9/21 6:21 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagles at Chapman’s Landing
There is a pair of adult Bald Eagles on the nest platform at Chapman’s Landing. Is it possible that they’re already thinking about nesting, just a week into January?
Date: 1/8/21 3:09 pm From: Zeke Cornell <zekecornell...> Subject: [NHBirds] pelagic effort on an Eastman's fishing boat
Six of us joined forces to look for the ocean-going, winter birds of our area. The fishing boat went directly to Jeffreys Ledge, where the fishing was reported to be very good. (Sunday, January 10th, will be the last outing for this winter.)
We had five of the six local alcids (missed Thick-billed Murre), plenty of Black-legged Kittiwake, a few fulmar and gannets. We enjoyed a nice diversity of species, but other than kittiwakes, not in substantial numbers. Highlights and numbers for the day are below.
Dovekie 48 Common Murre 21 Razorbill 7 Atlantic Puffin 3 Black Guillemot 5
Date: 1/8/21 12:28 pm From: Aaronian, Richard S. <raaronian...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH coast
Spent the morning birding from Rye Harbor south to Haverhill St. in Seabrook. Saw the usual suspects in terms of waterfowl. Nice to see the following in addition:
Purple SP 5 Rye Harbor
Razorbill 1 Little Boar’s Head
Razorbill 2 Haverhill St.
Northern Harrier 1 flying over Haverhill St. dunes
Date: 1/8/21 12:25 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jefferson Birds
Our bird feeders at home in this northern White Mountain town of Jefferson continue to have 10-12 species per day. This is a list of what we saw for the hours we were home on Friday. Friends in the area with feeders also report good numbers of evening grosbeaks and a few redpolls.
8 Mourning Doves
2 Downy Woodpeckers
2 Hairy Woodpeckers
1 Pileated Woodpecker (heard only)
12 Blue Jays
35 Black-capped Chickadees
2 Red-breasted Nuthatches
68 Evening Grosbeaks (counted while perched in trees)
1 Pine Grosbeak (male)
3 Common Redpolls
2 American Goldfinch
7 American Tree Sparrows
The first redpolls at our feeders showed up on Thursday. The tree sparrows are increasing, probably as birds find a reliable source of food.
By contrast a three mile walk to Cherry Pond in Jefferson produced 1 ruffed grouse, 3 chickadees, 1 raven, and 1 downy woodpecker. There is little natural food around here except for black spruce and tamarack swamps that still have cones. We have only four inches of snow on the ground.
Date: 1/8/21 9:54 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] RE: New Website for the NH Rare Birds Committee
Hi Folks,
Just a clarification. Kathy Barnes is the volunteer web master for New Hampshire Bird Records, NOT NH Audubon, and NH Audubon did not develop the site.
New Hampshire Bird Records is providing space for the NHRBC web page, but neither New Hampshire Bird Records nor NH Audubon is affiliated with the NHRBC. The NHRBC is totally independent and unrelated to either entity. The NHRBC is solely responsible for the content on their web page(s). A list of their members is on the site.
Rebecca Suomala
NH Audubon
New Hampshire Bird Records Editor
________________________________
From: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...> on behalf of Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...>
Sent: Friday, January 8, 2021 8:11 AM
To: 'New Hampshire Birds (<nhbirds...>)'
Subject: [NHBirds] New Website for the NH Rare Birds Committee
Birders,
On behalf of the NH Rare Birds Committee, I'm posting the following announcement from Mike Resch, our chair:
I'm happy to announce that a new website for the NH Rare Birds Committee (NHRBC) has just been completed. Many thanks to Kathy Barnes, Web Developer for NH Audubon, who developed the site. The NHRBC website can be reached here -
nhbirdrecords.org/NHRBC
Features of the website include -
Purposes and Bylaws of the NHRBC
Official state list of the birds of NH
NHRBC review list
Process used to evaluate records of rare birds
Documentation form for rarities
Past reports of the NHRBC
Each page also has a photo of a recently-approved rarity for a bit of "eye candy".
Feel free to contact me with thoughts or comments on the website.
Date: 1/8/21 5:11 am From: Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...> Subject: [NHBirds] New Website for the NH Rare Birds Committee
Birders,
On behalf of the NH Rare Birds Committee, I'm posting the following announcement from Mike Resch, our chair:
I’m happy to announce that a new website for the NH Rare Birds Committee (NHRBC) has just been completed. Many thanks to Kathy Barnes, Web Developer for NH Audubon, who developed the site. The NHRBC website can be reached here -
nhbirdrecords.org/NHRBC
Features of the website include –
Purposes and Bylaws of the NHRBC
Official state list of the birds of NH
NHRBC review list
Process used to evaluate records of rare birds
Documentation form for rarities
Past reports of the NHRBC
Each page also has a photo of a recently-approved rarity for a bit of “eye candy”.
Feel free to contact me with thoughts or comments on the website.
Date: 1/7/21 4:55 pm From: Sue Francesco <sue.francesco...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks in Lee
Pine Grosbeaks in the parking lot of the Lee Urgent Care Center. The light was good and these birds were a little more skittish than others I have seen.There was one beautiful adult male with about 10 females and [image: IMG_6791 (2).JPG] [image: IMG_6731 (2).JPG] jv. males. [image: IMG_6626 (2).JPG][image: IMG_6605 (3).JPG][image: IMG_6588 (2).JPG][image: IMG_6552 (2).JPG]
Date: 1/7/21 1:06 pm From: Wayne Scott <wsscott...> Subject: [NHBirds] Larks and Longspurs in North Haverhill
For the second year in a row, there are Horned Larks (15) and 4 Lapland Longspurs in the fields flanking Mace Hill Road off Route 10 just north of the village.
Date: 1/7/21 8:39 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] The Twitchers Go Viral
The Twitchers will be competing in the modified Semi-Superbowl of Birding but there will the three teams instead of just one. (We have to split up because of COVID-19). Each Twitcher team has its own name and town so competition for the Townie Award will be fierce and FUN.
Team 1: Becky Suomala will be the "Townie Solitaire" (aka The Lone Twitcher) as a team of one in Seabrook.
Team 2: Pam Hunt (who started the Twitchers) is coming out of retirement to form the team "Birding with Impunity" with Unity Dienes in the Twitchers' home town of Rye.
Team 3: Susan Wrisley is teaming up with Jenna Pettipas as "Twitch-n-Dip" in Hampton, NH.
The Twitcher teams will again be accepting pledges and you can pledge towards any and all teams. All monies go to NHeBird and New Hampshire Bird Records. Pledges can be per species, per point (rare species earn more points), per team; they can be creative or a flat amount.
Date: 1/7/21 8:33 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher - YES!
James Smith texted to report that the Thrasher continues at the
Hinsddale Setbacks. It was in the thickest brushy area near the culvert
approximately 150 yards north of the parking lot.
It may not be easy to find, but it is still there! Skulking in the
thickets.
Date: 1/7/21 2:50 am From: David Larson <dlarson...> Subject: [NHBirds] Semi-Superbowl of Birding - January 30, 2021
Folks,
A reminder -
The good news is that the Superbowl is ON this year, but we’re calling it the Semi-Superbowl of Birding 2021. Of course, there are modifications due to the pandemic, including the composition of teams, online checklist submission, a virtual tally party, and others. Teams this year must be in the same safety bubble—from 1-7 persons.
For details, please see the modified rules and checklist on our webpages at
(www.massaudubon.org/superbowl<http://www.massaudubon.org/superbowl>) and (www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/joppa-flats/news-events/superbowl-of-birding<http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/joppa-flats/news-events/superbowl-of-birding>).
You can register by calling Melissa Vokey at Joppa Flats at 978-462-9998. Team registration is a flat $20, but you’ll have to supply your own pizza.
I am delighted that we will be able to run a Semi-Superbowl this year. I hope you will be able to participate. Stay safe and healthy throughout the winter and let’s hope that we are back to the regular Superbowl in 2022!
Dave
David Larson
North Shore Region Ornithologist
Mass Audubon
Date: 1/6/21 5:40 pm From: bikenbird via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] ***NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday January 13, 2021 7:30 pm Zoom Program - Pelagic Birds and Wildlife of the Gulf of Maine ***
Wednesday January13, 2021 7:30 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) Zoom Program: Pelagic Birds andWildlife of the Gulf of Maine Join Steve Mirick, long time active NHbirder and leader of many pelagic bird trips, for an exploration of the birdsand assorted marine life encountered off the NH coastline in the Gulf of Maine.Learn why this area is so important for marine life and how pelagic birds haveadapted to a life at sea. Bio: Steve Mirick has been birding in theState of NH for over 35 years. He was the former fall editor for NH BirdRecords and is the author of Birding the New Hampshire Seacoast and Great Bay.He has led countless field trips along the NH coast, has led many pelagic birdtrips off the coastline and is the moderator of this NHBirds Google Group. All are welcome to attend our Wednesday January 13, 2021 program via Zoom. The Zoom program Meeting begins at 7:30 PM,but feel free to sign on early after 7 pm to socialize. You may need todownload Zoom (https://zoom.us/download)to attend the program. Please register in advance for this meeting. You can register right up through the start time:https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErdOqrqjIiGddYw7pQV4MZsThlj1EmyUkv After registering, you will receive aconfirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For more information see our web site athttp://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs. Cancellations will be announced onhttp://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group. Al Stewart, Jr.
Date: 1/6/21 4:23 pm From: Matlack, Christopher R. <cmatlack...> Subject: [NHBirds] Common merganser and Great Blue Heron in Exeter
This afternoon around 4:00 PM from the walking trail around Powder House Pond, I saw a male Common Merganser and a Great Blue Heron flying over the open Squamscott River. Chris Matlack Exeter, NH
We were fortunate to see the bird within 20 minutes of our arrival. Started observing at 13 Kingsbury St. and looked from there into the backyard of 1 Dexter St. After 10 minutes the owner of 1 Dexter St. came out into his backyard and saw us looking at him. I waved my hand to say hi and he motioned with his hand for us to come on over. We walked down to the end of his driveway where we had a good look at the bird and took pictures. There were also 26 Turkeys in his backyard while we were there.
Date: 1/6/21 11:07 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: [NHBirds] Townsend Warbler Derry
Townsend Warbler at 12:30 with a nice group of feeder birds. Colorful bird amongst beautiful Bluebirds. From the far end of driveway. Bob was leaning against big oak. Dana and Bob Fox
Date: 1/6/21 10:28 am From: Robert Rotberg <rirotberg...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Derry Townsend’s Warbler, Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks
Today:
The Townsend Warbler at Dexter St in Derry showed up at 11:19, with bluebirds, purple finches, common redpolls
In Nashua/South Merrimack, at the Target Mall, feeding on crabapples at the corner of Rte 101a and the Target parking lot, a dozen Pine Grosbeaks, at 1220 pm
Date: 1/6/21 10:22 am From: David Deifik <david.deifik...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks in Nashua at Target
The Pine Grosbeak flock, 20 odd birds was still present today at 12:30. The were in a group of 3 Crabs at the NW corner of the Target Parking lot on Amherst st. That fronts the Blvd. They were also roosting in the adjacent pines
Date: 1/6/21 7:58 am From: Sue Francesco <sue.francesco...> Subject: [NHBirds] Cedar wax wings and Pine Grosbeaks in Meredith
Large flock of Waxwings and smaller flock of Grosbeaks by parking lot at Camp restaurant. Beware they are removing Xmas decorations from trees so birds will be displaced.
Date: 1/6/21 7:03 am From: Cliff Otto <bye.bye.nh.birdy...> Subject: [NHBirds] OT: What to feed ducks - according to science
An article about why feeding bread to ducks is not a good idea and suggestions for alternative foods. It also extends its reasoning to other wild birds.
Wow!! I have been monitoring your online crow patrol action and student research engagement via Winter Crow Roost for quite some time and this is my first reply. Truly amazing work! Thank you!!
I have a couple questions:
1) what and where do they eat all day and
2) are they likely to be struck by some sort of avian disease because of their crowded conditions? I remember the days of avian flu when you were asked to report dead crows for analysis. Did this kind of crowded roosting proceed the former avian flu?
Thank you so much for your continued updates. Crows are truly amazing birds!! I have a family of (only) 3 to 5 here but they visit the feeders most days and I think they have the keenest ability to see humans through windows - maybe followed by the Blue jay in that ability - at least for my native species.
Elaine
Warren, NH
> On Jan 5, 2021, at 8:28 PM, Craig Gibson <cbgibson...> wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> The action around the Winter Crow Roost continues to be dazzling!
>
> First, you are invited to check out to short recent YouTube videos that help to appreciate this remarkable avian spectacle!
>
> Working with an FAA certified drone pilot with all proper clearances, we explored the extended roost area during the staging process
> as the Crows were still moving around and had not yet converged into the overnight roost area. Every effort was made to follow strict
> drone conservation biology standards for this type of activity. Well worth a look!
>
> Link: https://youtu.be/bSdnJ4w-d5U <https://youtu.be/bSdnJ4w-d5U> >
> Second, don't miss this two minute video from last night where we experienced some of the most dramatic scenes during the staging process and while the Crows were vocalizing and streaming towards the overnight roost, as we well as infrared video segments near the end showing a late staging area and then a scan along the roost trees with an infrared illuminator!
>
> Link: https://youtu.be/nEFqX7u5_OY <https://youtu.be/nEFqX7u5_OY> >
> Lastly, checkout the three recent blog postings listed below:
>
> Blog: http://www.wintercrowroost.com/crow-patrol/ <http://www.wintercrowroost.com/crow-patrol/> >
> Mon. Dec. 28: with flight swarm action images and infrared images from after dark
>
> Tues. Dec. 29: more flight action swarm images and the full moon rising over the Merrimack River
>
> Wed. Dec. 30: staging and roosting images along with a night vision video showing a recurring group in the same location
>
> Enjoy,
>
> Craig Gibson
> 2021 Crow Patrol
> Lawrence, MA
> cbgibson AT comcast.net <http://comcast.net/> >
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en <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...> <mailto:nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<FF401DE3-9DE9-40C5-87E8-316775A64719...> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<FF401DE3-9DE9-40C5-87E8-316775A64719...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
The Clay-colored Sparrow put in an appearance at my feeders at 7:30 this morning. This is only its third visit and the times I have seen it have been on cloudy or rainy mornings.
The best place to watch for it is from Cypress Street as described below. Watch for it on the ground by the dead sunflower stalks.
You are probably better off using the car as a blind. So far no one has found it recently by walking the neighborhood, but you are welcome to park in my driveway - be sure to park on the LEFT side so I can come in and out on the right side.
Becky Suomala
Concord, NH
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: <rsuomala2...>
> To: 'nhbirds' <nhbirds...>
> Date: 01/02/2021 1:48 PM
> Subject: [NHBirds] Clay-colored Sparrow reappears
>
>
>
> This morning a Clay-colored Sparrow was in my yard – presumably the same bird that was here in November and hasn’t been seen since. It came in for a short time in the rain (coincidentally it was raining the first time I saw it). It must be hanging out somewhere in the neighborhood but it’s certainly not a regular. Two folks tried for it today unsuccessfully. .
>
>
>
> People are welcome to check my yard for it. I live at 21 Noyes St. in Concord - on the corner of Noyes and Cypress (which is one way outbound at my corner). The best thing to do is to watch from Cypress Street where you can see the ground under the dead sunflower stalks off my deck. Follow Noyes south to Cornell, turn left on Cornell, then left onto Cypress until you come around the corner just before Noyes. My house is on the right on the corner. I’m sorry, but with COVID I will not be welcoming people into the house.
>
>
>
> There are also still a few Pine Siskins around and an occasional Pine Grosbeak.
>
>
>
> Becky Suomala
> Concord, NH
>
>
>
> --
> 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...> mailto:nhbirds+<unsubscribe...> .
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/00c701d6e151%2411639db0%24342ad910%<24...>https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/00c701d6e151%2411639db0%24342ad910%<24...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer .
>
I arrived at the feeders at noon and waited for about an hour with Dan Mullarkey. The warbler arrived at about 1:00 and spent 2 minutes at the suet feeder before disappearing again.
A Chipping Sparrow (in adult breeding plumage!) was present for a while at the feeders. A flock of about 6 Red Crossbills was in the tree tops briefly.
The action around the Winter Crow Roost continues to be dazzling!
First, you are invited to check out to short recent YouTube videos that help to appreciate this remarkable avian spectacle!
Working with an FAA certified drone pilot with all proper clearances, we explored the extended roost area during the staging process
as the Crows were still moving around and had not yet converged into the overnight roost area. Every effort was made to follow strict
drone conservation biology standards for this type of activity. Well worth a look!
Second, don't miss this two minute video from last night where we experienced some of the most dramatic scenes during the staging process and while the Crows were vocalizing and streaming towards the overnight roost, as we well as infrared video segments near the end showing a late staging area and then a scan along the roost trees with an infrared illuminator!
Date: 1/5/21 2:22 pm From: PAMELA KASNET <pamkas...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Site and Sight
Ooh, Al, not well received, I see. As a card carrying member of the Grammar Police myself, I get your frustration. So often I bite my tongue or restrain my typing digits when reading things online or, even worse, in a print publication. Another common and irritating lack of understanding is the spelling of the word "lose," as in to misplace something. So many people spell it "loose," as in "I'm about to loose my mind!" Oh, the pitfalls of the English language.
Pam Kasnet
Exeter
> On 01/05/2021 4:45 PM Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> wrote:
>
>
> site | sīt |
> noun
> 1 an area of ground on which a town, building, or monument is constructed: the proposed site of a hydroelectric dam.
> • a place where a particular event or activity is occurring or has occurred: the site of the Battle of Antietam | materials for repairs are always on site.
> • short for building site.
> 2 a website: the site has no ads and is not being promoted with banners | some servers use cookies to track users from site to site.
>
> sight | sīt |
> noun
> 1 the faculty or power of seeing: Joseph lost his sight as a baby | [as modifier] : a sight test.
> • the action or fact of seeing someone or something: I've always been scared of the sight of blood.
> • the area or distance within which someone can see or something can be seen: he now refused to let Rose out of his sight.
> • dated a person's view or consideration: we are all equal in the sight of God.
> 2 a thing that one sees or that can be seen: John was a familiar sight in the bar for many years | he was getting used to seeing unpleasant sights.
> • (sights) places of interest to tourists and visitors in a city, town, or other place: she offered to show me the sights.
> • (a sight) informal a person or thing having a ridiculous, repulsive, or disheveled appearance: “I must look a frightful sight,” she said.
> 3 (usually sights) a device on a gun or optical instrument used for assisting a person's precise aim or observation.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> 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...> mailto:nhbirds+<unsubscribe...> .
> To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAAYdX4Ti%3DWAZOz88st0GfeTmtbD05aE35yoTP%2BP%<2BbN3WzaqGBg...>https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAAYdX4Ti%3DWAZOz88st0GfeTmtbD05aE35yoTP%2BP%<2BbN3WzaqGBg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer .
>
Date: 1/5/21 1:46 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Site and Sight
site | sīt |
noun
1 an area of ground on which a town, building, or monument is constructed:
the proposed site of a hydroelectric dam.
• a place where a particular event or activity is occurring or has
occurred: the site of the Battle of Antietam | materials for repairs are
always on site.
• short for building site.
2 a website: the site has no ads and is not being promoted with banners |
some servers use cookies to track users from site to site.
sight | sīt |
noun
1 the faculty or power of seeing: Joseph lost his sight as a baby | [as
modifier] : a sight test.
• the action or fact of seeing someone or something: I've always been
scared of the sight of blood.
• the area or distance within which someone can see or something can be
seen: he now refused to let Rose out of his sight.
• dated a person's view or consideration: we are all equal in the sight of
God.
2 a thing that one sees or that can be seen: John was a familiar sight in
the bar for many years | he was getting used to seeing unpleasant sights.
• (sights) places of interest to tourists and visitors in a city, town, or
other place: she offered to show me the sights.
• (a sight) informal a person or thing having a ridiculous, repulsive, or
disheveled appearance: “I must look a frightful sight,” she said.
3 (usually sights) a device on a gun or optical instrument used for
assisting a person's precise aim or observation.
Date: 1/5/21 1:24 pm From: Aaronian, Richard S. <raaronian...> Subject: [NHBirds] Turkey Vultures, Exeter
Turkey Vulture 67
Counted as they flew over our back yard on Washington St. toward roost in the vicinity of Kings Way Ave., Michael Ave. and Colcord Pond Drive off Rt. 27. I couldn’t locate the actual roost site but Len Medlock may have as he reported them a few days ago. Quite a site as they flew over.
Rich Aaronian
Date: 1/5/21 11:26 am From: molly.j711 via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks 101A Nashua
Had two flocks of pine grosbeaks just now in fruit trees lining the Target/Texas Roadhouse plaza. 28 total. Very docile, I didn't have binocs on me so I pulled the car right up to them to ID and they paid me absolutely no attention. Finally! A lifer for me. -Molly JacobsonMerrimack
We had a bear come into our yard last night and the night before. Our trail cam showed the bear in mid-December for several nights. Our feeders are strung on a rope about 20' up between trees so he could not reach them, but we had a flat feeder on a pole. We now bring it in-this bear is not hibernating so seems like this is becoming a new behavior if feeders are accessible. Possibly climate change impacts as well make it easier to not hibernate with warmer days and less snow.
Date: 1/4/21 2:46 pm From: <mrsuomala...> <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 4, 2021
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 4th,
2021.
During the Corona virus outbreak NH Audubon encourages you to enjoy birding
safely; please follow travel and social distance recommendations from state
and federal authorities.
A PACIFIC LOON was seen from Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on January 1st.
A TOWNSEND’S WARBLER that was first reported at birdfeeders in Derry on
December 30th, continues to be seen there, and was last reported on January
4th.
A SAGE THRASHER continues to be seen along the trail at the north end of
the Hinsdale Setbacks along the Connecticut River, and was last reported on
January 3rd.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues to be seen in trees along Jordan Road
between #175 and #205 in Keene and was last reported on January 3rd.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at Green Street in Exeter on December 29th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen in Concord on January 2nd.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at Whiteface Intervale in Sandwich on December
27th.
Single NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen in Sunapee, Newport, Newington, and 2
were seen in Sandwich, all during the past week.
4 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in
Manchester, 2 were seen at the setbacks on the Connecticut River in
Hinsdale, and 1 was seen on the Connecticut River in Lebanon, all during
the past week.
A NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen in Portsmouth, and a REDHEAD was seen on Great
Bay, both on January 1st.
A GREATER SCAUP was seen on Spofford Lake in Chesterfield on January 3rd,
and a LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen there on the 1st.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continues to be seen in Hampton Harbor and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye.
A flock of 100 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Gorham on December 31st, and a
few have been seen mixed in with CEDAR WAXWING flocks during the past week.
86 EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Jefferson on December 31st, and
smaller numbers were reported from scattered locations.
PINE GROSBEAK sightings during the past week included 46 in Somersworth, 30
in Concord, 12 in Rochester, 10 in Strafford, and 11 in Lee. Smaller
numbers were reported from scattered locations.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 25 in
Milford, 22 in Laconia, and 14 in Peterborough. RED CROSSBILL sightings
during the past week included 30 in Newport, 17 in Swanzey, 35 in Hancock,
27 in Keene, and 20 in Jaffrey. Smaller numbers of both CROSSBILL species
were reported from scattered locations during the past week.
A HOARY REDPOLL and 199 COMMON REDPOLLS were reported from the Sandwich
Christmas Bird Count held on December 27th. A HOARY REDPOLL was reported
from Swanzey on the 30th. There continue to be scattered sightings of
COMMON REDPOLLS from around the state.
54 SNOW BUNTINGS were reported from the Sandwich Christmas Bird Count held
on December 27th.
A CANADA JAY was seen in Sandwich on December 27th.
27 TURKEY VULTURES were seen roosting together in Exeter on January 2nd.
Birders on a boat trip out of Hampton reported: 291 DOVEKIES, 54 COMMON
MURRES, 41 RAZORBILLS, 6 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, a POMARINE JAEGER, 28 NORTHERN
FULMARS, 70 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 4 ICELAND GULLS, and 10 NORTHERN
GANNETS.
Late-migrating species reported during the past week included WOOD DUCK,
RING-NECKED DUCK, GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER,
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, WILSON’S SNIPE, MERLIN, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, TURKEY
VULTURE, NORTHERN HARRIER, NORTHERN FLICKER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER,
WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, LINCOLN’S SPARROW,
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET,
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BROWN THRASHER, GRAY CATBIRD, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and
FISH CROW.
New Hampshire Audubon’s Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.
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
Thanks very much and good birding.
Subscribe to New Hampshire Bird Records – learn more about birds and birding
in New Hampshire: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web.com ? Enhanced email for the mobile individual based on Microsoft?
Exchange - https://link.mail2web.com/Personal/EnhancedEmail
This was all happening practically in our neighborhood and we didn't
realize until yesterday. Walked over today around 1 PM and saw the bird
after less than 5 minutes from the end of driveway. Then, abruptly it
vanished and all bird activity ceased. I spotted a Cooper's hawk perched
across the street. Watched it until it flew even closer to the feeder and
then flew off.
Fran Keenan
Andrei Campeanu
Derry
On Monday, January 4, 2021 at 2:39:26 PM UTC-5 DS wrote:
> This morning it showed around 11:30 am.
> Seems to only arrive once the Bluebirds do.
> Beautiful bird. Susan said the homeowner seems very nice and she allowed
> us to stand at the left on bottom of driveway!
>
> Diana S
>
> On Sun, Jan 3, 2021 at 2:41 PM Pam Hunt <bio......> wrote:
>
>> Another update: Unity and I saw it around 12:40 from Kingsbury, so not as
>> close views. The homeowner came out onto her porch as were about to drive
>> away, otherwise I suspect she’d have invited us to the driveway also. While
>> we were there, the guy who lives at #11 Kingsbury came over to chat, and
>> FWIW, thinks he’s seen the bird at his feeders after I showed him a photo.
>> Take it with a grain of salt, since Steve apparently checked those feeders
>> yday and doesn’t think there’s suet there – but who knows. Clearly the
>> warbler is finding food elsewhere in the neighborhood in any event. From
>> the sightings and anecdotal info compiled so far, it seems like late
>> morning and early afternoon are more reliable times to find it without an
>> interminable wait.
>>
>>
>>
>> Fun to see it next to a Red-bellied Woodpecker (
>> https://ebird.org/nh/checklist/S78591946)
>>
>>
>>
>> Pam Hunt and Unity Dienes
>>
>> Concord
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* <nhb......> [mailto:<nhb......>] *On
>> Behalf Of *Harold Otto
>> *Sent:* Sunday, January 3, 2021 12:39 PM
>> *To:* NHBirds <nhb......>
>> *Subject:* [NHBirds] Townsend's Warbler
>>
>>
>>
>> The bird showed at about 11:30. it was mixed in with Blue Birds Gold
>> Finches and Chickadees. Thanks to the generous homeowner who let us stand
>> in her driveway. We got some strong views.
>>
>> --
>> 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+<u......>
>> To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<7ea55a87-c3d8-42ac-9c10-d87d1da31ac9n...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<7ea55a87-c3d8-42ac-9c10-d87d1da31ac9n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>> --
>> 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+<u......>
>>
> To view this discussion on the web visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/012601d6e208%247cbc9dc0%247635d940%<24...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/012601d6e208%247cbc9dc0%247635d940%<24...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
Date: 1/4/21 11:39 am From: Diana S <wildlifenorth100...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Townsend's Warbler
This morning it showed around 11:30 am.
Seems to only arrive once the Bluebirds do.
Beautiful bird. Susan said the homeowner seems very nice and she allowed us
to stand at the left on bottom of driveway!
Diana S
On Sun, Jan 3, 2021 at 2:41 PM Pam Hunt <biodiva...> wrote:
> Another update: Unity and I saw it around 12:40 from Kingsbury, so not as
> close views. The homeowner came out onto her porch as were about to drive
> away, otherwise I suspect she’d have invited us to the driveway also. While
> we were there, the guy who lives at #11 Kingsbury came over to chat, and
> FWIW, thinks he’s seen the bird at his feeders after I showed him a photo.
> Take it with a grain of salt, since Steve apparently checked those feeders
> yday and doesn’t think there’s suet there – but who knows. Clearly the
> warbler is finding food elsewhere in the neighborhood in any event. From
> the sightings and anecdotal info compiled so far, it seems like late
> morning and early afternoon are more reliable times to find it without an
> interminable wait.
>
>
>
> Fun to see it next to a Red-bellied Woodpecker (
> https://ebird.org/nh/checklist/S78591946)
>
>
>
> Pam Hunt and Unity Dienes
>
> Concord
>
>
>
> *From:* <nhbirds...> [mailto:<nhbirds...>] *On
> Behalf Of *Harold Otto
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 3, 2021 12:39 PM
> *To:* NHBirds <nhbirds...>
> *Subject:* [NHBirds] Townsend's Warbler
>
>
>
> The bird showed at about 11:30. it was mixed in with Blue Birds Gold
> Finches and Chickadees. Thanks to the generous homeowner who let us stand
> in her driveway. We got some strong views.
>
> --
> 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/<7ea55a87-c3d8-42ac-9c10-d87d1da31ac9n...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<7ea55a87-c3d8-42ac-9c10-d87d1da31ac9n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> 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/012601d6e208%247cbc9dc0%247635d940%<24...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/012601d6e208%247cbc9dc0%247635d940%<24...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Howdy birders! I get to bird today and have been graced with approximately 50 Bohemians right now behind the Family Resource Center on Wilfred St. feasting on their usual apple tree!
Date: 1/4/21 4:45 am From: Sue Francesco <sue.francesco...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bear in Durham
We have solved our bear problem by putting and electric fence on the big feeder. They only come once, get zapped and then they hear the click click of the electric fence and stay away. You have to shut it off to fill and if you forget the bears will come back. Anyone wanting more details can email me. On Mon, Jan 4, 2021 at 7:40 AM Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> wrote:
> Ann and to any others having bear problems, > After having similar problems up at our summer camp in Tuftonboro, a > friend came up with a nifty idea. At a height higher than a bear could > reach the bottom of the longest bird feeder, he put a hook eye into a > spruce tree and hung an opened up old fashioned wire clothesline - the type > that was a continuous loop that you could move and had a loop at each end . > He then put a hook into another tree maybe 20 feet away at the same height > and then ran the wire clothesline down the second tree, inserted a new hook > at a height you can reach and hooked the other end of the clothesline onto > it. It is then all held tightly.. > So when you release the lower end of the clothesline, the line drops down. > Hang feeders along the wire so that none are within reach of another tree > or a building. Pull the clothesline up and hook in on the lower hook and > you then will have feeders held high enough that a bear cannot reach them > and ones you can drop down to fill. > Here in MA we have used a dog line set up in a similar fashion. > Let me know if you need more info, > Dana Duxbury-Fox > North Andover MA and Tuftonboro NH > > On Mon, Jan 4, 2021 at 7:18 AM Ann Ablowich <napap...> wrote: > >> We have had our feeders set upon by a bear several times over the last >> two weeks. S/he has stolen two very nice feeders and last night bent the >> shepherd's crook metal pole and that had only suet hanging on it. Just be >> aware that they are probably not hibernating and are hungry. >> >> Ann Ablowich > > >> >> -- >> 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/<1A76E2C3-0F78-4EB2-88E6-916A3D38A456...> >> . >> > -- > 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/CAMeCVr62qZS0CHc%<3DeK5iJSHXfyndgXNrZDUrDEP5cH_sx8qDNg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CAMeCVr62qZS0CHc%<3DeK5iJSHXfyndgXNrZDUrDEP5cH_sx8qDNg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . >
Date: 1/4/21 4:40 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bear in Durham
Ann and to any others having bear problems, After having similar problems up at our summer camp in Tuftonboro, a friend came up with a nifty idea. At a height higher than a bear could reach the bottom of the longest bird feeder, he put a hook eye into a spruce tree and hung an opened up old fashioned wire clothesline - the type that was a continuous loop that you could move and had a loop at each end . He then put a hook into another tree maybe 20 feet away at the same height and then ran the wire clothesline down the second tree, inserted a new hook at a height you can reach and hooked the other end of the clothesline onto it. It is then all held tightly.. So when you release the lower end of the clothesline, the line drops down. Hang feeders along the wire so that none are within reach of another tree or a building. Pull the clothesline up and hook in on the lower hook and you then will have feeders held high enough that a bear cannot reach them and ones you can drop down to fill. Here in MA we have used a dog line set up in a similar fashion. Let me know if you need more info, Dana Duxbury-Fox North Andover MA and Tuftonboro NH
On Mon, Jan 4, 2021 at 7:18 AM Ann Ablowich <napap...> wrote:
> We have had our feeders set upon by a bear several times over the last two > weeks. S/he has stolen two very nice feeders and last night bent the > shepherd's crook metal pole and that had only suet hanging on it. Just be > aware that they are probably not hibernating and are hungry. > > Ann Ablowich > > -- > 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/<1A76E2C3-0F78-4EB2-88E6-916A3D38A456...> > . >
Date: 1/4/21 4:18 am From: Ann Ablowich <napap...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bear in Durham
We have had our feeders set upon by a bear several times over the last two weeks. S/he has stolen two very nice feeders and last night bent the shepherd's crook metal pole and that had only suet hanging on it. Just be aware that they are probably not hibernating and are hungry.
I wanted to share that I had a lot of window strikes in the late fall when I had to move my feeders closer to the house for winter. I have tried many suggestions, like window clings but I was experiencing strikes daily which appeared to be from the reflection of the trees in the outside windows. I decided to put the outdoor screens back up on the kitchen window and French doors which faced the feeders. The birds are still occasionally hitting these windows but with the screens in place when they hit the screen they bounce off now! So I suggest putting your screens back in your windows this winter. An added bonus is being able to open the windows for a few minutes daily as recommended for some air circulation with Covid around. Jennifer, Dunbarton
A small group of us went out on an Eastman’s fishing boat today. The bird activity was great throughout the entire trip. The seas were rough at first (for at least one of us :-) but calmed down as the day went on. We spent the day in NH waters except for a half hour in Mass waters. Here are totals of highlight species in NH waters.
The Nashua-Hollis CBC was scheduled to be held on January 2, 2021 but, due the weather forecast it was moved to January 1, 2021. A total of 62 species was recorded as seen or heard. Below are the results.
Canada Goose - 403 American Black Duck - 16 Mallard - 475 Common Goldeneye - 44 Hooded Merganser - 6 Common Merganser - 39 Wild Turkey - 91 Great Blue Heron - 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 Coopers Hawk - 9 Northern Goshawk - 1 Bald Eagle - 3 Red-tailed Hawk - 33 Ring-billed Gull - 23 Herring Gull - 9 Great Black-backed Gull - 21 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) - 687 Mourning Dove - 311 Great Horned Owl - 1 Belted Kingfisher - 8 Red-bellied Woodpecker - 52 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 Downy Woodpecker - 100 Hairy Woodpecker - 29 Northern Flicker - 4 Pileated Woodpecker - 16 Peregrine Falcon - 2 Blue Jay - 333 American Crow - 91 Fish Crow - 1 Common Raven - 7 Black-capped Chickadee - 445 Tufted Titmouse - 190 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 119 White-breasted Nuthatch - 168 Brown Creeper - 13 Winter Wren - 1 Carolina Wren - 29 Eastern Bluebird - 112 American Robin - 456 Northern Mockingbird - 28 European Starling - 639 Cedar Waxwing - 62 American Tree Sparrow - 48 Field Sparrow - 1 Dark-eyed Junco - 324 White-throated Sparrow - 34 Song Sparrow - 25 Northern Cardinal - 138 Red-winged Blackbird - 167 Rusty Blackbird - 1 Common Grackle - 1 Pine Grosbeak - 10 House Finch - 210 Purple Finch - 14 Red Crossbill - 9 Common Redpoll - 34 Pine Siskin - 41 American Goldfinch - 167 House Sparrow - 784 Northern Saw-whet Owl - 1 White-winged Crossbill - 1
Leavitt Beach Park, Meredith: Bald Eagle -- at least 7 (3 adults, at least 4 juveniles) Common Loon -- 2 Common Merganser -- 30 (many fewer than of late. Highest count here a couple weeks ago was 520).
Red Door Title Building on RT. 25 in Meredith Eastern Bluebird -- 10 American Tree Sparrow -- 7 Northern Cardinal -- 5
Meredith Docks Common Loon -- 1 Bald Eagle -- 1 Cooper's Hawk -- 1 Hooded Merganser -- 16 (courting)
Ocean State Job Lots parking Cedar Waxwing -- 15
Village Drive in Meredith Cedar Waxwing -- 6+ American Robin -- 50+ Tree Sparrow -- 1 Pine Grosbeak -- 8
Waukewan Road Cedar Waxwing -- 5 Pine Grosbeak -- 12 (2 lovely males) American Robin --. 9
Date: 1/3/21 1:37 pm From: Roger Stephenson <rstephenson...> Subject: [NHBirds] Five woodpeckers
Looked for the northern shrike at Short Street, thinking third time's a charm. Nope. So, ambled along the large loop trail at GBNWR and had 4 woodpecker spp - pileated (2) red bellied (2) flicker (1) and hairy (2). The downy had to wait til Odiorne. caught a glimpse of what Steve and Jane IDd as a brown thrasher, but I was too late to see it clearly. Finally got a Razorbill flying low over the water just past the RHSP jetty.
I poked around a few spots in Sullivan County today and got not one, but two Northern Shrikes. The first was an immature bird at Trask Brook Road in Sunapee. About 15 minutes later I found myself in Newport where I found an adult bird in the usual Shrike area in the fields north of Newport High School. This location is by far the most reliable Shrike spot around and this bird may be the same one returning for the last few years. However, the habitat may just be irresistible for the species. Also at this location was a flock of about sixty Common Redpoll.
The year's been off to a great start so far, and this morning's Penacook Survey set another record: 34 species is the highest January total ever (I'm now in its 16th year), solidly edging out the previous high of 32 (or only 31 for the first third of the month). On the downside, this is going to make it that much harder to get new records later this month - although there were a couple of things I missed. The highlights, as per the subject line, were winter finches., to whit:
6 Evening Grosbeaks along Fowler St. (second to last add for the walk)
8 Pine Grosbeaks in the Thirty Pines area
66 Common Redpolls (~65 at Murray Farms feeding in birches, but the light was not at all conducive for Hoary searching)
1 Red Crossbill flyover at Murray Farms (a somewhat reliable location for the last couple of months)
2 White-winged Crossbill flyovers (Bog Road and 30 Pines)
7 Pine Siskins along River Road
Only "regular" species missing was Purple Finch, and I haven't seen one in almost two weeks (there was a female at my feeder on either side of the Concord CBC).
Other highlights included the continued onslaught of RB Nuthatches (36 today) and my first Song Sparrow on the route since Nov 21.
Good birding!
Pam Hunt
Penacook
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
Another update: Unity and I saw it around 12:40 from Kingsbury, so not as close views. The homeowner came out onto her porch as were about to drive away, otherwise I suspect she’d have invited us to the driveway also. While we were there, the guy who lives at #11 Kingsbury came over to chat, and FWIW, thinks he’s seen the bird at his feeders after I showed him a photo. Take it with a grain of salt, since Steve apparently checked those feeders yday and doesn’t think there’s suet there – but who knows. Clearly the warbler is finding food elsewhere in the neighborhood in any event. From the sightings and anecdotal info compiled so far, it seems like late morning and early afternoon are more reliable times to find it without an interminable wait.
From: <nhbirds...> [mailto:<nhbirds...>] On Behalf Of Harold Otto
Sent: Sunday, January 3, 2021 12:39 PM
To: NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Townsend's Warbler
The bird showed at about 11:30. it was mixed in with Blue Birds Gold Finches and Chickadees. Thanks to the generous homeowner who let us stand in her driveway. We got some strong views.
Date: 1/3/21 9:39 am From: Harold Otto <hotto2010...> Subject: [NHBirds] Townsend's Warbler
The bird showed at about 11:30. it was mixed in with Blue Birds Gold Finches and Chickadees. Thanks to the generous homeowner who let us stand in her driveway. We got some strong views.
Birders
I made stops this morning at Mastin Dr and the Elm Street cemetery, both off Packers Falls Road. Mastin has fruit trees at the cul de sac that sometimes draw grosbeaks, but no luck today. On the other hand, the catbird was still present where Follett's Brook passes under Mastin, eating berries right next to the bridge. As I was enjoying watching it, a fox trotted by, sending most of the winged things into a tizzy (that's a scientific definition by the way). I walked back along the brook hoping for the winter wren that vacations back there, and, I'm embarrassed to say, I was actually disappointed when the call note I heard turned out to be two red crossbills and not a winter wren.
I then went over to the cemetery where I found a very skittish flock of 20 White-winged Crossbills moving in the treetops along the river. Also present on Elm Street were 3 Red-winged Blackbirds. I did not notice any other wing colors on other birds.
Date: 1/3/21 9:01 am From: Ken Klapper <kklapper...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sandwich CBC results
The 26th Sandwich Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, December 27,
2020. Mostly cloudy skies and a moderate (6-12mph) breeze made the day
feel chillier than what the thermometer readings of 25–35F would
suggest. Recent
mild temperatures and a steady rain on Christmas Day melted most of the
deep snow cover (Sandwich Dome had only 5") and opened up most of the water
on Squam and Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as rivers and streams, though
ponds and some coves on the big lakes remained frozen. Conditions were thus
excellent for waterfowl (8 species seen), and, combined with an excellent
diversity of irruptive finches and frugivores (Pine Siskin was the only
“regular” irruptive missed), and record participation from 55 individuals
in 15 field teams and 20 feedering stations, a slew of records were set.
Three new species were seen (Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, and Canada Jay),
new high counts (HC) were set for 9 species (and tied for one more), and
the total species count of 60 (59 + 1 “Grouse sp.” which counts towards the
total as Ruffed wasn’t tallied for the day) easily surpassed the old record
of 54 set during the 2014-15 CBC. With the three new species, the
cumulative number seen during count day now stands at 88.
I would like to give a warm "thank you" to Tony Vazzano, who compiled this
CBC for nearly 20 years before handing the pen and clipboard over to me -
and to Jim Vernon the previous compiler (and longtime participant). I would
also like to give a special mention to another longtime participant John
Merrill of Center Harbor, who has recently "retired" from bird banding
after nearly 60 years (he started in 1961!). Over the years, John has
banded over 20,000 birds and thus contributed tomes of local data to the
Bird Banding Lab. John says his most memorable was a Common Redpoll that
was later recovered in Alaska! And thanks to everyone who participated -
you've made for one memorable count day!
Canada Goose 2 (only the 5th record)
Mallard 146 (HC)
Am. Black Duck 2
Ring-necked Duck 4 (new sp. – Lynn Zeltman found 3
drakes + a hen Center Harbor docks)
Bufflehead 1 (new sp. – I found a hen
at Center Harbor, seen from Wharf St)
Common Goldeneye 3 (Center Harbor, seen from the docks)
Hooded Merganser 35 (2nd highest)
Common Merganser 273
Ring-necked Pheasant 4 (HC; 4th record)
Grouse sp. 1 (flushed ~3400 ft on
Sandwich Dome by Abigail Stone & Emma Brandt )
Wild Turkey 83
Rock Pigeon 24
Mourning Dove 102
Ring-billed Gull 9 (HC)
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Northern Goshawk 1 (adult found by Glen and Lori-Ann
Chretien in Balmoral)
Bald Eagle 9 (HC, 4 adults, 4
juveniles, and one unknown age)
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Rough-legged Hawk 1 (4th record; dark morph found by
Jim Vernon over Whiteface-Intervale)
Barred Owl 6 (ties HC – we’ve now had
6 Barred Owls on 5 CBC’s)
RB Woodpecker 17 (HC)
YB Sapsucker 1 (found by Jane Rice at
Vappi Vale in Moultonborough)
Downy Woodpecker 91 (HC)
Hairy Woodpecker 85 (HC)
Pileated Woodpecker 17
Northern Shrike 2 (one found by Randy and
Charlotte at White Gates Farm, and another by Rick, Katy, and Conor at Long
Point, Squam Lake)
Canada Jay 1 (new CBC species –
continuing bird at Bob Ridgely’s, he found it 14 Dec)
Blue Jay 617 (HC)
American Crow 99
Common Raven 42
BC Chickadee 1110 (4th highest)
Boreal Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 180 (HC)
GC Kinglet 9
RB Nuthatch 167
WB Nuthatch 249 (2nd highest)
Brown Creeper 21
Carolina Wren 1 (found by Tony Vazzano on
Diamond Ledge Rd)
European Starling 64
Eastern Bluebird 29 (2nd highest – down a bit from
last year’s record of 38)
American Robin 30
Bohemian Waxwing 20
Cedar Waxwing 1
House Sparrow 49
Evening Grosbeak 11 (1st count day record since
2012-13)
Pine Grosbeak 13
House Finch 13
Purple Finch 1
Common Redpoll 199
Hoary Redpoll 1 (5th record – found by Tony
Red Crossbill 7
White-winged Crossbill 1
American Goldfinch 17 (2nd lowest – previous low was 11
during the 2018-19 CBC)
Snow Bunting 54
Eastern Towhee 1 (3rd record, last was during
the 2000-01 CBC)
Am. Tree Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 46
WT Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 33
Total Individuals 4029 (2nd highest – previous record
was 4167 during the 2014-15 CBC)
Total Species 59 + 1 “sp.” = 60 (A new
record!!)
Count Week species (seen 3 days before or after count day): Cooper’s Hawk,
Rusty Blackbird
Date: 1/3/21 5:53 am From: Steve Mirick <smirick...> Subject: Fwd: Re: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher yesterday?
--- Forwarded message ---
From: Steve Mirick <smirick...>
Date: January 3, 2021 8:52:38 AM
Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher yesterday?
To: <saltbird...>
Jane and I tried for 2.5 hours yesterday for the Thrasher at the end of the
day and had no luck.
We spent 3 hours in the morning trying for the Townsends, but no luck.
Tough day. 😕
Steve Mirick
Bradford MA
On January 3, 2021 8:25:16 AM Carol McCluskey <saltbird...> wrote:
> Does anyone know if the Sage Thrasher had been seen yesterday or this am?
>
> Carol McCluskey
> Gilmanton
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> 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/<MN2PR02MB5725F006B57198BF639280F7D8D30...>
Date: 1/2/21 5:40 pm From: Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...> Subject: [NHBirds] Good start to the year--but I said the same about 2020
Birders
I was lucky to hit the coast yesterday morning with great weather and a goal of being back in Durham for the noon Cincinnati/Georgia kickoff (that was a great game for 59 minutes, but the compiler made a data error with 10 seconds to go).
I started with a dog walk at dawn when I picked up a Sharp-shinned Hawk (now known on the Lee/Durham count as a Mini-Cooper's Hawk).
At Odiorne I had a nice flock of 7 Red Crossbills, the semi-regular Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Purple Sandpipers, and perfect conditions for seabirds. I tried to turn a Razorbill into a Thick-billed Murre, but it made a dexterity saving throw on my alchemy spell.
At Rye Harbor, I had a distant Gannet, more Purple Sandpipers, a Greater Scaup in the harbor (thanks for the heads-up to another passing birder), and the utter despair of watching a duck hunter blast a couple of bufflehead out of the sky. I imagine that they're hard to hit from a boat, but it took a lot of shots to put them down.
Glockenspiel was on his perch in my brief visit, and the Hampton Beach State Park had snow buntings, a few horned larks, and some really incompetent dog owners. The water tower had the local peregrine fly in just as I drove up.
The day ended with a pooch walk that yielded a visual of a Barred Owl while two Great-horneds hooted in the distance.
This morning didn't yield much different, but I had the pleasure of walking out our back gate and threading my way into West Foss Farm, which had a new layer of snow and no foot prints, save deer and squirrel. I was really looking for bobcat tracks, but no luck.
At lunch the Mini-Cooper came through our yard and made quite an impression on every thing with feathers as it sat watching the feeders. I thought that would be the highlight of the day until we returned from an errand and what was sitting in our front yard? Bobcat! Tomorrow I'm going out looking for Lynx tracks!
Date: 1/2/21 3:34 pm From: Brent H. Baker <kyoshi...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red Crossbills in Newport Today
After chasing them all summer without any luck, I finally saw a flock of red crossbills on Plum Island Thursday while on a Snowy Owl expedition with my kids and my girlfriend.
Today, as I went out to shovel snow in the driveway, I heard a similar jip-jip call from a flock of birds. Running inside to grab my binoculars, I found a flock of about 30 in the white pines across the street, at the end of my driveway!
Interesting to end 2020 with Red Crossbills, and to start 2021 with them, too!
This morning a Clay-colored Sparrow was in my yard - presumably the same bird that was here in November and hasn't been seen since. It came in for a short time in the rain (coincidentally it was raining the first time I saw it). It must be hanging out somewhere in the neighborhood but it's certainly not a regular. Two folks tried for it today unsuccessfully. .
People are welcome to check my yard for it. I live at 21 Noyes St. in Concord - on the corner of Noyes and Cypress (which is one way outbound at my corner). The best thing to do is to watch from Cypress Street where you can see the ground under the dead sunflower stalks off my deck. Follow Noyes south to Cornell, turn left on Cornell, then left onto Cypress until you come around the corner just before Noyes. My house is on the right on the corner. I'm sorry, but with COVID I will not be welcoming people into the house.
There are also still a few Pine Siskins around and an occasional Pine Grosbeak.
Date: 1/2/21 1:08 pm From: Tom Young <tomyoungnh...> Subject: [NHBirds] 8 Pine Grosbeaks, Hollis
In a crabapple tree along Route 122 at the Dunkin' Donuts in downtown Hollis this afternoon at about 1:00, there were 8 Pine Grosbeaks. No adult males among them.
Date: 1/1/21 2:58 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Coast (PACIFIC LOON, 5 species of shorebirds, etc.)
Jane and I covered the coast today trying to get a head start on our
2021 year list. A lot of the normal stuff, but a couple of cool birds:
PACIFIC LOON - 1 off the south side of Odiorne Point State Park near the
bath houses. Distant bird (too far for photos) that kept diving and
moving, but Jane and I were able to stay on it for about 45 minutes or
more so a small number of other birders were able to get over and see
it. Also lots of other loons here with several Common and a few
Red-throated.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER - 1 RETURNING TO RYE HARBOR!!! Presumably the same
bird that overwintered last winter in the Rye harbor area (1st ever
overwintering record for NH) has returned. First seen yesterday by
Linda Maley, it seemingly has to be the same bird. It was roosting at
high tide in the exact same spot that I found it many times last
winter. Inside Rye harbor toward the base of the inside rock jetty on
the north side.
https://flic.kr/p/2ko2U8j
Black-bellied Plover - 1 in Rye north of Pulpit Rocks roosting in
rocks. There had been one in Hampton harbor. This one was a surprise.
Dunlin & Sanderling - Distant views of both shorebirds roosting on
Hampton harbor jetty on the north side.
Purple Sandpiper - A few from a few locations. Including this nice
close bird SHOWING WHY THEY ARE CALLED PURPLES! Notice the purple sheen
to the back feathers in this photo:
https://flic.kr/p/2ko2U9r
Razorbill - About 18 total including 8 from Odiorne.
Black Guillemot - At least 2.
Merlin - 1 in Seabrook.
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 in Seabrook.
Glaucous Gull - Adult "Glockenspiel" on top of the bathouses in Seabrook.
Date: 1/1/21 1:43 pm From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: [NHBirds] New Years Lakes Region birding
My first bird of the New Year here in Center Harbor was a drumming *Pileated Woodpecker* just after the alarm went off. This was territorial drumming which is a sign that spring is round the corner. I discovered later that the Pileated is ABA "bird of the year"....so I guess they were right! Later I poked around mostly in New Hampton, Meredith and Center Harbor checking favorite spots. I tallied 21 species for the day (an appropriate number to start of this year) Highlights were 11 different *Bald Eagles*, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, *Pine Grosbeaks* in Meredith. The best bird of the day was a *Winter Wren* in the small cattail marsh at the south end of Lake Waukewan. It responded to pishing and popped right out to alarm back.
Date: 1/1/21 9:54 am From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Townsends warbler-yes!!! Happy bird year!
Fortunately after a coolish couple of hours this morning the homeowners invited us into the FAR left side of their driveway to watch for the bird. (Feeders are behind the house). There are lots of other suet feeders in the neighborhood too. Owners also said that the corner of dexter and kingsbury ( Derry) is ok with permission of other home owners.
Please be respectful parking out of way and socially distant with masks if coming to see bird. It only shows up a few times a day according to owners.
Date: 1/1/21 9:45 am From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Townsends warbler-yes!!! Happy bird year!
Fortunately after a coolish couple of hours this morning the homeowners invited us into the FAR left side of their driveway to watch for the bird. (Feeders are behind the house). There are lots of other suet feeders in the neighborhood too. Owners also said that the corner of dexter and kingsbury ( Derry) is ok with permission of other home owners.
Please be respectful parking out of way and socially distant with masks if coming to see bird. It only shows up a few times a day according to owners.
Date: 12/31/20 5:44 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] 2020 - The Year of the Grosbeak!
Jane took today off from work and we traveled north of the White
Mountains......and we FINALLY got our Evening Grosbeaks for the year!
Like Jim Sparrell (and likely others), this is the 5th species of
Grosbeak for NH for Jane and I (Black-headed, Blue, Rose-breasted,
Evening, and Pine). A very rare opportunity for NH. Most years I get
one or two. Maybe three. For the record, here they are!
North of the Mountains actually has very few birds as the wild food
supply is extremely thin. So birds that are around, are at feeders.
There is also, surprisingly, zero snow! Highlights today:
EVENING GROSBEAK - We poked around a few neighborhoods in Twin Mountain
and Whitefield and cruised around Hazen and Colby Roads, but no luck so
we called Dave Govatskis to bale us out. We drove down his driveway and
immediately got grosbeaks. 77 of them by our count!!! Dave had 86
earlier in the day. Also present was a "Yellow Grosbeak" which lacked a
lot of black pigment and appeared all yellow.
Date: 12/31/20 5:29 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Out with the old, in with the new: County Quest 2020 is a wrap
Greetings all,
For the second year in a row, I focused on county birding - this time with Unity joining in the fun. In 2019 (as will soon be available in a story in the winter 2019-20 issue of NH Bird Records), I ended up trying to reach the Top Ten in eBird in all ten NH counties, and came VERY close. I ended at 11 in Coos, but also made it into the top ten statewide. This year, even before COVID slowed distant birding down in the spring, I had a less ambitious goal - staying in the top 20 in each county. This was partially because I didn't want to go crazy two years in a row (that resolve faded as the year progressed!)and partially because I had a lot less field work in 2020 (by design) to take me all over the state. What follows is the story of a year of NH county birding!
The year started with a bang as we joined a rotating cast of a dozen of our closest friends in Rockingham County, finding a Western Tanager to start the day and a Bullock's Oriole to end it (we could've ended with a chat, but left Jim and Katie's house a few minutes too early). We were off to a good start with 47 species in the county, but then our focus shifted inland for the rest of the month. Highlights later in January included an American Woodcock in Dover, a Dickcissel the next day in Concord, and Gadwall in Durham at month's end. By this point, Merrimack was in the lead with 52 species - a position it held until the end of August. February started with a four alcid trip to New Castle on the 2nd, Unity's lifer Black-backed Woodpecker in Bethlehem on the 8th, and later the same day the Painted Bunting in Albany! The day after I heard a screech-owl in Greenland on February 24th, we were on a plane to Florida - getting a fun week of vacation in before the world went to hell in a handbasket.
With shutdown looming, we spent March picking up waterfowl and other early migrants, and bagged our last county of the year with a trip along the Connecticut River in Cheshire and Sulllivan on the 21st. Just after getting home we learned of the Pink-footed Goose in Concord and had a nice bonus bird for the day. April was a slow month, since Unity and I hadn't merged our bubbles (and I dare anyone to find the phrase "merged our bubbles" in any birding story prior to 2020!!). We focused almost entirely on local trips in Merrimack County, and ended the month with 111 and 110 species there (149 and 145 species statewide).
With bubbles newly merged in early May, we ventured farther afield, including our first trip to the coast since mid-February on May 23. A couple of counties were still suffering from lack of visitation since March (Carroll, Cheshire, and Sullivan in particular), but some of that was remedied with strategic camping trips in June and July. A fun variant on keeping track of county lists is to add them all together (aka "county ticks") and halfway through the year on June 30 I stood at 987 - compared to 952 in 2019. By this point, five of the ten counties had surpassed 100, but the absence of spring birding was starting to show in the others.
The peak of fall migration in August and September brought the list of 100+ counties to eight, with only Carroll and Cheshire still languishing in the high-90s. Highlights in these months included the Webster Swallow-tailed Kite, the unprecedented numbers of YC Night-Herons in Hampton, and inland Baird's Sandpiper (Sullivan) and Little Blue Heron (Carroll). Being the ones to actually FIND the latter two rarities was fun, since so often we all end up chasing something that someone else has found.
October and early November saw the beginnings of this winter's finch flight, plus of course rarities like the Deerfield Black-headed Grosbeak and Concord White-winged Dove. The joys of county birding were brought to a larger audience via the first annual "County November Challenge," and the month closed with things slowing down dramatically. On the plus side, all my counties were over 100 now, and Merrimack was at 199. My goal was clear: get my home county over 200. This might seem easy, but extensive searching for unexpected waterfowl had so far met with limited success, and the pickings were getting slim during the final month of the year.
But no sooner had I said that then Becky Suomala found a Clay-colored Sparrow in her Concord Yard on Nov 30, and I was able to find it the next day for Merrimack #200. This and two adds in Hillsborough (Peregrine Falcon and Pine Grosbeak on my birthday!) were my only county ticks in the first half of December, leaving the Christmas Count season as my last chance for clean-up. I helped with five CBCs in five counties (Rockingham, Merrimack, Grafton, Carroll, and Belknap), but these only added two birds. Separate trips to neglected Carroll and Cheshire counties added my final year birds (Canada Jay and Sage Thrasher), and a Barrow's Goldeneye in Concord closed out Merrimack at a quite respectable 201. The final county ticks for 2020 were WW Crossbill and Snow Bunting in Belknap this morning, and darkness set on 2020 with an unsuccessful trip to look for the Townsend's Warbler in Derry.
I haven't looked at "final" county standings for the year yet, but the last time I checked in early December I was in the top ten in seven counties and top 20 in the other three (bet you can guess that two of them were Carroll and Cheshire!). Unity looks to have made it into the top 25 (she can't go birding with me ALL the time!). My total county ticks were 1440, vs. 1411 in 2019, and I think one goal for 2021 will be to get that number to 1500 - a nice average of 150 per county. And I'll see if I can get Merrimack over 200 again (gotta get all these irruptives now!).
Perhaps somewhen in early 2021 we'll add Townsend's Warbler or Sage Thrasher to our year lists, but tomorrow we're sticking to our local patch and seeing where Merrimack stands as the sun sets on January 1st. There are birds out there, and we aim to find them!
And since you're all dying to know the final numbers, here are my totals for 2020 (with 2019 in parentheses):
Statewide: 266 (278)
Belknap 126 (132)
Carroll 117 (122)
Cheshire 117 (129)
Coos 134 (114)
Grafton 125 (131)
Hillsborough 142 (130)
Merrimack 201 (183)
Rockingham 216 (234)
Strafford 147 (132)
Sullivan 115 (104)
May 2021 bring you good health and good birding!
Pam Hunt
Penacook
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
Date: 12/31/20 3:09 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Townsend's Warbler in Derry
NH Audubon received an email today with photographs of a Townsend's
Warbler in Derry. According to the home owner, the bird first was first
seen yesterday, but was seen again this morning and again at about 1:20
PM today. Jane and I stopped by with Pam Hunt this afternoon from about
3:20 to 4:00 PM and DID NOT SEE IT. Given the sporadic sightings, it
could be elsewhere in the neighborhood.
The bird was seen coming to suet feeders which are visible from the
road, but the views are distant and GOOD PHOTOGRAPHS WOULD NOT BE
POSSIBLE. Although a documentation shot may be possible.
The home owner and neighbors both thought it might be OK for a few
birders to visit by LOOKING FROM THE STREET; however, it may not be a
great spot for a horde of birders.....and it appears the bird may not be
regular at the feeder so there may be waiting.
The bird has come to the suet feeders that are hanging on the house at
the back of the home at 1 Dexter Street in Derry. The feeders are not
visible from Dexter Street, but are visible from Kingsbury Street. If
you park along Kingsbury and look across the yard at #13, there are
distant views of feeders. The neighbor at 13 Kingsbury Street is aware
of the bird and the possibility of birders visiting.
I would suggest that you use careful discretion if you decide to visit
the feeders. Don't stay all day. Maybe leave and come back at another
time if there are a lot of birders there, etc.
Needless to say......
Don't block driveways
Park legally on street
Don't trespass onto lawns....stay on side of street
Practice safe COVID protocol.
Headed down to Hinsdale setbacks today and was happily surprised to find the Sage Thrasher easily. It was north of the Northern parking lot as previously described in the low bushes, near some orange markers for a stream/culvert. My friend and I, and another pair of birders got a very long look at it. We then took a walk north, and when we came back it was waiting for us right in the middle of the path, with a few tree sparrows! We did not expect to have such extremely good luck.
Date: 12/31/20 12:00 pm From: Evelyn Nathan <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] Harrier on the Powwow
I too my kayak out today, I like to paddle once or twice in winter when you can get the boat in, and was also hoping to see some neat ducks on the Powwow. There were more mallards (2-300) than I’ve ever seen there before with a few black duck mixed in, but then I caught a glimpse of a harrier flying low over the marsh! Of course it was too far away, too hard to catch on camera. I have seen harriers on the river before, but it was outstanding to see one in winter.
Evy Nathan
Kingston
For the last 4 days, in the early afternoon, I have seen a flock of over 100 Bohemian Waxwings feeding on various fruit trees near the high school in Gorham. I also saw some Pine Grosbeaks behind the old Burger King. Ginny Umiker
Date: 12/31/20 10:14 am From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: [NHBirds] Now - One Bohemian in Plymouth NH
One bohemian waxwing at Plymouth State University in trees in parking lot of ice skating arena. Mixed in with large flock of cedars, robins and starlings.
I totally forgot to mention another waterbird highlight of yesterday's count: three Wood Ducks on the lower portion of Lake Winnisquam in Tilton. Turns out we've had it 14 times in total, but only thrice since 1994.
Apologies if you get this twice - I'm sending it to both the NH Birds list and to me Laconia CBC list. Double the reading fun for those of you on both!
Yesterday a band of 25 hardy souls braved the wind and spread out across a big chunk of Belknap County for the 70th running of the Laconia-New Hampton Christmas Bird Count. People were spread out in up to 14 parties due to COVID restrictions, which alas reduced our usual sense of camaraderie (especially at the traditional compilation at the New Hong Buffet in Belmont - hopefully next winter!).
We tallied 57 species, the same as last year and right around the recent average. Numbers of many songbirds may have been low (e.g., sparrows) because of the wind, while others were at or above average (chickadees, nuthatches). Songbird highlights include a nice mix of northern finches, although only Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls were widespread. Evening Grosbeaks had a poorer showing then expected, with only 12 in the southwest arc of the circle, while the only Purple Finches were in Laconia. Crossbills, which have been exceptionally widespread this fall, were limited to a single Red in Tilton (only the 9th count record) and a flock of 22 White-winged in Laconia. The former species is definitely less common in central NH than it was a couple of months ago, while the latter is still increasing - although patchily distributed. Three other landbirds of note were in Laconia, two of which were in the Ahern State Park area. These were our sixth count record of Fox Sparrow and - amazingly enough - FIRST COUNT RECORD of Gray Catbird. It's hard to believe that a count that's been going for 70 years had never had a catbird before, so extra kudos to Becky Suomala for finding this one! For point of reference, this count has had King Eider, Northern Gannet, and Northern Waterthrush, but never a catbird until yesterday. The wonders never cease. A Hermit Thrush that's been in Cook Anderson's yard appeared after a two day absence to become the ninth record for the count. Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle also set records (16 and 14, respectively), although I still need to sort through the eagles to check for possible duplicates. Since eagles continue to increase here in NH, however, I'd certainly not be surprised if the provisional total is legit.
This count is also known for its waterbirds, and yesterday the "good" ducks included a single Ring-neck, 11 Greater Scaup, and a record 12 Bufflehead. The latter are also subject to adjustment after I think about them some more, since birds could easily have been moving around Winnisquam Lake over the course of the day. On the down side, we only found *ONE* American Black Duck - tucked away with about 100 Mallards on Silver Lake. This is the lowest total ever (it can't get any lower!), although we have hit single digits multiple times - including only 7 last year. And despite typical numbers of Common Goldeneye and no shortage of search effort, we failed to turn up a Barrow's. Finally, a Double-crested Cormorant that had been frequenting the state marina in Glendale was last seen on the 25th - one day sort of making it into "Count Week." There are only two previous records of this species for the count (but three of Great!).
A full report will hopefully get drafted over the weekend for distribution to participants, and I'll close by thanking all of them once again for a job well done!
Pam Hunt, compiler
Penacook, NH
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
Date: 12/30/20 11:52 am From: Carol McCluskey <saltbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwing
I spotted the Bohemian Waxwing reported yesterday in Meredith at the back of the Hannaford parking area. It was high up in trees with a group of 50-60 Cedar Waxwings. A group of 12 Pine Grosbeaks were feeding at the bank parking lot near the Laverack Trail. Both Common and Hooded Mergansers were seen from the Town Docks.
Date: 12/30/20 11:06 am From: <cga......> <cgagnon...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks Hooksett (Pics)
Hello All,
I saw 10 pine grosbeaks from route 3. There is an adult community across from a fruit stand (Ash St). There are fruit trees in the front of the mailroom by the street which is where they were feeding.
Date: 12/30/20 10:18 am From: Lainie Epstein <lainiee95us...> Subject: [NHBirds] Meredith pine grosbeaks and Bohemian waxwing
Birders I am watching a flock of 12 Pine Grosbeaks in a row of trees in the parking lot of Hannaford's. An hour ago there were 30 cedar waxwings and one Bohemian waxwing feasting on berries behind the Meredith savings bank just west of Hannaford's. There are at least 2 fruit trees back there Thx to the birder who reported them yesterday! Lainie Epstein Tamworth
For those with an interest, had an exciting visit Saturday night at the long standing Winter Crow Roost in Hartford, CT.
It was a cold, dry evening and the streaming, staging, and roosting Crow activities were exhilarating to watch and behold!
Over past few days, have been in contact with members of the team of Hartford CBC counters who have been tracking and counting this roost for years. Recently, they have had big variations in their roost counts, and have shared a number of invaluable lessons on the very unique task of counting Crows, in and around an overnight winter roost, at dusk, in the dark, and with all types of wild flight patterns around the general roost area. A list of lessons learned is at bottom of post and well worth a look!
Please review the lessons learned list and share other ideas you might have by return email. I'm working on a Winter Crow Roost counting guide and welcome inputs.
Also, please provide any/all updates on crow roost activities in NH for one of my January roost road trips!
Date: 12/30/20 6:33 am From: Keith Chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] YB Sapsucker in Ashland
Hello Birders, A yellow bellied sapsucker has continued to come to our feeder station. It is currently feeding while I'm writing this. A Carolina wren is in the yard as well. https://photos.app.goo.gl/FCHKUxS4V8Pg7Dg28 Keith and Kris Ashland
Date: 12/29/20 3:14 pm From: Don H <don.heitzmann...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Anyone see the Sage Thrasher today
I arrived there around noon, and a kind birder in the parking lot told me it had been seen 30 minutes earlier. I went to the area she suggested, and after about 50 minutes, the bird re-appeared. It gave great looks and photo ops, in the brush just off the trail. I put the photos on my eBird checklist.
The spot was only about 150 yards north of the north parking lot. There is a spot with 4 orange markers, as used to mark driveways for plows… the bird was right in those thickets, on the east side of the path. Another fellow there said that it had been seen earlier in the day a little farther down, on the opposite (river) side of the path. Hope you get it tomorrow!
-Don Heitzmann
Exeter, RI
Date: 12/29/20 2:40 pm From: 'Blake Allison' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher Still on Sight Tuesday
As I was arriving around noon, a departing birder told me she had seen the thrasher about 11:30 am. She said she had seen the bird feeding on the trail's right hand side about 100 yards north of the parking area. Seeing other birders at that location, I went up to join them. Around 1:00 pm, as I was chatting with a birder from Rhode Island, I saw a brownish bird drop into a low shrub at trail side not more than six feet north of us. We quickly located the bird feeding on the bush's small, red berries. As others have reported, it seemed very unconcerned with our presence. We had a five minute, close range viewing that ended when the noise of a passing bicyclist scared the thrasher off.
Blake AllisonLyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 12/29/20 1:51 pm From: Jane Wing <janewing29...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher - Yes, This Morning
When Jim and I arrived this morning around 9:15, the thrasher had been seen, but was not visible at that time. The birders there had quick glimpses of it on the rocks down towards the water. After 20 minutes Jim re-found the bird on those same rocks. Good views of the rocks from the lower area where the picnic table is.
Date: 12/29/20 1:34 pm From: Aaronian, Richard S. <raaronian...> Subject: [NHBirds] Portsmouth shrike
Northern Shrike seen at 245 pm today on Pease AFB in Portsmouth. In marsh just north of Short Rd. as described by Katie Towler and Jim Sparrell a few days ago. Also present were 2 Mockingbirds with one a few feet from the shrike and scoring. Kept hoping the shrike was ready for an afternoon meal but no luck!
Date: 12/29/20 8:12 am From: peter paul <pepaul...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwing And Pine Grosbeaks Meredith, Belknap Co.
There continue to regularly be Pine Grosbeaks in different parking lots around Meredith on almost any trip to town - today there are more than a dozen behind the Meredith Village Savings Bank. But I was happily surprised to find a Bohemian Waxwing among the flock just now.
Date: 12/29/20 7:59 am From: 'Fran Keenan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Eagle in Derry, again
Yesterday afternoon, spotted a bald eagle perched very close to our house in Derry — on busy East Broadway in front of a Chinese restaurant. : ^ )
We watched the adult bird in the top of a tree for over an hour, until it flew off at dusk. Interestingly, I saw a bald eagle perched in that same tree almost exactly a year ago (1/9/20).
I wonder if it was looking for a mate or considering a nest site. Note: Beaver Lake is less than a mile away.
Date: 12/28/20 2:34 pm From: <mrsuomala...> <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 28, 2021
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 28th,
2020.
During the Corona virus outbreak NH Audubon encourages you to enjoy birding
safely; please follow travel and social distance recommendations from state
and federal authorities.
A SAGE THRASHER continues to be seen along the trail at the north end of
the Hinsdale Setbacks along the Connecticut River, and was last reported on
December 27th.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues to be seen in trees along Jordan Road
between #175 and #205 in Keene and was last reported on December 27th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen in Gonic on December 26th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen in Somersworth on December 24th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen near Short Street in Newington on December 27th,
and 1 was seen on the Keene Christmas Bird Count on December 20th.
A BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen at Sewall’s Falls on the Merrimack River in
Concord on December 28th.
2 REDHEADS were seen on Great Bay on December 24th.
A pair of NORTHERN SHOVELERS was seen in East Kingston on December 26th.
A RAZORBILL was seen along the coast in Rye on December 27th.
A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was seen on Lake Winnipesauke in Gilford on
December 25th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continues to be seen in Hampton Harbor and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye.
2 ICELAND GULLS were seen in Durham on December 26th.
A flock of 8 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Errol on December 22nd.
A flock of 50 EVENING GROSBEAKS was reported from Warren on December 27th,
a flock of 40 was seen in Milan on the 27th, and a flock of 31 was seen in
Errol on the 22nd.
PINE GROSBEAK sightings during the past week included 30 in Concord, 30 in
North Sutton, 28 in Errol, 14 in Strafford, 11 in Exeter, 12 in
Marlborough, and 15 in Dover.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 26 in
Penacook, 20 in Antrim, and 10 in Hancock. RED CROSSBILL sightings during
the past week included 35 in Hancock, 12 in Sharon, 27 in Keene, and 11 in
Marlborough.
A flock of 65 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen in Brentwood on December 27th.
2 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Krif Road in Keene on December 27th.
A CANADA JAY was seen in Sandwich on December 24th.
Late-migrating species reported during the past week included WOOD DUCK,
RING-NECKED DUCK, GREAT BLUE HERON, AMERICAN KESTREL, MERLIN,
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, TURKEY VULTURE, NORTHERN HARRIER, YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKER, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, SAVANNAH
SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, RUBY-CROWNED
KINGLET, CAPE MAY WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE
WARBLER, GRAY CATBIRD, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and FISH CROW.
New Hampshire Audubon’s Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.
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
Thanks very much and good birding.
Subscribe to New Hampshire Bird Records – learn more about birds and birding
in New Hampshire: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web.com - Microsoft? Exchange solutions from a leading provider -
https://link.mail2web.com/Business/Exchange
After 3+ hours looking for the Sage Thrasher at Hinsdale Downs, I said goodbye at 3:20 pmto two other birders and headed back from dipping. But ~200’ from my car, there it was out in the sun on the edge of the trail just north of the orange gate posts!! I was able to get the other two birders on it as well as one just arriving. Will add photos to eBird post.
Just now, 5 individuals doing circles over the parking lot. Seen from Bond Wellness Center. Where are they all?? This is only my third or fourth (?) observation during this otherwise very finch-y season.
Also, pine siskins at a feeder on Cheney Ave- haven’t seen them in weeks...
I know it isn’t crazy news, but there was a drake Ring-necked Duck out in Wendell Marsh in Sunapee this morning. A notable sighting for the area as waterfowl migration mostly missed the Sunapee area this fall. Unfortunately a week too late for our Christmas Bird Count.
This issue was sponsored by Diana Stephens in loving appreciation of her mother and father, Dolores and Mallory Stephens, and her brother and sister-in-law, Mal and Claudia LaBrie Stephens.
There are lots of other great articles in the issue. Here are the Contents: Fall Season: August 1 through November 30, 2019 by Ben Griffith Hurricane Dorian by Stephen R. Mirick Along Came a Sparrow... by Chris McPherson Cassin's Sparrow on Star Island by Eric Masterson Finding a Marbled Godwit by Susan Wrisley Backyard Birder - Birds "Frozen" on Feeder by Diana Stephens and Rebecca Suomala Photo Gallery - Northern Gannet Takes a Dive, photos by Ralph Fletcher Field Notes compiled by Diana Stephens Late Red-eyed Vireo Nesting by Ben Griffith Late October Goldfinch Nest by Eric Masterson Black Skimmer attacked by a Peregrine Falcon! by Diana Stephens Hampton Harbor Dredging by Diana Stephens Feeding Frenzy in the Yard by Lori Charron A Great Egret in the Driveway Songbird Frozen in a Pitcher Plant! by Diana Stephens Iceland Gull Over the Years Field Trip Report First Annual Monadnock Region Birding Cup Soars by Steven Lamonde and Kim Snyder Merrimack River Paddle and a Record Number of Bald Eagles by Robert A. Quinn NH Audubon Pelagic by Steve Mirick and Rebecca Suomala Updated History of Hawkwatching in New Hampshire by Iain MacLeod Fall 2019 New Hampshire Raptor Migration Report by Iain MacLeod NH Rare Birds Committee Report Spring 2018 through Winter 2018-19 Answer to the Summer 2019 Photo Quiz by Leo McKillop
Date: 12/28/20 8:12 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Don’t Love an Owl to Death!
As reports of our wintertime visitor the Snowy Owl begin to come in, the excitement to see them often results in behavior dangerous to the well-being of the bird. It’s important to remember that repeated disturbances reduce the likelihood that they will survive to return north to breed. Seeing a Snowing Owl is a rare privilege, learn to avoid owl harassment and how to observe respectfully in the Winter 2015-16 Issue of New Hampshire Bird Records: https://nhbirdrecords.org/nhbr-pdfs/V34%20N4%20Winter%202015-16%20web.pdf (“Snowy Owl Viewing-Observe without Disturbing” is on page 37).
Other articles in this issue include: Birding in Hollis; Owl Harassment; Where are the Evening Grosbeaks?; photos and field notes from the 2015-16 winter season and of course a Photo Quiz! Enjoy them all!
New Hampshire Bird Records is providing free access to its archives during the Covid-19 outbreak to help birders find information on birding locally and to remind us of the joy of birding.
For information on how to subscribe: http://nhbirdrecords.org/subscribe-and-support-nh-bird-records/subscribe-and-support-nh-bird-records/ or go directly to the on-line subscription page: http://nh-audubon-nature-store.myshopify.com/collections/nh-bird-records-subscription/products/new-hampshire-bird-records-subscription From all of us at New Hampshire Bird Records-
Stay Safe – Stay Healthy!
Date: 12/28/20 7:58 am From: Chad Witko <chadjwitko...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher- Yes!
Greetings,
This morning I joined Phil Brown in search of the Sage Thrasher. It took us about 30 mins to eventually find it in a thick patch of brambles a few hundred feet north of the northern parking lot. The bird only showed for a few minutes for the hour+ we were there.
Cheers, Chad --
*Chad Witko* "I came to believe birds are the most vivid expression of life. It made me aware of the world in which we live." Roger Tory Peterson
We found a Northern Shrike late this afternoon at Pease, just past Short Street, perched in a tree in the marsh north of the field, on the west side of the road. We watched the bird for about five minutes before it flew across the road and perched in a tree at the back of the field. We went on to GBWR. When we returned, the Shrike was still perched at the back of the field.
We want to say thank you to all of you who shared bird sightings and the camaraderie of birding with us this year. Birding lifted our spirits and kept us sane when often the only people we saw were birding friends we ran into in our favorite spots or when we went looking for some of the great rarities that showed up. Happy New Year! Goodbye 2020!
Date: 12/27/20 3:49 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] More Pine Grosbeaks, but still no Evening Grosbeaks!
Jane and I continue our quest for our first Evening Grosbeak of the
year. Once again, we came up empty. Today, we just drove around back
roads searching for active feeders and staring at birds up in the
trees. We hit areas in Dover, Gonic, Barrington, Strafford, Northwood,
Nottingham, Deerfield, Raymond, and Brentwood. Still no luck.
Highlights were minimal, but included:
Pine Grosbeak - 15 at Liberty Mutual Campus in Dover. My 6th separate
location for Pine Grosbeaks this fall/winter.
Common Redpoll - 65 in one nice tight flock in a small birch tree
working on the catkins.
Date: 12/27/20 3:33 pm From: CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> Subject: [NHBirds] Winter Crow Roost: interview with John Kricher and roost updates!
Greetings all,
Had a very informative conversation with John Kricher recently about a recent research project that looked at multi-level societies, stable groupings, and cohesive sub-groupings among large flocks of birds. We discussed how this might have applications around a Winter Crow Roost.
Out in the roost area, the early part of last week, we had some wild twists and turns around the Winter Crow Roost in Lawrence!
Blog postings have been updated:
Dec. 27: highlights of conversation with John Kricher
Dec. 23: amazing flight show before settling into the roost
Dec. 22: flight action and liftoffs from the nearby staging rooftops
Dec. 21: streaming, staging, and back on the warehouse rooftops
Date: 12/27/20 11:56 am From: Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lee/Durham CBC highlight, and Red-letter day today in Lee
Birders
Many people started the Lee/Durham Boxing Day Bird Count yesterday, but several got blown into other circles, so I'm not sure how many people actually completed the count. We are currently at 81 species, which would be the 3rd highest in count history. The survivors all agreed that yesterday's wind was far better than the rainy day on Christmas.
We had several highlights:
--Robbie Prieto in Rochester found the count's first Yellow-breasted Chat, which appears to be species 149 seen on count day (plus 6 seen over the years only in count week)
--several species were recorded for just the 4th time--Peregrine (Dover), Savannah Sparrow (Rochester), and Red Crossbill (17--all time high, from 3 places)
--we had the 5th record of Sapsucker in Rochester
--6th count record for Pipits, in Rochester
--7th count year for WW Crossbills
--8th record for Turkey Vultures
--9th record for Catbird (Dover, Durham, Newmarket) and Bohemian Waxwing
(Rochester)
--11th record for Pintail in Dover
--12th record for Chipping Sparrow in Barrington and Rusty Blackbird in Rochester
--13th record for Pheasant in Dover
All-time high counts for Bald Eagle (17), Red-tailed Hawks (58), Creeper (38), Titmouse (593), WBNH (428, blowing away the old record of 300 from just last year), and RB NH (463--to put that number in perspective, in Rochester alone there were twice as many RBNH as the all-time high for the whole circle) were balanced by really low counts for GC Kinglets (5), Purple Finch (1), and some of the ducks.
I made a quick trip to Old Mill Road in Lee this morning and had a red-letter day:
--5 Red Crossbills
--a few Redpolls
--Red-tailed hawk
--Red-shouldered hawk (heard only, calling repeatedly)
--Red-breasted Nuthatch everywhere
--Red-bellied Woodpecker
--deeply disappointed there wasn't a Redshank in the marsh
Date: 12/27/20 7:47 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher yes
The Sage Thrasher is being seen right now along the Hinsdale rail trail, in what I believe is the same area as previous days. To find it, use the Hinsdale Setbacks hotspot on EBird and then look for the parking lot on the river side of Brattleboro Road. Approximate street address for GPS is 446 Brattleboro Road, Hinsdale.
Northern end – parking lot is up where the causeway goes out into the marsh and right next to the main road. About a mile south of the Ebenezer Hinsdale House.
Pam Hunt
Penacook
From: <nhbirds...> [mailto:<nhbirds...>] On Behalf Of Ducky Darrick
Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2020 4:34 PM
To: <sjspangenberg...>
Cc: NH Birds <nhbirds...>
Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher Continues at Hinsdale Setbacks
This is the first set back that you come to after coming through the village of Hinsdale right
On Sat, Dec 26, 2020, 2:01 PM Scott Spangenberg <sjspangenberg...> <mailto:<sjspangenberg...> > wrote:
Today the bird is being seen from the big rose bush at 0.32 miles north of the gate to the north side of the rail trail to just 150 yards north. It is feeding on both sides of the rail trail and on the trail itself. At one point, it approached me so close that Icould have used my cell phone to photograph it.
This is the first set back that you come to after coming through the village of Hinsdale right
On Sat, Dec 26, 2020, 2:01 PM Scott Spangenberg <sjspangenberg...> wrote:
> Today the bird is being seen from the big rose bush at 0.32 miles north of > the gate to the north side of the rail trail to just 150 yards north. It is > feeding on both sides of the rail trail and on the trail itself. At one > point, it approached me so close that Icould have used my cell phone to > photograph it. > > Scott Spangenberg > Amherst, NH > > -- > 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/<631BA3C7-A5DB-4879-9E8F-365DBD13CFBE...> > . >
Date: 12/26/20 11:01 am From: Scott Spangenberg <sjspangenberg...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher Continues at Hinsdale Setbacks
Today the bird is being seen from the big rose bush at 0.32 miles north of the gate to the north side of the rail trail to just 150 yards north. It is feeding on both sides of the rail trail and on the trail itself. At one point, it approached me so close that Icould have used my cell phone to photograph it.
Merry Christmas to everyone first of all, I wish everyone the best holiday especially in this crazy year. Here is the final tally from this year’s Lake Sunapee Christmas Bird Count. Every year is unique in its own way and this year was no exception. Leading up to the count we were blasted by subzero temperatures and to top it off we had the biggest snowfall in almost 20 years two days before the count. As the compiler, the snow kept me almost completely out of the count as I was as busy at work as I’ve ever been, but I have to hand it to the sixteen other birders that rose to the challenge.
We ended up with a really good list of 40 species this year including some birds that have been absent from the count for years and some real rarities. Birding by foot with 40+” of snow was pretty much out of the question, so tallies made from the car dominated the count probably more than usual. The cold temperatures froze up most of the open water around us which made waterfowl especially hard to come across. We also didn’t get the full spectrum of Finches, but still round up many of them. Other than that, we didn’t really have any glaring misses on our list this year. It was a surprising turnout with the odds stacked against us. The following is our final list:
Saturday, December 19th 2020:
CANADA GOOSE 12: My best contribution to the count. A continuing flock seen in Wendell Marsh in Sunapee. Really surprising to see still here despite freezing temperatures, little open water and no grazing areas available due to the snow. They were still there as of Christmas Eve.
Mallard 53
Bufflehead 5
Hooded Merganser 6
Common Merganser 3
Wild Turkey 86
Rock Pigeon 142
Mourning Dove 51
Cooper’s Hawk 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK 1: Scoped views of a perched bird in Sutton. Unfortunately, I don’t know who to give credit for finding it.
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Hairy Woodpecker 44
Downy Woodpecker 44
Red-bellied Woodpecker 12
Blue Jay 310
American Crow 75
Common Raven 5
Black-capped Chickadee 555
Tufted Titmouse 103
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1: Single bird found by Peter Newburn. A species that has disappeared since the end of fall.
White-breasted Nuthatch 90: Surprisingly outnumbering RBNU despite an invasion of RBNU in other parts of the state.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 80
Brown Creeper 4
CAROLINA WREN 1: The only one for the count found by Stan McCumber.
European Starling 38
EASTERN BLUEBIRD 7: Definitely not a species we get every year.
American Robin 5
House Sparrow 54
PINE GROSBEAK 45: Expected birds in New London and some other birds from Newport, Goshen and Newbury.
House Finch 20
RED CROSSBILL 4: I believe all seen in the Merrimack County side of the circle.
EVENING GROSBEAK 22: A decent total spread all throughout the circle.
American Goldfinch 15
COMMON REDPOLL 25
American Tree Sparrow 13
Dark-eyed Junco 45
White-throated Sparrow 2
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 1: A great find by Peter Newburn.
Northern Cardinal 38
As far as count week birds, we only ended up with two. A Barred Owl that resides outside my work place was seen during count week before and after count day. Peter Newburn found a Northern Goshawk after count day.
Date: 12/25/20 1:41 am From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Xmas Gift from the Southwest
Thanks for the Christmas message!
Was there not a selasphorus sp. netted in NH as well?
ChRis Heys
Jaffrey
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 24, 2020, at 10:07 PM, <jacksonwrxt89...> wrote:
>
>
> Well, it doesn’t take me to tell you that this had been a bizarre year. Our lives were turned upside down by Coronavirus and it made us all look at life differently. It also made birding different, especially for those on the species-rich coastline. Otherwise, at least from my perspective, it was a pretty awesome year for birding in New Hampshire. Most notably was the invasion of southwestern birds and birds found well west of the Mississippi River. While some are almost annual visitors, others were either first’s or one’s of very few records. I can’t help but notice how one year brought on such an influx of western visitors, but I can say I think we all needed them. The following is the list of all eleven of the western vagrants we had this year making it the year-of-the-west. I apologize I can’t give everyone they’re credit for finding them, but we’re all appreciative many got to see most of not all of them. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
>
> White-winged Dove
> Sage Thrasher
> Townsend’sSolitaire
> Varied Thrush
> Chestnut-collared Longspur
> Lark Sparrow
> Green-tailed Towhee
> Yellow-headed Blackbird
> Bullock’s Oriole
> Western Tanager
> Black-headed Grosbeak
>
> -Dylan Jackson
> New London
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> 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/<A00D53BD-B1D1-444B-853A-3B9CA8D6FE29...>
Date: 12/24/20 7:07 pm From: <jacksonwrxt89...> Subject: [NHBirds] Xmas Gift from the Southwest
Well, it doesn’t take me to tell you that this had been a bizarre year. Our lives were turned upside down by Coronavirus and it made us all look at life differently. It also made birding different, especially for those on the species-rich coastline. Otherwise, at least from my perspective, it was a pretty awesome year for birding in New Hampshire. Most notably was the invasion of southwestern birds and birds found well west of the Mississippi River. While some are almost annual visitors, others were either first’s or one’s of very few records. I can’t help but notice how one year brought on such an influx of western visitors, but I can say I think we all needed them. The following is the list of all eleven of the western vagrants we had this year making it the year-of-the-west. I apologize I can’t give everyone they’re credit for finding them, but we’re all appreciative many got to see most of not all of them. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Arriving a half an hour after the Sage Thrasher flew off, and spending 3 fruitless hours hoping for a Christmas Eve gift to reappear, we were rewarded with seeing a mother bobcat lead her 3 kittens across the ice. They came out of the phragmites onto the ice. The kittens began to rough-house until Mom gave them a stern stare. After that they walked single file across the ice and out of view. Not a bad consolation prize!
Rich Frechette
Frances Doyle
Scott Spangenberg
Date: 12/24/20 3:02 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Penacook Survey - yep, another record
Despite the snow, which limits my access to a couple of areas on the route, I once again hit paydirt on my weekly Penacook Survey. The previous record species total for the last third of December was 31, and this morning I found 33. The game-changers continue to be irruptive finches, which today included my first White-winged Crossbills for the season (although I've had them in the neighborhood over the last week. This was a flock of 26 that cooperatively stopped to forage in a pine along Borough Road half an hour after I set out. Also found were two each Red Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks, and 5 siskins, while I missed Common Redpoll entirely. Another highlight was my first Golden-crowned Kinglet in TWO MONTHS. I'm not sure what's up with these hardy little critters being so scarce this winter (as opposed to RB Nuthatches). While I was stopped to watch the kinglet, a Ruffed Grouse that was apparently perched across Bog Road from me got nervous and flushed - another species hard to find in the winter, and a day late to make count week for the Concord CBC if we needed one.
The open water on the Contoocook that hosted almost 300 ducks on Sunday hosted only 15 today: 14 Mallards and a black.
With misses like redpoll, Hooded Merganser, and any hawk, the new record could have been even higher, and I look forward to what January 2021 will have in store. As long as the finch diversity remains high, those records will start falling next (Jan all-time high is 32).
May you all have swans (native ones, mind you), geese, colly birds (European Blackbirds - that'd be a bonus!), doves, and perhaps even a partridge this holiday season!
Pam Hunt
Penacook
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
Date: 12/24/20 12:16 pm From: <bob...> Subject: [NHBirds] Canada Jay is back
In something of a Christmas Eve miracle, my Canada Jay reappeared this morning, 12/24, and fed multiple times at my meat feeder, also flying off with tidbits, presumably (and hopefully) to cache them somewhere nearby. This was the first time it had been here in well over a week, and I’m going to do my best to entice him to stick around for the Sandwich CBC on Sunday.
It seems to prefer roadkill squirrels, but I’ve put out some turkey too. If anyone nearby can scavenge some (any) roadkill, I’d be most appreciative.
A very exciting bird for us here in the “lowlands” of Sandwich.
Merry Christmas to all,
Bob Ridgely
Sandwich, NH
From: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...>
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2020 3:45 PM
To: Digest recipients <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Digest for <nhbirds...> - 6 updates in 6 topics
The early morning 4F thermometer reading gave way to 28F for this year's coastal NH CBC, 19 December, which covers portions of the following towns: Exeter, Portsmouth, Newfields, Rye, Stratham, Hampton, Seabrook, Kensington, Greenland, Newfields, and Hampton Falls. Many thanks to sector leaders, participants (small numbers to honor CDC guidelines), and feeder watchers.
Highlights
----------
Number of Birds: 27,590
Number of Species: 107
As others have posted, winter finch numbers are good and it was a banner year for the coastal CBC:
Red Crossbill-59
White-winged Crossbill-57
Common Redpoll-111
Pine Siskin-57
Pine Grosbeak-32
Evening Grosbeak-1
This year's impressive Red-breasted Nuthatch turnout yielded a respectable 481. Take a stroll in the wood and you're bound to be treated with little tin horns.
Lingering warblers were Pine and Black-throated Blue, and a count week Snow Goose.
List
----
Canada Goose 4549
Mute Swan 3
Gadwall 1
American Wigeon 183
American Black Duck 1529
Mallard 781
Redhead 3
Greater Scaup 1196
Lesser Scaup 2
Common Eider 217
Surf Scoter 55
White-winged Scoter 52
Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 140
Bufflehead 119
Common Goldeneye 231
Hooded Merganser 42
Common Merganser 5
Red-breasted Merganser 127
Wild Turkey 176
Red-throated Loon 8
Common Loon 63
Horned Grebe 6
Red-necked Grebe 19
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Cormorant 6
Great Blue Heron 18
Turkey Vulture 25
Northern Harrier 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13
Cooper's Hawk 20
Bald Eagle 18
Red-shouldered Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 91
Sanderling 32
Dunlin 13
Purple Sandpiper 43
Razorbill 11
Ring-billed Gull 140
Herring Gull 595
Glaucous Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 70
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1431
Mourning Dove 492
Eastern Screech-Owl 4
Great Horned Owl 7
Barred Owl 7
Northern Saw-whet Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 16
Red-bellied Woodpecker 113
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6
Downy Woodpecker 220
Hairy Woodpecker 39
Northern Flicker 15
Pileated Woodpecker 14
Merlin 1
Blue Jay 682
American Crow 451
Common Raven 23
Horned Lark 406
Black-capped Chickadee 1131
Tufted Titmouse 492
Red-breasted Nuthatch 481
White-breasted Nuthatch 308
Brown Creeper 26
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 43
Golden-crowned Kinglet 7
Eastern Bluebird 265
Hermit Thrush 13
American Robin 1989
Northern Mockingbird 65
European Starling 2395
Cedar Waxwing 93
Snow Bunting 98
American Tree Sparrow 278
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1219
White-crowned Sparrow 15
White-throated Sparrow 249
Savannah Sparrow 8
Song Sparrow 213
Swamp Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 338
Red-winged Blackbird 113
Common Grackle 226
House Finch 487
Purple Finch 8
Red Crossbill 59
Common Redpoll 111
Pine Siskin 57
American Goldfinch 606
House Sparrow 1512
White-winged Crossbill 57
Lincoln Sparrow 1
Black-bellied Plover 1
Pine Grosbeak 32
Fish Crow 1
Evening Grosbeak 1
Lapland Longspur 1
Peregrin 3
Pine Warbler 2
Rough-legged Hawk 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 12
American Pipit 1
Ring-necked Duck 2
Wood Duck 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Apologies to all for any errors--send corrections to me off list.
Jim Sparrell just texted to report that the Sage Thrasher continues to
be seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks. Approximately .32 miles north of the
north parking lot where the dike leads to ice fishing shacks on the river.
What a surprise when a single blue heron flew over our house yesterday. We
live on a hill and I believe most water up here is frozen. We live close
to the Merrimack Rive, above the dam, so I am not sure how much open water
is there. I guess below the dam there is running water.
As others have already said, the Sage Thrasher was viewable today about a
quarter-mile north of the north parking lot at the Hinsdale Setbacks. As
previously stated, it stayed on the right (north) side of the trail where
the trees open up, and Brattleboro Road/Rte 119 is in view.
However, it is worth noting that if you don't see the bird right away in
this area immediately adjacent to the trail, be sure to look up higher up,
closer to the road. There is a lot of slash adjacent to the road, just down
from the shoulder, and the thrasher would occasionally fly up to this area
from time to time. If it is sitting still in this area, it could be easily
overlooked.
I also want to note that the thrasher was far from retiring in its behavior
while I was there. It often fed in the open and stayed teed up for long
periods of time, even as non-birders walked past within a few meters of the
bird playing fetch with their Golden Retriever.
Thanks to Susan Wrisely, Jack Swatt, and Steve Bennett for getting Cedar
Stanistreet and me on the bird so quickly. Good luck to all who give chase.
Cheers,
*Chad Witko*
"I came to believe birds are the most vivid expression of life. It made me
aware of the world in which we live."
Roger Tory Peterson
Back to top
You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this group. You can change your settings on the group membership page.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...> <mailto:nhbirds+<unsubscribe...> .
Date: 12/24/20 9:48 am From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] Book Available
I have a copy of *The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World*, *sixth edition*, 2007, Cornell University Press. It's available for the cost of mailing. If interested, email me or call (603) 526-4321. Fred Sladen North Sutton
Date: 12/24/20 9:47 am From: raqbirds via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] some Errol Count highlights and an "elf' tooting in Webster
Merry Christmas to everyone. I had an early present last night when I was greeted by a tooting Saw-whet Owl here at my house. Maybe he was reacting to a sleigh flying over...
Errol CBC highlights. My sector was Errol village east and Route 26 east (except for Mollidgewock Road).
As Lori Charron and I were chatting about territories she noticed some birds fly into an apple tree behind Eames Garage and they resolved into eight Bohemian Waxwings! A great way to start a count. Walking around the village turned up an adult Bald Eagle, a flock of 31 Evening Grosbeaks, plus a flock of 28 Pine Grosbeaks. The PiGr started out feeding on Tamarack seeds and then moved into some firs and spruces. There were three or four brilliant males in the flock (not a gender comment, just saying...). Near the Motel was a single Robin in an apple tree. Nine Redpolls gleaned the catkins of a nearby Paper Birch tree.
East on 26 turned out to be a bird-free-zone for a couple of hours. Mountain Pond Road conjured five Turkeys and nothing else.
One last walk around downtown Errol turned up a hen Goldeneye, presumably the same eagle from the morning- this time commuting upstream, plus a bonus eagle coming out of Clear Stream. Two White-breasted Nuthatches behind "Knot Just Logs" said "Bob" Voyage as I headed downhill through the veil of heavy snowfall in the Notch and safely back to Webster.
Jingling all the way- Bob
Robert A. QuinnMerlin Wildlife Tours 603-746-2535 office 603-568-8582 cell
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Birders
The last three mornings I've had flocks of redpolls in my neighborhood, 13, 25, and 7, so maybe different birds? Or maybe the start of a telephone number?
In the same spot later this morning I heard a Red-tail screeching, like a young one begging. I found two, the screecher and another (both seemed to be full adults), and the other appeared to be working on a hunk of turkey, based on the huge feathers hanging off the meat. I'm trying to decide if it was eating roadkill (John Hiatt has a song about that, and he's the source for most of my avian information) or actually took down an adult turkey--maybe a team kill?
Finally, a pair of vultures was perched along NH 108 on the southern edge of Durham today, so we at least got them for count week.
Date: 12/23/20 7:43 am From: Len Medlock <lenmedlock...> Subject: [NHBirds] 2020 Coastal CBC highlights and numbers
The early morning 4F thermometer reading gave way to 28F for this year's coastal NH CBC, 19 December, which covers portions of the following towns: Exeter, Portsmouth, Newfields, Rye, Stratham, Hampton, Seabrook, Kensington, Greenland, Newfields, and Hampton Falls. Many thanks to sector leaders, participants (small numbers to honor CDC guidelines), and feeder watchers.
Highlights
----------
Number of Birds: 27,590
Number of Species: 107
As others have posted, winter finch numbers are good and it was a banner year for the coastal CBC:
Red Crossbill-59
White-winged Crossbill-57
Common Redpoll-111
Pine Siskin-57
Pine Grosbeak-32
Evening Grosbeak-1
This year's impressive Red-breasted Nuthatch turnout yielded a respectable 481. Take a stroll in the wood and you're bound to be treated with little tin horns.
Lingering warblers were Pine and Black-throated Blue, and a count week Snow Goose.
List
----
Canada Goose 4549
Mute Swan 3
Gadwall 1
American Wigeon 183
American Black Duck 1529
Mallard 781
Redhead 3
Greater Scaup 1196
Lesser Scaup 2
Common Eider 217
Surf Scoter 55
White-winged Scoter 52
Black Scoter 20
Long-tailed Duck 140
Bufflehead 119
Common Goldeneye 231
Hooded Merganser 42
Common Merganser 5
Red-breasted Merganser 127
Wild Turkey 176
Red-throated Loon 8
Common Loon 63
Horned Grebe 6
Red-necked Grebe 19
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Great Cormorant 6
Great Blue Heron 18
Turkey Vulture 25
Northern Harrier 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13
Cooper's Hawk 20
Bald Eagle 18
Red-shouldered Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 91
Sanderling 32
Dunlin 13
Purple Sandpiper 43
Razorbill 11
Ring-billed Gull 140
Herring Gull 595
Glaucous Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 70
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1431
Mourning Dove 492
Eastern Screech-Owl 4
Great Horned Owl 7
Barred Owl 7
Northern Saw-whet Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 16
Red-bellied Woodpecker 113
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6
Downy Woodpecker 220
Hairy Woodpecker 39
Northern Flicker 15
Pileated Woodpecker 14
Merlin 1
Blue Jay 682
American Crow 451
Common Raven 23
Horned Lark 406
Black-capped Chickadee 1131
Tufted Titmouse 492
Red-breasted Nuthatch 481
White-breasted Nuthatch 308
Brown Creeper 26
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 43
Golden-crowned Kinglet 7
Eastern Bluebird 265
Hermit Thrush 13
American Robin 1989
Northern Mockingbird 65
European Starling 2395
Cedar Waxwing 93
Snow Bunting 98
American Tree Sparrow 278
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1219
White-crowned Sparrow 15
White-throated Sparrow 249
Savannah Sparrow 8
Song Sparrow 213
Swamp Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 338
Red-winged Blackbird 113
Common Grackle 226
House Finch 487
Purple Finch 8
Red Crossbill 59
Common Redpoll 111
Pine Siskin 57
American Goldfinch 606
House Sparrow 1512
White-winged Crossbill 57
Lincoln Sparrow 1
Black-bellied Plover 1
Pine Grosbeak 32
Fish Crow 1
Evening Grosbeak 1
Lapland Longspur 1
Peregrin 3
Pine Warbler 2
Rough-legged Hawk 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 12
American Pipit 1
Ring-necked Duck 2
Wood Duck 2
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Apologies to all for any errors--send corrections to me off list.
Date: 12/23/20 7:41 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher - YES!
Jim Sparrell just texted to report that the Sage Thrasher continues to
be seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks. Approximately .32 miles north of the
north parking lot where the dike leads to ice fishing shacks on the river.
Date: 12/23/20 4:37 am From: Carolyn Payzant <carolynpayzant...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue heron
What a surprise when a single blue heron flew over our house yesterday. We live on a hill and I believe most water up here is frozen. We live close to the Merrimack Rive, above the dam, so I am not sure how much open water is there. I guess below the dam there is running water.
Date: 12/22/20 12:52 pm From: Chad Witko <chadjwitko...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher- One Extra Detail
Greetings,
As others have already said, the Sage Thrasher was viewable today about a quarter-mile north of the north parking lot at the Hinsdale Setbacks. As previously stated, it stayed on the right (north) side of the trail where the trees open up, and Brattleboro Road/Rte 119 is in view.
However, it is worth noting that if you don't see the bird right away in this area immediately adjacent to the trail, be sure to look up higher up, closer to the road. There is a lot of slash adjacent to the road, just down from the shoulder, and the thrasher would occasionally fly up to this area from time to time. If it is sitting still in this area, it could be easily overlooked.
I also want to note that the thrasher was far from retiring in its behavior while I was there. It often fed in the open and stayed teed up for long periods of time, even as non-birders walked past within a few meters of the bird playing fetch with their Golden Retriever.
Thanks to Susan Wrisely, Jack Swatt, and Steve Bennett for getting Cedar Stanistreet and me on the bird so quickly. Good luck to all who give chase.
Cheers,
*Chad Witko* "I came to believe birds are the most vivid expression of life. It made me aware of the world in which we live." Roger Tory Peterson
The bird that Cory found a couple of days ago is still present. About 20 yards north of northern parking area on the right side of the rail trail. It is a real skulker. Took me almost two hours combing the area to finally find it. Even once I know which bush it was lurking in I’d have to wait 20-30 minutes to catch a glimpse. NOT a gimme!
Date: 12/22/20 7:13 am From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Keene CBC Results - 62 species, 9478 individuals (both record high counts), 24 new HCs
Thirty-one participants in 13 parties and at feeders totaled62 species of birds and 9,478 individuals on the Keene CBC Sunday, December 20,2020. Now run continuously for 38 years, and for 44years overall, the Keene count has the distinction of being NH's first-everChristmas Bird Count and one of the original counts conducted in the year 1900.Conditions consisted of overcast skies much of theday with no considerable wind much of the day, until a light southwest windushered in light snow in the late afternoon. Temperatures ranged from 14-30degrees F. Snow cover ranged from 10” to 20”. Still water was partly open, andmoving water was partly frozen. Wild food was fair to poor with the exceptionof hard mast (oak and beech) in woodlands, and several other minor speciesrelated to birds. Feeder activity was excellent, and bare roadsides also had lotsof birds. The deeper woods were quieter.
This year’s 62 total species oncount day sets a new count day record, topping the total of 61 species, whichhas been recorded four times. The 9,478 individual birds is also a record highcount and well above the long-term average of 5,097 and the past ten yearaverage of 6,391. Count day highlights included first count records of oneRed-headed Woodpecker (Jordan Rd. inKeene, found by Alex Lamoreaux, Lauren diBicarri, and Janel diBicarri) and one Long-tailed Duck (Spofford Lake, foundby Phil Brown and Mike Einermann). A second count record of Yellow-belliedSapsucker (one each in Marlborough and Surry), and third count records of SwampSparrow (Swanzey) and Rusty Blackbird (Marlborough) were also notable. Other counthighlights included high counts for Red (83) and White-winged (6) Crossbills(both 5th count records), one Great Horned Owl (8th countrecord, Westmoreland), one Red-shouldered Hawk (9th count record,Walpole), one Common Goldeneye (10th count record, Spofford Lake), oneFox Sparrow (10th count record, Keene), one Northern Shrike, twoHermit Thrushes, three Northern Flickers, 108 Pine Grosbeaks, and 131 EveningGrosbeaks – the highest total since 1991.
Waterbirds were mainlyconcentrated at Spofford Lake, which was partly open, and included six waterfowlspecies and Common Loon. Raptors, including Barred Owls, put in a strongshowing. Winter finches were well-represented during this ‘superflight’ year,but American Goldfinch numbers were low, as were Pine Siskins, and Purple Finchwas nearly missed with only one seen.
A truly remarkable 24(!) species set new high countsand three others tied for high counts. Notable highs include Barred Owl (16), MourningDove (485), Black-capped Chickadee (1503), Tufted Titmouse (573 - tripling thepast high!), both White-breasted (362) and Red-breasted (532) Nuthatch blowingaway past records, all seven species of woodpeckers including Red-bellied (84 -more than doubling the past high), Blue Jay (1096 - also more than doubling thepast high), and Brown Creeper (66), Eastern Bluebird (142), Carolina Wren (36),and Northern Cardinal (263) also well above past highs.
The ten most numerous specieswere Black-capped Chickadee (1503), Blue Jay (1096), Dark-eyed Junco (1073), TuftedTitmouse (573), Red-breasted Nuthatch (532), Mourning Dove (485), House Sparrow(446), European Starling (410), White-breasted Nuthatch (362), and CedarWaxwing (284). Only a few misses thus far include Snow Bunting, HornedLark, any gull, Winter Wren, and notably, Canada Goose. With two new speciesadded, the cumulative total of birds recorded on the Keene CBC is now 113.
Thanks to all the participants fortheir hard work finding birds and putting another year in the books!
Phil Brown
Compiler, Keene CBC
Date: 12/22/20 6:11 am From: paul <pkursewicz...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red-breasted story
When I go out each morning to hang up two bird feeders on a pole attacked to my backyard deck, the first birds to appear at the feeders are two Red-breasted Nuthatches. This morning I had to refill the feeders. So I placed them on the deck and began pouring seed into them. Apparently I was taking too long because a Red-breasted Nuthatch landed on my head (probably trying to hurry me along).
Date: 12/21/20 5:09 pm From: <mrsuomala...> <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 21, 2021
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 21st,
2020.
During the Corona virus outbreak NH Audubon encourages you to enjoy birding
safely; please follow travel and social distance recommendations from state
and federal authorities.
A SAGE THRASHER was seen by the trail at the north end of the Hinsdale
Setbacks along the Connecticut River, on December 21st.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was seen near 197 Jordan Road in Keene on December
20th.
A SNOWY OWL continues to be seen at Hampton Beach State Park and in the
surrounding area and was last reported on December 19th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen in coastal Seabrook on December 20th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Pittsburg on December 15th.
A BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in
Manchester on December 19th.
3 REDHEADS and a GADWALL were seen at Great Bay on December 19th, and a
GADWALL was seen at Lake Francis in Pittsburg on the 15th.
2 RING-NECKED DUCKS and 6 BUFFLEHEADS were seen on the Connecticut River in
the Lebanon and Hanover area, all on December 15th.
5 RAZORBILLS were seen along the coast on December 19th.
2 GLAUCOUS GULLS continue to be seen in Hampton Harbor and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye,
A flock of 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Gorham on December 20th.
Over 280 EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from Pittsburg on December 15th,
and a flock of 30 was seen in Warren on December 20th.
PINE GROSBEAK sightings during the past week included 50 in Pittsburg, 16
in Rochester, 27 in Lebanon, 12 in Marlborough, 8 in Dover, 8 in Stratham,
8 in Strafford, and several smaller flocks from various locations.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 25 in
Newmarket, and 43 in Rye.
RED CROSSBILL sightings during the past week included 27 in Keene, 12 in
Dublin, 10 in Marlborough, and numerous reports of smaller flocks from
scattered locations.
A flock of 35 COMMON REDPOLLS was reported from Hampton Beach State Park, a
flock of 33 was reported from Newmarket, and a flock of 20 was reported
from Concord, all during the past week.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR and 120 SNOW BUNTINGS were reported from Hampton Beach
State Park on December 19th.
5 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen in Greenland on December 19th.
2 BOREAL CHICKADEES were reported from Mount Skatutakee on December 19th.
Late-migrating birds reported during the past week included a WOOD DUCK, 2
AMERICAN KESTRELS, 3 MERLINS, 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKs, 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS,
at least 12 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, 3 HERMIT THRUSHES, 2 LINCOLN’S
SPARROWS, several SAVANNAH SPARROWS, a CAPE MAY WARBLER, 2 YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS, a BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, a PINE WARBLER, 2 GRAY CATBIRDS, 3
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, and a FISH CROW.
New Hampshire Audubon’s Rare Bird Alert is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.
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
Thanks very much and good birding.
Subscribe to New Hampshire Bird Records – learn more about birds and birding
in New Hampshire: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers.
Date: 12/21/20 3:50 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher information and location map
The Sage Thrasher found on Saturday by Cory Ross continued to be seen
off and on this afternoon......but not without a bit of effort. The
bird was first found by Jason Lambert late this morning near the parking
lot at the causeway leading out to ice-fishing shacks under the power
lines. Apparently, it was seen by several at this location.
But by the time I got there, it had disappeared. :-( Fortunately, a
woman (Donna Keller?) relocated it a considerable distance to the NORTH
of the parking lot along the rail trail. Even with her timely
information, we still spent about 1.5 hours before we found it. Thanks
to David Deifik for spotting the bird playing "Where's Waldo" in a small
multiflora rose bush pretty much exactly .25 miles north of the parking
lot in a small clearing on the right of the trail where it comes close
to the road.
Here is a map of the two locations it was seen today. The area shaded
in yellow might be the primary search area.
Date: 12/21/20 9:52 am From: Scott Heron <smheron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Newfields CBC sector
I figure I'll squeeze in a sector report before Len gets out the Seacoast count totals. Two parties including myself and Betsy Heron in one party, and Patience Chamberlin in the other, scoured The northwest edge of the Seacoast CBC circle on Saturday. The Newfields sector covers parts of Stratham, Exeter, Newfields, Newmarket, and Durham. We ended up with 58 species and a total of 4954 individuals, the highest in both regards since I started covering the sector in 2016.
Nothing wildly unusual but as usual, there's always something interesting on the Great Bay. Conditions were great with decent lighting, no wind, and large flocks of waterfowl in fairly close to shore. We had 3 Redheads: a vibrant adult male, female and a more drab, non-breeding male. A Gadwall drake was a nice surprise, although I've had one on the count three times in the last four years.
We had a few chance encounters with finches including Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak, and Red Crossbill. And a few slightly out-of-season birds including Hermit Thrush, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, White-crowned Sparrow, and Northern Flicker were nice reminders of warmer times.
Complete list:
Canada Goose 1720 Gadwall 1 American Wigeon 151 Mallard 17 American Black Duck 640 Redhead 3 Greater Scaup 1185 Bufflehead 8 Common Goldeneye 32 Rock Pigeon 202 Mourning Dove 42 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 Cooper's Hawk 4 Bald Eagle 3 Red-tailed Hawk 6 Ring-billed Gull 13 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Common Loon 1 Barred Owl 2 Belted Kingfisher 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 13 Downy Woodpecker 23 Hairy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Blue Jay 92 American Crow 14 Common Raven 3 Horned Lark 4 Black-capped Chickadee 63 Tufted Titmouse 28 Red-breasted Nuthatch 28 White-breasted Nuthatch 16 Brown Creeper 3 Carolina Wren 3 European Starling 61 Northern Mockingbird 3 Eastern Bluebird 16 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 102 Cedar Waxwing 1 Pine Grosbeak 5 House Finch 71 Red Crossbill 4 Common Redpoll 11 Pine Siskin 11 American Goldfinch 39 American Tree Sparrow 14 Song Sparrow 17 White-throated Sparrow 17 Dark-eyed Junco 140 White-crowned Sparrow 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 4 Red-winged Blackbird 7 Common Grackle 3 Northern Cardinal 21 House Sparrow 72
Date: 12/21/20 9:32 am From: raqbirds via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Concord Count highlights
Because I am heading to Errol (for the next CBC) as soon as "the ink dries" on this email here are just a few thoughts and highlights from the Concord Count.
A veteran group of observers worked diligently yesterday and came up with about 60 species and topped numerous species high count records. Almost randomly-
Barrow's Goldeneye- a male at Sewalls Falls. Our first since 1986. Red-shouldered Hawk- At least four. Our total for the previous 55 years of this count was two!.Peregrine Falcon- four. Not as surprising but almost every party in a circle saw at least one. GH Owl and Barred OwlSapsuckerHorned LarkHermit ThrushGray Catbird Savannah SparrowFox SparrowSnow Bunting blackbird species and I think all the finches except Evening Grosbeak
Plus, our total individuals will probably break a record number of all-time high tallies.
What a great group of birders!
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
Robert A. QuinnMerlin Wildlife Tours 603-746-2535 office 603-568-8582 cell
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 12/21/20 8:48 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sage Thrasher - YES!!!
Jason Lambert just texted to say that he had relocated the Sage Thrasher
after searching for several hours. The bird (right now) is in the
middle of the north trail at the Hinsdale Setbacks that goes out into
the marsh under the power lines.
Date: 12/21/20 8:07 am From: John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> Subject: [NHBirds] Peterborough area CBC results
I'm still waiting on some data to come in via snail mail, but with 90% of reports in, it's looking like a great year. Highlights:
1. 6207 total birds - second highest we ever recorded. 2. 52 species (our highest ever was 55) 3. First record of a boreal chickadee (2). 4. Highest numbers ever for - white-winged crossbill, red crossbill, northern cardinal, rb and wb nuthatch, titmouse, merlin, red-shouldered hawk and cooper's hawk. 5. Second highest for bluejay, red-bellied woodpecker and bald eagle. 6. Much lower than average numbers for purple and house finch, cedar waxwing and robin.
Other highlights (in addition to the red-shouldered hawks and merlins) were a saw-whet owl and a peacock.
I dd the CBC count for my Grafton NH sector today (Warren). 23 species total. Highlights were a flock of 30 Evening grosbeaks and two small flocks of redpolls, which amounted to 8 individuals. Also, at the Hatchery there were 5 mallards, 1 kingfisher, and the 2 resident eagles near last year’s nest.
I spent a couple of hours on the coast today, before heading home to beat the snow. First time I've been seriously birding in a couple of weeks, for various reasons. I didn't get anything really rare, but I did see the adult Glaucous Gull at Seabrook town beach, plus a (probably) second-winter Glaucous Gull atop a light pole by the Yankee Fisherman's Co-op. There was also a flock of 20-30 Snow Buntings buzzing around the Hampton Beach State Park parking lot. The nicest sighting was a flock of Purple Sandpipers on the jetty by the harbor entrance - at least 27 birds, and perhaps a few more out of sight among the rocks.
Pat Myers joined me covering the Chichester/Pembroke “inland” sector (away from the Merrimack River) of the Concord CBC today. There was lots of activity, even after it started snowing when birds were busy at feeders. We were mostly driving and walking along roads given the snow.
We had great birds at one of our first big stops on Horsecorner Rd. in Chichester: 2 adult Red-shouldered Hawks perched in the same tree, 30 Common Redpolls, and 2 Pine Siskins.
Other highlights scattered in Pembroke included a Yellow-breasted Sapsucker, 28 Pine Grosbeaks, and 2 Red Crossbills.
When I came home (which is in the count circle) a Cooper’s Hawk flew through my yard, a Pileated flew over, 2 Carolina Wrens were chattering, and 11 White-throats Sparrows were at the feeder. A nice final addition to the count.
Date: 12/20/20 5:05 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Greenland Sector of Coastal Count yesterday - 63 Species
Yesterday, Jane and I worked the Greenland Sector for the Coastal
Christmas Bird Count. The area includes the southern shoreline of Great
Bay from Squamscott Road in Stratham east to Fabyan's Point in Newington
and all land north of Rt. 33. I have covered this area every winter for
over 35 years! Unlike last year's count when we only got 46 species (in
terrible weather!!) we got a new record high 63 species. Nothing
extremely rare, but we added two species to my sector list (Red
Crossbill & Pine Warbler).
Steve & Jane Mirick
Bradford, MA
Greenland Sector - Coastal CBC, Rockingham, New Hampshire, US
Dec 19, 2020 6:00 AM - 4:23 PM
Protocol: Traveling
20.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Clear, cold, and calm. 4F - 31F. Eastern
portion of bay frozen in. Still open water from Meloon Road. A few
hunters on bay.
New record high 63 species for sector.
63 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 1400 Not a careful count.
American Wigeon 32
Mallard 32
American Black Duck 420
REDHEAD 2 Extremely distant views of two males with scaup flock
along Newmarket shoreline. First seen in flight, then on water. Red
heads and gray bodies with black rumps and chests. Scott Heron reported
3 from Newmarket shoreline today.
Greater Scaup 700 Count of birds off Meloon Road only. Larger
flock off Newmarket, but too distant to count.
Bufflehead 7
Common Goldeneye 118
Hooded Merganser 13
Common Merganser 1 Female on bay.
Red-breasted Merganser 17
Wild Turkey 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 94
Mourning Dove 55
Ring-billed Gull 3
Herring Gull 3
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Great Blue Heron 1 Out of place bird flying low over frozen cattail
marsh off Great Bay Road.
NORTHERN HARRIER 1 Beautiful adult male flying over open fields off
Squamscott Road at dusk.
Cooper's Hawk 2
Bald Eagle 1 Adult.
Red-tailed Hawk 11
Eastern Screech-Owl 2 Calling together at Great Bay Discovery
Center. Tried about 3 other locations, but no luck.
Great Horned Owl 1 Beautiful morning silhouette of bird perched up
on snag predawn.
Belted Kingfisher 1 Over open patch in ice on Winnicut River.
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 4 Incredible total. Last year was the
first record ever of one bird for sector. Two together off Jason Drive,
one off Osprey Cove and one off Caswell Drive. Seems to be a big winter
for this species.
Red-bellied Woodpecker 18 New high count for sector. Previous high
of 15 in 2016.
Downy Woodpecker 21
Hairy Woodpecker 4
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
MERLIN 1 Great Bay Farm. Flew over and perched.
Blue Jay 52
American Crow 41
COMMON RAVEN 1 Great Bay Farm.
Black-capped Chickadee 149 About typical number.
Tufted Titmouse 57
Horned Lark 25 Fields off Squamscott Road.
Red-breasted Nuthatch 49 All day count. Record high for sector
(previous high of 10), but not at all surprising given the invasion this
year.
White-breasted Nuthatch 61 Very high count. Second highest for sector.
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 6 Record high count for sector.
European Starling 158
Northern Mockingbird 9
Eastern Bluebird 51 Record high count for sector and ubiquitous. A
few at every stop. Remarkably common now.
Hermit Thrush 3 3 different spots.
American Robin 555 Roughly half of these leaving Great Bog roost at
dawn at Great Bay Farm. The other half off Squamscott Road flying south
into different roost at dusk.
Cedar Waxwing 25
House Sparrow 135
House Finch 108
Common Redpoll 21 One at Great Bay Farm and 20 in weedy field
across the street.
RED CROSSBILL 6 Five together off Palm Drive with 1 adult male and
5 females. Later a single fly-over calling.
White-winged Crossbill 0 Probably two perched, but flew before I
could get scope on them.
Pine Siskin 4 Four together at feeder off Depot Road.
American Goldfinch 74
American Tree Sparrow 59
Dark-eyed Junco 114
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 5 New high count. All juveniles at Great
Bay Farm.
White-throated Sparrow 61
Savannah Sparrow 1 Along Newington Road near Great Bay farm and
weedy field.
Song Sparrow 42 Second highest for sector Lots at Great Bay Farm
and nearby weedy field.
Swamp Sparrow 1 Great Bay Farm.
blackbird sp. 4 Flew over at dawn out of Great Bog roost. Poor
views. Likely Red-wings, but ??
PINE WARBLER 1 Rather drab bird at Debbie Bruitt's feeder off Sandy
Point Road. Remarkably, with all the rare warblers found in past years,
this is the FIRST PINE Warbler for the sector.
Northern Cardinal 64
Date: 12/20/20 4:50 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Coast continuing birds and STILL no Evening Grosbeaks for us!
Jane and I hit the coast today and tallied a few of the continuing nice
birds:
GLAUCOUS GULL - The adult Glaucous Gull, nicknamed "Glockenspiel" has
returned for another year!!! 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 11th year and perhaps 13 or 14 years old!!!! The bird
habitually and dominantly sits on the top dome of the bath house
building overlooking Hampton Harbor south of the bridge in Seabrook.
Also in the harbor was the continuing Black-bellied Plover.
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/289624991
LINCOLN'S SPARROW - Continues in the grasses near the bath house at
Odiorne. With 6 Song Sparrows and 3 juncos today. Jane and I walked
the park today, but nothing else of interest except for a single
Yellow-rumped Warbler and far fewer birds than before the snow storm and
cold.
https://flic.kr/p/2kiP2a1
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER - Male continues at feeder at 150 West
Road. The people here have an excellent set of feeders in front and
rear of house which includes suet and meal worms. We saw it (as
yesterday) briefly on the ground in the front of the house. The home
owners sell some nice bluebird houses. If you visit and see the bird,
consider buying a house! The home owner says it is OK to park in the
driveway, but DO NOT BLOCK both lanes of driveway. There are 4 prior
December records including the famous overwintering bird at a set of
feeders in Stratham in 1998-1999. The home owners then set up a
make-shift heating lamp over a bush which the bird would sleep in to
escape the cold!! Also present at the feeders was a FOX SPARROW, which
is only our 2nd of the fall/winter.
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/289624011
We then worked inland to Newmarket for yet another attempt to find an
Evening Grosbeak......no luck again!!! :-( We did, however, find 2 PINE
GROSBEAKS in callory pear trees off Maston Road and a nice flock of 33
COMMON REDPOLLS working some birch trees off Hamel Farm Drive.
Date: 12/20/20 4:05 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] SAGE THRASHER in Hinsdale!
I just received definitive photographs second hand through Eric
Masterson of a SAGE THRASHER found and photographed yesterday at the
Hinsdale Setbacks at 3PM. Found by Cory ___.
Description was that "it was in with a group of EABL just to the North
of the North parking area at the Hinsdale Setbacks".
That's all the information I have right now. Updates to the list would
be appreciated. This would be a FIRST STATE record.
Time to report in on my portion of the Concord CBC, which thankfully started off around 14 degrees vs. -2. Wandering around in the deep snow was more of a challenge though, and between foot, snowshoes, and x-country skis I calculate I travelled 8.5-9.0 miles today. Add that to a long day yesterday and I'm happy to take a break tomorrow!
The day started with me finding Becky Suomala at the south end of Long Pond around 6:15, where she'd been hearing a distant Great Horned Owl. A couple of other owling stops in the next half hour yielded - shocker - nothing, and it was time for diurnal birding. Unity joined me for a snowshoe slog around Murray Farms, where the highlight was a flock of ~20 redpolls and 4 additional flyovers. Then I skied the rail trail along Bog Road which resulted in my only Red Crossbills for the day and good numbers of RB Nuthatches.
The next highlight was the open water on the Contoocook along River Road, which is now home to ~250 Mallards, ~30 Am Black Ducks, and 5 Hooded Mergansers. A kingfisher was a pleasant surprise, and 12 Pine Grosbeaks in a yew bush were fun to watch in the snow. Three WW Crossbills flew over as I walked along Fowler Street a little later, where I also had my 4th Carolina Wren for the day (of an eventual 6). Morrill's Farm was deemed inaccessible from my usual spot because of dep snow on the RR tracks, but scanning the river from the wastewater treatment plant yielded 27 Canada Geese and my only Common Goldeneye.
My last big adventure involved walking the Northern Rail Trail in Boscawen, starting along Commercial Street at the southern large fields, and working north to Crete's Farm. Things were busy at the start, including a flock of 14 Am Tree Sparrows, 26 Cedar Waxwings, and 7 Horned Larks. Just south of Crete's Farm was my bird of the day - a calling Gray Catbird from thickets unfortunately inaccessible on account of snow. I cut over to the road to walk back and just north of my car found a Savannah Sparrow feeding along the edge.
The day wrapped up with a largely quiet swing through the Boscawen "feeder zone" (the snow had started by this point, and ended with a final snowshoe at the Hirst WMA. Here, in addition to the usual woods birds was another flyover WWCR.
And now it's time for dinner.
Pam Hunt
Penacook
"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."
A pair appeared in a tree near my hopper feeder about 8:00 am. The resident blue jays did not make them feel welcome, and the two left after about ten minutes. Blake AllisonLyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 12/20/20 2:12 pm From: CK Borg <patch.bird.poacher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks - Concord, NH
...well my friends the parking lot of Hannafords is no place for any self respecting "borealbirder" to twitch, hence this new moniker for those special occasions ;-)~ With that being said, there were some Pine Grosbeaks in the crabapples at the Hannafords, Pizzeria Uno, Fort Eddy, shopping complex this afternoon. Not much fruit left, so I reckon they'll be moving on.
Date: 12/20/20 11:26 am From: Aaronian, Richard S. <raaronian...> Subject: [NHBirds] Seabrook CBC
Greetings all,
It was a cold, but beautiful, start to the day as compared to the rainy mess we dealt with with last year. In addition to the 72 species observed in Seabrook yesterday (the highest total I have recorded since reporting on this sector), we also had the highest number of participants -17. Clearly, Seabrook is the place to be birding on a cold Saturday in December! We missed seeing Art Borror and Lee Pollock this year but hope they will be able to be with us in 2021. The group was divided into 3 parties, and I appreciate the efforts of David Blezard and Henry Stevens for leading the other two groups. Although we know it was necessary this year, having to travel in so many different vehicles made it even more challenging.
The diversity of species seen this year was exceptional as it seems to be in other sectors. The sea ducks seen were the usual suspects but, unfortunately, we did not see any alcids or gannets not for lack of trying. Raptors did cooperate, however, and we were able to observe Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's, Red-tailed and Harrier. The highlight of the raptor group was a magnificent adult Rough-legged Hawk flying right in front of us over Clamshell Rd. in Seabrook. Six woodpecker species was nice to have and the 5 Belted KF didn't seem to be bothered by the cold. Seabrook can always be counted on for the adult Glaucous Gull and it did not disappoint us as it stood in its usual spot showing off its pink legs and feet. It did appear as if it missed the jelly doughnuts traditionally offered by Art Borror, however. Purple SP, Dunlin and Sanderlings also cooperated in addition to a single Black-bellied Plover. Although we were disappointed that no Snowy Owl was seen in our sector (were they seen anywhere?), HBSP did have its usual Horned Larks and Snow Buntings along with one Lapland Longspur. Redpolls were a treat to see in the park as well as at other locations. A Common Raven was heard in the Beckman's Island marsh at the start of the day as well. We looked hard for crossbills and siskins but no luck. I'm sure we all look forward to the final tally from Len which, based on reports from other groups, should be a good one.
Beautiful day to be birding yesterday, and the Stratham/Greenland sector hit 50 species! That's by far the highest species count we've had in my 15 years of doing this sector, and it was helped by a combination of very few misses, the northern finch incursions, a couple of firsts, and some good pickups on hard-to-get birds like waterfowl and raptors.
Highlights include 3 SWANS flying over Chapman's Landing at dawn (we *hope* they were Mute Swans, but it was too fast and bad angle to be sure, so they're going in as swan sp.); 8 PINE GROSBEAKS in the crabapples next to the Honda dealer on Route 108; a beautiful mixed flock of 60+ birds, sparrows and redpolls, in farm field, fun to watch and fun to sort thru; 2 HERMIT THRUSHES; 2 separate small flocks of RED CROSSBILLS (are red crossbills going to be a count first for seacoast?); and a NORTHERN HARRIER over Chapman's Landing in the evening. We missed a MERLIN that was around yesterday, but I think it may have shown up elsewhere. I'm also assuming that this year smashed the record high for Red-breasted nuthatches, so I'm looking forward to the final numbers on that!
Separate cars because of Covid prompted us to do a walk-oriented count, because feeder-watching in Stratham with 3 cars is just not tenable. The snow was pretty tough at times, but we found a couple of new trails in the sector that we'd never done before, and we'll look forward to adding them to our itinerary next year. Stu and Chris, thanks for the company and the birds!
Date: 12/20/20 8:37 am From: Lori Charron <lpcharron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ravens
This morning in Errol two different times I had a group of ravens fly over. Being very noisy and both groups headed south/west. Total of 17 ravens this morning Lori
Date: 12/20/20 7:17 am From: Martha Wilson <quilter.martha...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks
8 Pine Grosbeaks are at the elementary school on Roller Coaster Rd in Strafford. They were in a fruit tree to the south side of the school. They flew off but can still be seen at the tops of trees to the left.
Date: 12/20/20 7:05 am From: <placo......> <placourse55...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rye Area of the Seacoast CBC
Hi Everyone,
Here are the highlights for the Rye area of the Seacoast CBC. First of all
I did not get the Black-throated Blue Warbler that Pam was alerted to and
found on West Rd. in Rye. Thanks for acting on that one Pam and Unity.
It certainly was a cold start with my car thermometer reading 5 degrees
when we started at dawn, but the birds didn’t seem to care. They were
especially responsive to pishing, way more repsonsive than my body was at
those temps. We encountered some of the largest mixed flocks I have had in
the history of counting the Rye area. VERY COOL to be enveloped by
songbirds(even at 5 degrees).
One of the tough parts of the day was the huge number of surfers and day
trippers on the coast, it was like a summer day with most parking spots
occupied.
Highlights
- Large numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches. almost every pisshed stop
attracted multiple Red-breasted Nuthatches.
- 4 Golden crowned Kinglets on Love ln. again came into pisshing along
with multiple Red-breasted Nuthatches.
- First time in many years in the Rye area of the CBC of seeing both
Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks and we saw 2 of each species.
- 1 Razorbill
- 1 Great Blue Heron in the salt marsh stream near the in intersection
of 1A and Locke Rd.
- 1 Pine Warbler on Old Beach Rd.
- 1 Wood Duck: A beautiful male on the west side of 1A in a tidal stream
on the south side of a large tan brick house about a 1/2 mile or so before
you reach Atlantic Ave.
Date: 12/20/20 6:37 am From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fwd: Lawrece Winter Crow Roost Numbers
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Dana Fox <dana.fox1939...> Date: Sun, Dec 20, 2020 at 9:31 AM Subject: Lawrece Winter Crow Roost Numbers To: <massbird...>
Amazingly, last night (December 19) Bob (my husband Bob Fox) and I went to count the crows in the Lawrence, MA winter roost for the Andover CBC.
First of all, as you know from previous posts, the crows strike a different pattern for their final staging and roosting each night. We had already searched for them along Market St. and looked west from So. Canal St. This is where we had last seen thousands coming in from the NE, west and SW and finally staging on the roofs of the flat buildings on the south side of Merrimack St.
We saw a few going over us and heading further east over Merrimack St. so we turned around and went into the Savatore's restaurant parking area and went west of that to the river's edge. Some Fish Crows were there on the open pavement, many crows were gathering in the trees along the south and then the north side of the river - maybe a couple of thousand when we drove back to the New Balance Parking Lot. We parked in the New Balance parking lot on the east side of So. Union St.just south of the Merrimack River right in the upper most part.
Now he walked out on the *west* side of the So. Union St. "Duck" Bridge while I stayed in the car parked in the NW corner of the parking lot where I could see a wide open swatch that the birds would hopefully pass through as they went up over the bridge going from east to west heading into the roost which begins to the west of this bridge.
Bob is the "official" counter at this roost but for some reason tonight I sucked up and started to count. Suddenly an endless stream (and I mean endless) of crows came from the west over the river, up over the bridge and they joined the crows we had just seen mostly on the south side of the river. It was well past sunset - they were "late" and it was getting dark.
Well, after it got too dark to see any more, I became fascinated as you can imagine in his totals. Believe it or not - he had 24,200 and I had 24.500. A 300 bird difference. Can you believe it? I also had 1,000 more along the south side of the river before it got too dark to see any more moving that he did not see. *So on a night when they follow this pattern, you can either be on the bridge or in the parking lot and see all of the crows.*
Also, numbers have grown since we counted 18,000 a week ago.
During this Covid pandemic, you can safely stay in your car and not even be exposed to anyone or go out of your car with a mask and see the crows.
Stay safe and come see the amazing show. When you wish to come please email me at <dana.fox1939...> to get the latest info on where they have been staging and roosting.
