Date: 1/15/19 6:19 pm From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Blue birds in Hooksett....
Eastern Bluebirds will hang around as long as they can find food. Normally they head south because the ground freezes and/or gets covered by snow. But if someone is feeding them, they'll stay all winter.
-- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH
At 10:33 AM 1/14/2019, ROBERT SWEET wrote:
To all, while walking the dog the last couple of days have noticed a pair (could be more) of blue birds @ a neighbors feeder and also perched on a birdhouse they have in the yard. Kind of early for them to be around????? Anyone have any thoughts on this, is it too early for them to be around?????
Continuing...I think this is the same flock of Canada Geese = Snow visitor i saw on the golf course Friday...today, mid-afternoon on the lawn out front of the entrance to Fuller Gardens.
I was extremely cautious ion approaching them and I was able to get within a hundred feet ofthe nearest sentry before it extended its neck...
Steve
Highland Street was still a hotspot this morning. While quickly passing through after an appointment, I found a nice group of Pine Grosbeaks near Agway (across from entrance to Hatch Corner Plaza). The group included a nice adult male (the first I've seen this winter). I snapped a few shots in poor light from across the road. One poor shot: https://flic.kr/p/2cQCmJD
Date: 1/15/19 6:45 am From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] BoWis in NewLondon
Over 175 Bohemian Waxwings now in parking lot across Newport Road from Mascoma Bank. Great photo opportunity as one can get within 10 feet of them with good light. Fred Sladen
On Monday, January 14, 2019 at 10:33:16 AM UTC-5, rgsweet wrote: > > To all, while walking the dog the last couple of days have noticed a pair > (could be more) of blue birds @ a neighbors feeder and also perched on a > birdhouse they have in the yard. Kind of early for them to be around????? > Anyone have any thoughts on this, is it too early for them to be around????? > > Thanks..... >
On Monday, January 14, 2019 at 10:33:16 AM UTC-5, rgsweet wrote: > > To all, while walking the dog the last couple of days have noticed a pair > (could be more) of blue birds @ a neighbors feeder and also perched on a > birdhouse they have in the yard. Kind of early for them to be around????? > Anyone have any thoughts on this, is it too early for them to be around????? > > Thanks..... >
Date: 1/14/19 5:09 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 14, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 14th,
2019.
An adult male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen near Stark Landing or
farther north on the Merrimack River in Manchester, and was last reported on
January 12th. A female BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen on the
Connecticut River between White River Junction and Lebanon and was last
reported on January 10th.
2 BUFFLEHEADS and a RING-NECKED DUCK were seen at Field’s Grove City Park in
Nashua during the past week. A male WOOD DUCK was seen on the Suncook River
in Pittsfield on January 10th.
A male GREEN-WINGED TEAL continues to be seen on the Androscoggin River in
Gorham and was last reported on January 12th. This is an unusually far north
and inland occurrence for this species in winter. A female GREEN-WINGED TEAL
was reported from Krif Road in Keene on the 9th.
A single SNOW GOOSE continues to be seen along the coast and was last
reported on January 11th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continues to be seen near the bathhouse located on the
Seabrook side of Hampton Harbor and was last reported on January 12th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at Sunapee Harbor on January 14th, 1 was seen at
Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on the 8th, and 1 was seen in Holderness on the
10th.
6 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen in a field along River Road just south of
Hall's Crossing in Walpole on January 11th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in
Rye, and was last reported on January 12th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER continues to be seen in Seabrook and was last
reported on January 13th.
A flock of 26 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen in trees on Green Street in Plymouth
on January 13th.
Over 100 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continued to be seen foraging on crabapple trees
in New London during the past week. There have also been a few sightings in
Plymouth and Hanover.
During the past week PINE GROSBEAK sightings continued to increase and they
were reported from Gorham, Berlin, Plymouth, Sunapee, New London, Walpole,
and Dublin. Of particular note was a flock of more than 40 PINE GROSBEAKS
seen in New London and a flock of more than 40 seen in Plymouth, all
foraging on crabapple trees, on January 13th. Also, a flock of over 50 was
seen in Enfield on the 10th.
Small flocks of EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations
during the past week.
A PINE SISKIN was reported from Rye on January 11th.
A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen along the Mud Pond trail at Pondicherry
National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on January 12th.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included:
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, HERMIT THRUSH, TURKEY
VULTURE, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, FISH CROW, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN
FLICKER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, PINE WARBLER, GRAY CATBIRD, SWAMP SPARROW,
CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any
interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the
recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon
web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Date: 1/14/19 2:45 pm From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks in Plymouth
I returned to the fruit tree on Highland Street (near Burger King) to try and photograph the Grosbeaks in good light. They cooperated. Different groups stopped by...the largest had twenty birds.
Date: 1/14/19 2:24 pm From: <jacksonwrxt89...> Subject: [NHBirds] Winter Birds - Lake Sunapee Area
In New London, a large flock of Pine Grosbeaks and Bohemian Waxwings we’re feeding in fruit trees along Newport Road just east of the Newport Road/County Road traffic circle.
Later in Sunapee, I came across an immature Northern Shrike and five more Pine Grosbeaks in the Indian Cave Condominium complex outside Sunapee Harbor.
Date: 1/14/19 1:28 pm From: Jane Hills <jhbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Robin flocks in Manchester
I'm not sure if this is news, but over the past three days I have on several occasions seen flocks of 20-30 American Robins flying overhead in north Manchester.
Jane
Jane Hills
Manchester, NH
jhbird(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
"We are all environmentalists now, but we are not all planetists. An environmentalist realizes that nature has its pleasures and deserves respect. A planetist puts the earth ahead of the earthlings." --William Safire
Date: 1/14/19 7:33 am From: ROBERT SWEET <rgsweet...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue birds in Hooksett....
To all, while walking the dog the last couple of days have noticed a pair (could be more) of blue birds @ a neighbors feeder and also perched on a birdhouse they have in the yard. Kind of early for them to be around????? Anyone have any thoughts on this, is it too early for them to be around?????
Date: 1/14/19 7:18 am From: Cliff Otto <bye.bye.nh.birdy...> Subject: [NHBirds] Way OT, but: This king penguin is a knighted brigadier of the Norwegian Army
Date: 1/14/19 6:37 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] Crow Patrol Last night January 13th Lawrence MA
Last night was a spectacular night as we had a beautiful sunset and low winds - and yes a bit chilly. We watched the crows from the roof of the Parking garage just south of the New Balance Factory Parking lot staging in the So. Common Park, later moving towards the roost many gathering on the roof of the B & D Warehouse to the west of the garage on the corner of Merrimack and So. Union St.. and finally watched them from the New Balance Parking lot dropping as darkness fell into the roost in the tops and outer branches of the thin line of trees along the Merrimack River beside New Balance.
We were joined by Melanie and Mark Pearlstein of Swampscott, Fern Woodruff of Nashua, NH and Carol Linder of Londonderry, NH; Ed Hazell of Somerville, George Cumming of Middleton, Henrietta Yelle, her husband and son Henry, and Karen and Margaret Towle of Arlington, and Shelly Selwyn of Andover (no email address) . Let me know if I missed anyone. For those of you who were there, please feel share your impressions either directly with me or posting them onto one of the list serves. At the conclusion of our walk, we found Karen Levitt and her husband Steve Morris from Chelmsford and her friend Maxa Berid from Lowell walking back from looking at the crows on foot. We are now in email contact with them.
When we first got there, we watched them gathering from the glass walled, HEATED south elevator open space. Now how lucky is that? At first, there were few in the trees and on the ground in the park but then the show really began. Yes, I know I have seen this before but it still thrills to see thousands of birds peppering the sky wheeling towards you. You might say "they are just crows", but "thousands of crows?" It is exciting, majestic, awe inspiring - you choose the adjective - to see the specs grow larger and larger and then spiral down into the trees below. At first they came from the south - so, so many. And then as the sun was setting, the show from the west began. You are now looking into a beautiful western sky sometimes with spectacular cloud formations. [By now many of us were outside where we could hear the crows too.] Suddenly, the specks of pepper appeared in the colorful sky with the impressive backdrop of old textile mill chimneys and majestic church steeples. Lastly, last night impressive numbers of crows came in from the east and they seemed to move beyond the park (no wonder the trees were now topped with black bobbles) settling on roofs to the west of us. You are in the midst of an old red brick mill city along the Merrimack River and for about an hour and a half this natural phenomena is constantly swirling around you. As duck settled in, the began to lift off the trees in the park, hundreds at a time and move towards the New Balance Building headed towards the roof. Wave after wave went by us silhouetted by the brighter western sky - as one mentioned it was like orchestrated at a restaurant were table after table is asked to join the line to get food. As we left the garage and walked back to the parking lot, we could see them lifting off the roofs and crossing Merrimack St. Once in the parking lot from the upper NW corner we watched them against a lighter sky dropping into the thin line of trees where they will spend the night.
Researchers elsewhere have shown with satellite tagged birds that these birds probably came from up to 20 miles away - a ritual they will make each winter night. We need to get some tags on "our" birds to see where they spend the day and where they will go to nest. A researcher and money is all we need!!!!!
Earlier in the winter the majority of crows came in from the east; last night there seemed to be so many from the south and the west. The eastern and western groups have followed the river we believe. There patterns will change as their daily search for new food sources takes them in different directions. They have probably learned of new food sources as they communicated in the roost.
Date: 1/13/19 8:22 pm From: Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> Subject: [NHBirds] White Throated Sparrows in Hinsdale.
In the bushes by HCP in Hinsdale (where I scatter birdseed) their were two White Throated Sparrows. Not that unusual of a sighting but since they are often marked as lingering migrants I decided to add them for completeness sake.
Date: 1/13/19 10:15 am From: <jacksonwrxt89...> Subject: [NHBirds] Grosbeaks & Waxwings - Lake Sunapee Area
This morning I had a combined 7 Pine Grosbeaks in two different spots around Sunapee Harbor. Around noon I came across another estimated 40 Pine Grosbeaks just south of the Newport Road/County Road traffic circle in New London. On the back side of the Colby-Sawyer College Campus along Seaman’s Road I found a flock of about 45 Bohemian Waxwings and seven more Pine Grosbeaks.
Date: 1/13/19 9:06 am From: Sylvia Hartmann <s42yth...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red tailed hawk et al
A gorgeous red tailed hawk sat sunning itself, and waiting for a squirrel to appear, in a tree close to my house an hour ago. Four Bluejays sat within 2’ of the hawk, not yelling at it nor dive-bombing it. The chickadees, titmice, cardinals, sparrows and juncos all went about their business as if the hawk were not there. Interesting behavior.
Sylvia Hartmann. Manchester, nh
Date: 1/13/19 7:58 am From: 'Steve Lauermann' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagle
Just now, adult Bald Eagle flying from west to east over Rochester...as if in hot pursuit!
We see one or two fairly often, but at a leisurely "I'm checking theground for prey" pace. This one was on a mission.
Date: 1/12/19 5:23 pm From: Rebecca Suomala <rsuomala2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hampton with the Twitchers
The Twitchers in the Rye were scouting in Hampton today, in preparation for being the Twitchers out of the Rye in the Superbowl of birding next weekend. We spent most of the time looking for active feeders and good owling spots in Hampton where we are planning to be this year unless the pelican and chat show up again in Rye.
Birds were quiet overall in the blustery cold with no rarities found but we had just a few highlights.
1 Turkey Vulture at Hannafords
13 Horned Larks at Hampton Beach SP
4 Snow Buntings at Hampton Beach SP on the opposite side from the larks
1 Cooper’s Hawk at Bientennial Park
Since Hampton is a new area for the Twitchers, we’re happy to hear any local knowledge, especially away from the ocean.
Glaucous Gull - 1 adult continues along Rt. 1A in Seabroook at bath houses.
Tufted Duck - NO! Eastern ponds at Exeter WTP are now frozen over! Two
Lesser Scaups were in the NW pond which is the only pond that is open.
No Tufted Duck and no shoveler!
Date: 1/12/19 12:19 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black-backed Woodpecker in Jefferson
I heard then saw a female Black-backed Woodpecker from the Mud Pond Trail boardwalk at the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on Saturday afternoon. It was actually the only bird we saw or heard on our 2 km snowshoe walk to Mud Pond. We also saw moose, snowshoe hare and otter tracks.
Our feeders are more active with 35 Evening Grosbeaks that have been present since Thanksgiving. We have a half dozen tree sparrows, and a few juncos and ruffed grouse plus the usual chickadees, nuthatches, and hairy and downy woodpeckers.
Regarding the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge and the partial government shutdown. The staff are on furlough. The private contractors flor trailhead plowing and other support work are not working on the refuge. Our volunteers who maintain the trail system are not allowed to work. There are blowdowns on the trails along with many bent over trees from the rain followed by snow event. Everyone wants to get back to work and hopefully that will happen soon.
Birders interested in visiting Pondicherry should bring snowshoes or xc skis. A hooded jacket is a good idea to keep snow from going down your back because the trees are snow covered. Expect blowdowns and use care going around them.
Date: 1/12/19 10:31 am From: Andrea Bean <abean60...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwings
This is especially for the two birders that were looking for the Bohemians today. We just saw a flock of 50-60 in the trees between Tucker’s Restaurant and Duncan Donuts in New London. Hope you read this listserv and and are able to find them.
Andrea Bean
Date: 1/12/19 9:49 am From: Chris Johnson <birdnerd2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barrow's Goldeneye, Manchester 1/12/19 1230p
Male Barrow's Goldeneye south of Arms park behind Riverstone Resources. Just south of the old bridge piers. Great comparison look with Common Goldeneye in the same binocular view.
Date: 1/11/19 7:43 pm From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Dublin Pine Grosbeaks
It sounds like Pine Grosbeaks are continuing to move south through NH...Dan Edwards reports a flock of 10 feeding on a crabapple yesterday outside the Dublin Business Center on Main Street (Rt. 101) in Dublin. The center has limited parking and contains several small businesses, so please be courteous and respectful if seeking out these birds.
Phil BrownHancock, NH
Date: 1/11/19 7:35 pm From: Adam Burnett <adamburnett33...> Subject: [NHBirds] Walpole longspurs and Pine Grosbeaks
Today there was a flock of six Lapland Longspurs along River Road in Walpole, just south of Hall’s Crossing, and a flock of seven Pine Grosbeaks in the crab apples at the Savings Bank of Walpole in the North Meadow Plaza along Route 12. My eBird checklists include documentation photos of both species:
Horned Larks continue in the area as well. While we were watching the Pine Grosbeaks, a flock of about 40 Horned Larks flew through and eventually landed at the tractor dealership across the street, where they have been found regularly this winter. Another flock of at least 14 was in the hayfields near our yard in Westmoreland.
Good evening all--
I traversed the coast this afternoon hoping to catch sight of a Snowy Owl or a Snow Goose...no Owl, but did catch the Snow Goose on the Golf Course in North Hampton,middle of the afternoon :
Checklist S51566775
There are a couple of pictures with the above report.
Bone-chilling afternoon!
Enjoy--
Steve Lauermann
-
Date: 1/11/19 4:11 am From: Francie <vonmertens...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks Peterborough
All too brief feeder visit by evening grosbeaks. Five females / 1 male. The usual MODO gang crowding our small feeder setup didn’t allow them much access. Off they flew to resume their nomadic ways. Francie Von Mertens
Date: 1/10/19 5:45 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Four Angry Yellow Eyes
As soon as we got installed on the farm in southern Spain, I went to check
my Little Owl nest boxes. I opened the lower side door on one box and there
was a voluminous pile of cast up pellets and, most tellingly, excrement on
the wall - young had been raised there. After closing the box a Little Owl
flushed from a nearby cork oak.
At the next box there was an even thicker layer of pellets and, more
interestingly, four angry yellow eyes in the back of the box - both adults
had been rudely awakened by my efforts. They watched while I removed some
of the pellet mass and I quickly closed the door.
Now that I’m the Barred Owl King of Hampstead, could I become the Little
Owl King of Los Barrios too?
A Northern Shrike made a brief appearance in Piper Cove behind the Squam Lake Association (rt. 25) building during a late afternoon visit. At noon at the same location two Bald Eagles and two Ravens we're feeding on a carcass (perhaps a gray fox).
Date: 1/10/19 2:45 pm From: Wayne Scott <wsscott...> Subject: [NHBirds] Female Barrow's Goldeneye - Connecticut River West Lebanon continues
The individual seen today is presumably the same female that was first seen on December 8 and has been spotted numerous times since, usually with a small group of 5-6 female Commons. They have often been spotted from behind the Staples, Best Buy and Golf and Ski Warehouse along Route 12 in West Leb, but also upriver near the bridge between White River Jct. VT and West Leb.
Date: 1/10/19 6:40 am From: Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Newmarket
Birders,
Holly Zirkle and I found a shrike during the CBC at the Wiggin Farm conservation land on Grant Road in Newmarket, along with a winter wren. I dipped on both today, but my consolation prize was a flyover flock of 7 Evening Grosbeaks. Also present were 6 turkeys, a raven, 2 tree sparrows, and a bunch (precisely) of bluebirds. Very few birds around on the CBC, so I'm hypothesizing that the shrike might have had something to do with that, even the turkeys.
The "Twitchers in the Rye" will be in the Superbowl of Birding again this year and are accepting pledges to support NH eBird and New Hampshire Bird Records (both programs of NH Audubon's Conservation Department).
For those who don't know, the Superbowl involves looking for as many species as possible in 12 hours and is run by Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center. Teams compete in Essex County, MA and/or Rockingham County, NH. This year the competition is on January 19th, a week earlier than usual.
After doing 10 years in Rye and winning the Townie Award last year, we are planning to try Hampton, NH! This will necessitate a change in our team name but, as we want to keep our team "uniforms," the name will be "Twitchers out of the Rye." It will also mean some extra scouting to find the best birding spots. Of course, on the Coastal Christmas Bird Count in December there were all kinds of great birds in Rye, including a Yellow-breasted Chat and a White Pelican. If those birds stay around, we may be tempted to revert to our old haunts. We have until January 18 to make an official declaration.
I will continue as the team captain and Andrea Robbins will be back with us. Kathryn Frieden and Susan Wrisley will be returning for a second year. We're looking forward to seeing how many species we can find in Hampton. We'll definitely need to do some extra scouting.
Help spur us on by pledging an amount per species or per point (different species get different numbers of points) or a flat amount - and support the collection of bird data for conservation at the same time.
If you'd like to pledge, please contact me at <rsuomala...>, 603-224-9909 x309.
Photos of a Great Gray Owl in Dalton are being posted to the Birdwatchers of New Hampshire Facebook group as recently as January 5. I have no further information, but I was forwarded screen shots of three posts with photos.
Date: 1/8/19 8:55 pm From: bikenbird via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] ***NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday January 9 , 2019 Program - The Past, Present, and Future of New Hampshire Bobcats***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday January 9, 2019 7:30 pm Program - The Past, Present, and Future of New Hampshire Bobcats
Rory Carroll, a PhD candidate and conservation biologist at the University of New Hampshire, is part of a nearly decade long study of bobcats in the region. He will share what the research team has learned about the history and ecology of bobcats. Where did they come from? Where are they now? How do they live? How can we coexist? This interactive discussion will especially focus on his work examining how humans and developed areas impact the lifestyle of every Granite Stater's favorite wildcat.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday January 9, 2019 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps: http://goo.gl/maps/mfnQT) . Refreshments are at 7:00 PM. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 PM. For more information see our web site at http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs . Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Make any donation to the Seacoast Chapter in the tin on the food table and pick up a NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter sticker as a thank you!
Date: 1/8/19 4:30 pm From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks New London
This morning, between 9am and 11am, 46 Pine Grosbeaks were counted and photographed on CSC campus, in crabapple trees in front of the Hogan Sports Center entrance, and along the exit road beside Susan Swamp, eating crabapples. A large flock of Bohemian Waxwings was also seen in the Quad at CSC, numbering about 121. About 18 Cedar Waxwings were also present with the grosbeaks.
Date: 1/8/19 4:19 pm From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] late start to (birding) new year?
Well actually not a late start. We have been skiing /skate skiing with all the fresh snow in Jackson, but back in Nashua, I found I was missing the birds.
Yesterday caught up with the Barrow’s Goldeneye in Manchester (at Waumbeck not Stark landing) and then today into Nashua and Hollis for a few firsts of the year.
Ring neck duck, bufflehead and assorted gulls at Field’s grove, onto Hollis/Woodmont for the Northern Shrike, American tree sparrow. Not quantities but quality. First Red Tail of the year, (followed by 5 others). Nice to be out birding again. Yet lots of time for more skiing!
Green winged teal continues on the Androscoggin R. at the end of Androscoggin St. in Gorham, in company of many Mallards and Black ducks. Home owner is feeding them. Also in Gorham, Pine Grosbeaks at Burger King. Pine grosbeaks also at several locations in Berlin. Kathy Dube, Berlin
Date: 1/8/19 9:26 am From: <andrea.j.patterson...> Subject: [NHBirds] New to NH: eBird Hotspot Question
My daughter will be moving to NH later this week, and we'll be doing some birding while I'm there. I've been scouting eBird Hotspots, and I'm interested in what the "NH Coast" hotspot properly refers to and how people use it (especially since the eBird map shows it out in the water). It looks like fit refers to a stretch between Rye and New Castle?
Any other tips for new-to-NH birders will be gratefully accepted!
Date: 1/7/19 7:10 pm From: Susan Wrisley <swrisley13...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barrow's & Common Goldeneye - Manchester
While in Manchester the other day, I was treated to a nice side-by-side view of a Barrow's Goldeneye and Common Goldeneye. I got a photo that really shows the differences between the two species.
Date: 1/7/19 5:18 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 7, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 7th,
2019.
An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was photographed in coastal Rye on December 11th,
and then re-discovered in Little Harbor between Rye and New Castle on the
14th. It was last reported on January 2nd, 2019. To try to see the bird, the
best viewing has been from the Wentworth By The Sea Marina in Little Harbor,
located on Route 1B in New Castle adjacent to the Wentworth By The Sea
hotel. Birders are welcome during regular hours, but first check in at the
Marina office. You can park in the public parking lot and walk down the
boardwalk to the Marina office. Another possible vantage point is the boat
launch at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye.
An immature male TUFTED DUCK, and a male NORTHERN SHOVELER were both seen at
the Exeter Wastewater Plant on January 5th and 6th. The treatment plant is
only open to birders on weekends.
An adult male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen near Stark Landing on
the Merrimack River in Manchester, and was last reported on January 7th. A
female BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen on the Connecticut River
between White River Junction and Lebanon and was last reported on January
7th when it was seen from Lyman Point Park.
A female HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen on the coast at Bicentennial Park in
Hampton on January 1st.
2 BUFFLEHEADS were seen at Field’s Grove City Park in Nashua on January 2nd.
A male GREEN-WINGED TEAL continues to be seen on the Androscoggin River in
Gorham and was last reported on January 5th. This is an unusually far north
and inland occurrence for this species in winter. A female GREEN-WINGED TEAL
was reported from Keene, also on the 5th.
4 SNOW GEESE were seen in fields along Roberts Road in Rollinsford on
January 4th and 5th, and a single SNOW GOOSE continues to be seen along the
coast and was last reported on the 6th.
2 RAZORBILLS were seen from Great Island Common in New Castle on January
1st.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was photographed in Westmoreland on January 6th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Sandwich, and 1 was seen in Chesterfield, both
on January 3rd.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in
Rye, and was last reported on January 5th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen in Seabrook on January 1st.
Over 235 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen foraging on crabapple trees in New
London, and more than 20 were seen foraging in Plymouth, all on January 6th.
PINE GROSBEAKS, and EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations
during the past week, and sightings seem to be increasing in number. Of
particular note was a flock of 10 PINE GROSBEAKS seen in New London on
January 5th, and a flock of 50 EVENING GROSBEAKS seen in Milan on the 1st.
A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge
in Jefferson on December 31st.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen in North Sutton on January 6th.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: GREAT BLUE
HERON, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, HERMIT THRUSH, WINTER
WREN, TURKEY VULTURE, MERLIN, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER,
GRAY CATBIRD, SWAMP SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX
SPARROW, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
Highlights from the Lake Sunapee Christmas Bird Count held on January 1st
included: a GREAT CORMORANT, 218 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, 5 PINE GROSBEAKS, and 15
COMMON REDPOLLS.
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
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Numbers are growing in Plymouth. This morning Sue Francesco and I checked various spots around town. 13 Pine Grosbeaks were in the cherry trees across from the ice arena on Holderness Road. A mixed flock of waxwings joined them for a while. More Waxwings were in post office square. A small crabapple tree next to Smith Bridge off Tenney Mtn Road was busy. There were 17 Pine Grosbeaks, 8 Robin's and 20 Bohemian Waxwings.
Date: 1/7/19 5:25 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] Crow Patrol Lawrence MA Jan 6
Last night (Sunday the 6th) TWENTY wonderful folk joined us (Bob, Craig and I) for a spectacular late afternoon Crow Patrol. We met in the New Balance Factory Store Parking Lot at 3:30 pm and, after a brief introduction, walked over to the Parking Garage and got to the top floor. There was a dark band of clouds on the western sky which prevented us from having a grand sunset, the temperatures around 30 and the wind was from the NW at 20 miles per hour. Some took the elevator and others walked to the top open roof of the garage where you have a grand view to the east, south and west. It was indeed bracing!!!
Thousands of crow were perched in the tree tops to the south in the So. Common Park and further east. Soon they started lifting up in waves and moved northwest - some dropped down on the lower roof of the B & D Warehouse building, some continues further north out over the river. Many came back to the roof while others peppered the sky above the northern side of the Merrimack River some settling into the trees in Pemberton Park and other filling the sky and settling further west. We have not seen so many staging to the north and west of our vantage point this winter, possibly it was to be in the lee of the wind. With the old, tall smokestacks from the age of the textile mills and the many Catholic Churches that served the many migrant waves that moved into the city to work in those mills, the crows appear in a unique backdrop. Again another pattern we had not seen before.
It was impossible to count the crows last night with their constant moving and settling here and there except to say the noise and sight of thousands of crows was dramatic. Needless to say the stair wells and the southern elevator areas with their glass walls and heated environment attracted many of our group.
Once darkness was falling on the city, a few folk ventured (but not for long) out on the west side of Duck Bridge to watch the crows settle into their nightly roost. The wind was fierce coming down the river but the crows seemed to be clinging onto the leafless branches and were bobbing about. Not a place I'd like to spend the night.
Frank Walley and John Harrison got some great videos from last night. Craig Gibson has already got some pictures from last night up on the blog - www.wintercrowroost.com <http://www.wintercrowroost.com>
Do check it out plus read our references to learn more about wintering crows.
Please plan to attend the new opening of Lawrence's Essex Art Center's Winter Crow Roost exhibit at 56 Island St. - Friday night the 11th from 5-7PM. The exhibit will be open for two months 10-6 Monday to Friday.
You can follow the directions to the Crow Roost printed on the blog and enjoy it any day of the year. Best to chose a night when the wind is not too strong and dress warmly. Sunny afternoons give great photo ops from the garage.
I will let you know when we are giving our next guided tour.
Date: 1/7/19 3:30 am From: Sandy Turner <tmsprgrn...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rob's Big Year
I thought there might be many NH birders who would enjoy following Rob Woodward's Big Year adventures. He told me that it would be fine to post the blog page:
Jane and I poked around today.....some random sightings of interest:
Evening Grosbeak - 3 females off River Road in Stratham. FINALLY, MY
FIRST OF THE WINTER!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemirick/31696315327/in/photostream/ Barred Owl - 1 drive by bird off Brimmer Lane in Hampton falls. And
ANOTHER drive by on I495 near I95! Nice to see a live one along the
Interstate considering how many road kill there have been this winter!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemirick/32763231378/in/dateposted/ Red-winged Blackbird - 7 males and 1 female off Drinkwater Road in
Kensington
Turkey Vulture - Still a lot around. A couple or more in Seabrook. One
in Stratham. Another somewhere, but I can recall where!
Winter Wren - 1 on Blakes Lane in Hampton Falls
Hermit Thrush - 1 on Brimmer Lane in Hampton Falls.
The slightly tufted duck was still at Exeter WTP, and still difficult to pick out from l scaup. To me, the bill is the easiest thing to pick up on, with more white near the tip than scaup, and less than the ring-necked duck.
Date: 1/6/19 1:51 pm From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] BoWi & PiGr at CSC in New London
At about 9:30am today, I found a large flock of Bohemian Waxwings in the Quad at CSC in New London, numbering in excess of 235, with a handful of Cedars mixed in. Also, 9 Pine Grosbeaks, all females, no red males seen amongst these being seen in New London in the past few days.
Attached please find CBC results. The fine weather and a great effort by participants produced some interesting species and numbers. We set a handful of new "high counts", including Bohemian Waxwings (seen for the 7th time on our count) and Wild Turkeys.
Bird of the day honors go to Dylan Jackson with a somewhat surprising Great Cormorant! A new bird for the count circle.
Lastly, after 29 years as originator and compiler of the Lake Sunapee Area CBC, I am turning over the compiler reins to Dylan Jackson. I feel confident that Dylan will be an extremely competent compiler. Thanks for your support over the years.
Date: 1/6/19 11:36 am From: Sheridan Brown <birds...> Subject: [NHBirds] New London Bohemians and Pine Grosbeak
75+ Bohemian Waxwings near the Art Center at Colby Sawyer College approx 1:30pm to 2:00pm today.
Before that, an approx 100 bird flock with at least one Pine Grosbeak near the New London Hospital and Hannaford.
We also had Pine Grosbeak at Colby Sawyer on Friday (flight call, no good visual) with a similar-size group of Bohemians.
Both flocks today (or possibly the same one) moved around a lot. On the upside, there is still plenty of fruit on local trees to entice these birds into staying a bit longer.
Date: 1/6/19 11:17 am From: Jim Kegley <jimkegley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Nashaway Audubon Tuesday program & Saturday eagle survey
Resending due to formatting error:
> Tuesday January 8 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
> Migration Mysteries
> There are so many interesting, if not puzzling, facts about bird migration. Dave Harris, NH Audubon volunteer, will explore what is known about why birds fly such long distances and how they orient and navigate for their journey, with an emphasis on migrating species in New Hampshire. Nashaway Chapter programs, free and open to the public, are now held in the large meeting room downstairs at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, NH) on the SECOND TUESDAY of the month.
> Saturday Jan 12, 2019 8:00am to 12:00pm
> Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey, Merrimack River, Hudson to Manchester
> Join our group in this annual statewide count to learn about local Bald Eagle foraging and roosting habitat and the protection eagles need to stay healthy over the cold winter.
> We will meet in Nashua at the Exit 7 Park & Ride, on the hill behind the Fireside Inn and Suites, or contact Richard Bielawski at
> <rbielawski...> for directions.
Posted by Jim Kegley, Hudson & Dave Harris, Milford
Date: 1/6/19 11:12 am From: Jim Kegley <jimkegley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Nashaway Audubon Tuesday program & Saturday eagle survey
Tuesday January 8 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
> Migration Mysteries
> There are so many interesting, if not puzzling, facts about bird migration. Dave Harris, NH Audubon volunteer, will explore what is known about why birds fly such long distances and how they orient and navigate for their journey, with an emphasis on migrating species in New Hampshire. Nashaway Chapter programs, free and open to the public, are now held in the large meeting room downstairs at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, NH) on the SECOND TUESDAY of the month.
> Saturday Jan 12, 2019 8:00am to 12:00pm
> Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey, Merrimack River, Hudson to Manchester
> Join our group in this annual statewide count to learn about local Bald Eagle foraging and roosting habitat and the protection eagles need to stay healthy over the cold winter.
> We will meet in Nashua at the Exit 7 Park & Ride, on the hill behind the Fireside Inn and Suites, or contact Richard Bielawski at
> <rbielawski...> for directions.
Date: 1/6/19 9:04 am From: Linda M. Charron <clinda912...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Goodbye for now!
Good luck Molly! Happy New York birding!
Linda Charron
New Boston, NH
Cell: (603) 470-7037
On Sun, 6 Jan 2019 04:59:55 +0000 (UTC), "'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds" wrote:
Hi everyone,
I've had such a fun time birding in New Hampshire these past four years, from the goldfinches that once came to my family's nyjer seed feeders over a decade ago before I had any clue about birds, to the rarities like last year's northern wheatear or last week's white pelican that I felt honored to have a chance to glimpse so far from their usual ranges. However, tomorrow I will be moving to New York for the next two and a half years as I attend graduate school at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) for Conservation Biology, where I will be researching native bees in the Montezuma and Iroquois wetland complexes. While it's not the furthest from home I've been (though not by much) it is the longest for which I've ever left, and I'm starting to miss New Hampshire before I've even gone. I look forward to many new birds there, especially the opportunity to finally visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods (plus, I am utterly determined to track down the flock of redpolls that continue on the shore of Syracuse's Onondaga Lake, since I missed them here!). Hence, you won't see me posting here for a good long while. However, I intend on remaining part of the google group, for loyalty's sake, and perhaps to torture myself with rarities I cannot see (though, I can't imagine it's as bad as Cape May, where a LeConte's sparrow, black-headed gull, painted bunting, two goshawks, sandhill cranes, and tundra swans all showed up the day after I left)! More than anything I'll miss being able to monitor my favorite haunts like Horseshoe Pond or Beaver Brook. I hope in my absence some birders will pay a visit to these places for me, so I can see from afar how the birds go about their lives even if I'm not there. I surely hope to find a way to be back for next year's Christmas Bird Count if nothing else. Happy birding everyone, and best of luck in the year to come!
-Molly Jacobson
Merrimack
--
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Date: 1/6/19 6:09 am From: Ann Ablowich <napap...> Subject: [NHBirds] Turkeys
Has anyone else seen male turkeys dance? That is the only word that comes to mind. We have four toms who frequent our feeders. Two are probably from last year's broods and two are older. At least, I think so based on size. One of the larger ones puffs his feathers with his tail partially fanned and makes circles around one of the younger ones. It is almost as though he is trying to herd the young tom (I think they are called jakes in their first year). This whole display can go on for many minutes.
Date: 1/6/19 5:41 am From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] Goshawk North Sutton
At 8:30am, an adult Goshawk landed in a tree by my feeders on Morgan Lane. As I was outside, the hawk apparently saw me right away, and flew off to the east, toward Cascade Brook. Only the second visit by a Goshawk I have witnessed in the 14 months I have lived here.
Date: 1/6/19 4:23 am From: 'Scottydog' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Possible Snowy Owl in Keene
There's a Red Tail Hawk always in that area. How well is your friend at bird id's?
On Friday, January 4, 2019 at 1:52:22 PM UTC-5, Phil Brown wrote: > > A friend reports what he believes was a Snowy flying over the Rt. 10 > traffic circle in Keene this morning. No further details, so would be great > if someone can confirm. > > Phil Brown > Hancock NH > > Sent from my iPhone >
Date: 1/5/19 9:04 pm From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Goodbye for now!
Hi everyone,I've had such a fun time birding in New Hampshire these past four years, from the goldfinches that once came to my family's nyjer seed feeders over a decade ago before I had any clue about birds, to the rarities like last year's northern wheatear or last week's white pelican that I felt honored to have a chance to glimpse so far from their usual ranges. However, tomorrow I will be moving to New York for the next two and a half years as I attend graduate school at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) for Conservation Biology, where I will be researching native bees in the Montezuma and Iroquois wetland complexes. While it's not the furthest from home I've been (though not by much) it is the longest for which I've ever left, and I'm starting to miss New Hampshire before I've even gone. I look forward to many new birds there, especially the opportunity to finally visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods (plus, I am utterly determined to track down the flock of redpolls that continue on the shore of Syracuse's Onondaga Lake, since I missed them here!). Hence, you won't see me posting here for a good long while. However, I intend on remaining part of the google group, for loyalty's sake, and perhaps to torture myself with rarities I cannot see (though, I can't imagine it's as bad as Cape May, where a LeConte's sparrow, black-headed gull, painted bunting, two goshawks, sandhill cranes, and tundra swans all showed up the day after I left)! More than anything I'll miss being able to monitor my favorite haunts like Horseshoe Pond or Beaver Brook. I hope in my absence some birders will pay a visit to these places for me, so I can see from afar how the birds go about their lives even if I'm not there. I surely hope to find a way to be back for next year's Christmas Bird Count if nothing else. Happy birding everyone, and best of luck in the year to come!
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack
Date: 1/5/19 5:20 pm From: DEBRA LAVALLEY <dlv...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bald eagle in Penacook
Was the eagle on the Contoocook River an adult or immature? I have seen an immature along the Contoocook.
I saw two bald eagles in Penacook along the Merrimack River around 1:30 PM today. One was sitting in a tall pine by the Waste Water Treatment Plant = when another came crashing in. There was a quick encounter then they flew off. It was rainy and gloomy - but I got some photos. https://www.flickr.com/gp/34155736@N07/jNA1m3. They could have been the local pair or one of the pair and an interloper, etc.
Debbie/Boscawen
> On January 5, 2019 at 2:16 PM Anne Ryc <annehadshi...> wrote:
>
> Flying northwest along the Contocook river (I was on river road) at great speed, suddenly dived and narrowly missed a mallard duck who got the fright of his life.
>
> Anne H.
>
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This morning about 9 AM I saw 3 birds in the tree over the back yard pond. Process of elimination - they were small, buff sides, blue tops = bluebirds!! And what are piggers? Sylvia Miskoe, Concord
Date: 1/5/19 11:16 am From: Anne Ryc <annehadshi...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald eagle in Penacook
Flying northwest along the Contocook river (I was on river road) at great speed, suddenly dived and narrowly missed a mallard duck who got the fright of his life.
Date: 1/4/19 5:08 pm From: Ducky Darrick <dadams...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Possible Snowy Owl in Keene
They sometimes hang out in the field in front of the hotel near that location
On Fri, Jan 4, 2019, 5:26 PM Steven Lamonde <slamonde...> wrote:
> This afternoon, I stopped by Krif Road and Dillant-Hopkins Airport in > search of the potential Snowy Owl - no luck at either location. > > Steven Lamonde > > On Fri, Jan 4, 2019 at 1:52 PM 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds < > <nhbirds...> wrote: > >> A friend reports what he believes was a Snowy flying over the Rt. 10 >> traffic circle in Keene this morning. No further details, so would be great >> if someone can confirm. >> >> Phil Brown >> Hancock NH >> >> 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> >> Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> > -- > Steven Lamonde > Conservation Biology (MS) student > Department of Environmental Studies > Antioch University New England > Keene, New Hampshire > <slamonde...> > (339) 236-1421 > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Date: 1/4/19 2:26 pm From: Steven Lamonde <slamonde...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Possible Snowy Owl in Keene
This afternoon, I stopped by Krif Road and Dillant-Hopkins Airport in search of the potential Snowy Owl - no luck at either location.
Steven Lamonde
On Fri, Jan 4, 2019 at 1:52 PM 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds < <nhbirds...> wrote:
> A friend reports what he believes was a Snowy flying over the Rt. 10 > traffic circle in Keene this morning. No further details, so would be great > if someone can confirm. > > Phil Brown > Hancock NH > > 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > -- Steven Lamonde Conservation Biology (MS) student Department of Environmental Studies Antioch University New England Keene, New Hampshire <slamonde...> (339) 236-1421
Date: 1/4/19 1:36 pm From: Ken Klapper <kklapper...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks in Plymouth and Sandwich
Today there were six Pine Grosbeaks (all immature/female type plumage) coming to the fruit trees along Holderness Road in front of the PSU field house area. They were accompanied by a single Cedar Waxwing, and there was even a Northern Mockingbird nearby. Bohemians absolutely eluded me today.
Back in Center Sandwich, there were five PIGR's (including an adult male) across from the fire station.
Date: 1/4/19 10:52 am From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Possible Snowy Owl in Keene
A friend reports what he believes was a Snowy flying over the Rt. 10 traffic circle in Keene this morning. No further details, so would be great if someone can confirm.
Date: 1/4/19 8:13 am From: Iain MacLeod <iain.macleod...> Subject: [NHBirds] NorthEast Hawk Watch Conference -- March 30, 2019. REGISTRATION OPEN
Posted with permission from moderator
Mark your calendars:
NorthEast Hawk Watch is holding its 11th Regional Conference (held every 4 years)
"We ALL Count" MARCH 30, 2019 HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HOLYOKE, MA
This all-day conference will cover a host of topics:
To Brazil and Back: Broad-winged Hawk Migration Ecology and Conservation. Dr. Laurie Goodrich, Director of Long-Term Monitoring, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Dispersal Timing, Migration Routes, and Overwinter Site Fidelity of Breeding Female Peregrine Falcons from New Hampshire. Chris Martin, Senior Raptor Biologist, New Hampshire Audubon
Urban Raptors, Our Wild Neighbors: Behavioral Ecology of Birds of Prey in Cities. Dr. Cheryl Dykstra, Independent Researcher, Raptor Environmental
A Kettle of One-Following the Broad-winged Hawk Migration on a Bicycle. Eric Masterson, Land Program Coordinator, Harris Center for Conservation Education
Journeys: Ospreys, Technology, and an Author. Dr. Rob Bierregaard, Research Associate, Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University
Latest Raptor Population Index (RPI) Analyses Reveal Interesting and Concerning Patterns in Recent Migration Counts. Dr. David Oleyar, Senior Scientist, Hawk Watch International and Dr. Laurie Goodrich (Laurie will present the program)
"The Wanderer": A Brief Look at the Life History of the Northern Saw-whet Owl From All Seasons of Banding Returns . . . More Questions than Answers. Larry Fischer, Independent Researcher
Opposing Influences of Mercury Contamination and Anadromous Fish Restoration on Maine's Bald Eagle Population. Chris DeSorbo, Raptor Research Program Director, Biodiversity Research Institute
You Count: The Importance of Your Counts to Understanding Raptors. Trudy Battaly & Drew Panko, NEHW Hawk Migration Report Editor & Columnist
Date: 1/4/19 7:01 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: [NHBirds] Seacoast Chapter field trips?
Does anyone know if the Seacoast Chapter is running any of their usual winter field trips this year, such as the January coastal trip and the Winter Finch Trip? Their website hasn't been updated in a while.
Date: 1/4/19 4:01 am From: Evelyn Nathan <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] FIY brown creeper in Kingston
New category, First In Yard…a brown creeper on my old apple tree last Sunday! I’ve only ever seen two others in Kingston, such well camouflaged birds. Not a rarity to drive to see, but it’s exciting for me. My other amazing wildlife sighting was on December 20th, a long tailed weasel investigating my back deck, I have since seen its tracks again in the snow. I hope it limits itself to rodent control.
Date: 1/4/19 3:53 am From: evyn <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Sandwich - another shrike
Great bird for first of the year!
On Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11:27:09 AM UTC-5, Ken Klapper wrote: > > To add to the shrike sightings... > > My very first bird of the new year was a shrike seen in my backyard > yesterday (Jan 2). Presumably the same immature Dave Mallard and I saw > during the Sandwich CBC on Dec 30th... which was right across the road - > light brown wash on the chest, but overall grayish with a partial mask. > > Not sure what they're eating with the dearth of songbirds... hopefully > they have some intel on a second wave of irruptive finches! > > Ken Klapper > Sandwich, NH >
Date: 1/3/19 9:24 am From: Joshua Jarvis <menasor77...> Subject: [NHBirds] Purple finches, Carolina wrens, not much luck.
The good news is that the last two weeks I had welcome additions to my feeder birds in Richmond. A Carolina Wrens and a slowly growing (up to eight birds) group of purple finches.
On the other hand seeking birds elsewhere has been unlucky. Seeking redpolls and bohemians in Keene only found Robin's and a sharp shinned hawk.
Seeking waterfowl in the setbacks in Hinsdale revealed only an eagle.
Checking below the dam showed only an eagle, a red tailed hawk, a cardinal, and six bluebirds.
All good birds but not ones I travel out of my way to find.
Date: 1/3/19 8:27 am From: Ken Klapper <kklapper...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sandwich - another shrike
To add to the shrike sightings...
My very first bird of the new year was a shrike seen in my backyard yesterday (Jan 2). Presumably the same immature Dave Mallard and I saw during the Sandwich CBC on Dec 30th... which was right across the road - light brown wash on the chest, but overall grayish with a partial mask.
Not sure what they're eating with the dearth of songbirds... hopefully they have some intel on a second wave of irruptive finches!
Date: 1/3/19 7:42 am From: Cindy House <cjhouse...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks - Sutton
A very nice breakfast surprise this morning was a short visit to our bird feeders by at least 16 Evening Grosbeaks. We believe this a yard record for the species. Hopefully, they will stick around.
Date: 1/3/19 4:04 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] Crow Parol Jan 1 and 2
On New Year's Day, Bob and I opened the New Year with a trip to you know where!!!
It was a very windy afternoon and we watched as the crows came in low and stay out of the wind.
We began as usual in the New Balance Parking Lot, having seen a few hundred on the ground in the So. Common Park as we drove in. We saw crows headed to the south.
We decided to watch from So. Canal St. We drove in and parked facing east in front of the truck depot gate. That night the crows poured in from all directions and alighted on the roofs of the two B & D Warehouse roofs mainly. More and more streamed it. Later on what appeared to be mainly Fish Crows moved down to the low bushes and on the ground in the back of the New Balance Overflow employee parking lot to the south of us. None on the wires.
Then the fun began as wave after wave lifted up off the roof - some flew to the top of the New Balance Building, some flew out over the river, other swirled around and settled back down. Thousands of birds in the air at once. It was hard from where we were perched to see them going into the roost. Hard enough so you even questioned if they were going there. As darkness settled in, we even drove back to the New Balance Factory Parking Lot to see them slowly moving into the roost trees.
January 2nd we were joined by 8 folks- Betty & Mick Wiley, Bill Hobbie and his wife, Rajesh and Dipka Mohan, Nancy Smith and Judy Parrot-Willis. Those that had come the furthest were from South Yarmouth. It was a totally different afternoon. The temperatures were in the 30's but there was practically no wind. Crows were in the park as we drove by and from the parking lot were seen flying to the south so up on the garage roof we went. It was such a delight. The crows were seen in the tree tops to the south in a long line of trees from the park to some distance to the east. The numbers in the tree tops grew and grew. Looking to the west, we were greeted with wave upon wave of crows coming in out of the west and the delight of seeing them winging their way toward us against the beautiful sunset, the old mill smoke stacks and the tall church spires. Folks loved getting them silhouetted against the setting sun as they perched in the near-by trees. The din of so many crows just stuns you. As time went on ,many streamed in from the east over the old mill building, some came in swirling around the clock tower. Crows built up in greater and greater numbers on the roof of B & D Warehouse below us.
Suddenly, the movement of the distance tree top crows began towards the roofs below and finally the move, as dusk approached, to the roost as they swirled west around the New Balance Building. We all left the roof at dusk and saw thousands pouring off the roof over Merrimack St. towards the roost. Judy, Nancy, Bob and I went out onto the west side of Duck Bridge and thoroughly enjoyed watching them coming into the thin line of roost trees and listening to their many calls and as it got to be 5 PM the whole group quieting down. We all especially enjoyed seeing them strung along a thin branch watching as each new arrival bent the branch lower and on the north side closer to the water's edge.
Date: 1/2/19 3:11 pm From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] Razorbill continues to be in Newcastle, also 6 turkey vultures in Rye
Today I had a very cooperative razorbill in Newcastle at the Common's as well as three long-tailed ducks. But what I thought was unusual was 6 turkey vultures in Rye at the Marshes across from the harbor. Do they come around this time of the year???
Date: 1/2/19 2:57 pm From: sallie barker <salliebarker...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwings - New London
Hello from New London! The waxwings were all over the median's trees in front of Ledyard Bank this afternoon at 3:00. They are surrounded by fields and woods but seem to like to be part of the town scene! Estimated 60 but unable to determine if any were Cedars, due to traffic.
On Mon, Dec 31, 2018 at 11:44 AM <jacksonwrxt89...> wrote:
> Just saw a flock of around 50 near the traffic circle at the > Newport/County Road intersection. > > -Dylan Jackson > Goshen > > 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Date: 1/2/19 9:22 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] White Pelican - YES!
I just received a 2nd hand report that the American White Pelican was
seen flying high over Rt. 1B in Rye in the vicinity of Little Harbor and
the Wentworth Marina this morning.
So.......looks like it is still in the area!
Maybe it went back up to Portland, Maine yesterday for New Year's day.
Apparently it went up to Portland on Christmas day!!! :-)
Date: 1/1/19 3:30 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blue Heron in Rye
Was unable to find the American Pelican today, the wind made it very cold indeed. Did see a beautiful Blue Heron flying fairly low with a good view when were leaving Rye, flying over NH 1-B. Helped make our trip worth it.
Date: 1/1/19 3:15 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Coast (Chipping Sparrows, Snow Goose, NO PELICAN)
Jane and I got a late New Year's start, but birded the coast today from
about 10 AM until dusk A tough day. A relatively calm start, but
increasing winds that exploded with peak gusts of 52 knots at the Isles
of Shoals. And while chasing a Harlequin Duck seen by Jim Sparrell and
Katie Wheeler, a gust blew over my scope. Result was a broken tripod
and a broken Leica Spotting Scope. :-(
Birds were OK. A decent start to the new year, but we missed a few
goodies seen by others. Included in the misses was a female Harlequin
Duck at Bicentennial Park in Hampton, THE Yellow-breasted Chat at
Odiorne, and sadly, the American White Pelican which has suddenly
disappeared after being seen yesterday. Not seen by any other birders
either as far as I can tell. We thought we had it along Jones Avenue in
Portsmouth, but when we got closer we realized we were mistaken:
Full List - 47 Species
----------------------------
SNOW GOOSE 1 Continuing adult with Goose flock at old Philbrick's
Hotel yard in Rye.
Canada Goose 13 Flock MIGRATING. Plus additional birds.
Mallard
American Black Duck
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser 1 Female in Eel Pond.
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-necked Grebe
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Razorbill Still several in Piscataqua River including a couple from
Portsmouth Fish Pier.
Bonaparte's Gull 1 Adult in Portsmouth Harbor.
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Glaucous Gull 1 Continuing adult in Seabrook on bath house.
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT 2 Two flushed from marsh near Rye harbor.
We followed them south when they landed on Eel pond.
Great Blue Heron 1 Sad looking bird in New Castle.
Northern Harrier 1 One off Rt. 1A in Seabrook.
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher 1 Rye harbor.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
House Finch
American Goldfinch
CHIPPING SPARROW 2 At feeder along Parkersville Lane in Seabrook.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemirick/45837970154/in/photostream/ Dark-eyed Junco
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
House Sparrow
am. crow bohemian waxwings, 25, 1/2 mile north of my house on E. Milan rd Cooper's Hawk, industrial park mourning doves, Le Chalet black cap chickadees, " downy wp, " red-breasted nut, " Turkey, E. Milan rd, Milan starling, " Evening grosbeaks 50, Chickwolnepy rd. at Carons', have been present for about 1 month, occasionally 1 pine grosbeak comes with them, not today house sparrows at Flint Farm
Date: 12/31/18 4:14 pm From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] grouse encounters of the third kind (and today's pine grosbeaks)
Trying to finish out the year with as many birds as possible, Michael and I searched all over for a spruce grouse. Again. (Previous times were on Ethan Pond, and Moose Alley/Pondicherry). Yesterday found us north in Errol frequenting many interesting areas including Lake Umbagog (thanks Lori also for the hospitality). Finally we found tracks that were definitely grouse. So we “tracked” for a long distance in the snow finally finding a spot or two where the grouse stopped. Yup it stopped for sure, there was scat there. Now which grouse scat was that you say? I’ll let you decide.
Today as we headed up to prospect farm to ski, on the road eating grit to very calm gorgeous pine grosbeaks. Unfortunately no camera. What a shame! But a beautiful bird to finish out 2018
Happy New Year to all, Happy birding as well
Jeanne-Marie Maher/Michael Pahl
Nashua and Jackson NH
Date: 12/31/18 3:53 pm From: Roger Frieden <roger...> Subject: [NHBirds] A Happy Finish to 2018!
We decided to make a quick run up north today, Dec. 31, to try and get in a few last northern species for the year. In Plymouth, we stopped for breakfast in the car across from the PSU Ice Arena and were rewarded with a small flock of 8 Cedar Waxwings followed by 18 Bohemian Waxwings! We then went to Trudeau Road where, after walking for over an hour, we only saw a few birds. On to Pondicherry where we walked all the way to Little Cherry Pond and again saw only a few birds (but the scenery was beautiful.) On the way back along the Cherry Pond access trail, while congratulating ourselves for at least not falling on the ice and getting injured, Roger spotted the prize—a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER in full view right next to the trail! It was only the second one we had ever seen, and it was literally the last bird we saw in 2019.
Date: 12/31/18 3:23 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 31, 2018
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 31st,
2018.
An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was photographed in coastal Rye on December 11th,
and then re-discovered in Little Harbor between Rye and New Castle on the
14th. It is still being seen in Little Harbor and was last reported on the
31st. To try to see the bird, the best viewing has been from the Wentworth
By The Sea Marina in Little Harbor. The Marina is on Route 1B in New Castle
adjacent to the Wentworth By The Sea hotel. Birders are welcome during
regular hours, but first check in at the Marina office. You can park in the
public parking lot and walk down the boardwalk to the Marina office. Another
possible vantage point is the boat launch at Odiorne Point State Park in
Rye.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was again reported from the Seabrook side of Hampton Harbor
on December 29th.
3 RAZORBILLS were seen from Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on December
29th.
An adult male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen near Stark Landing on the
Merrimack River in Manchester on December 26th and 31st.
A male GREEN-WINGED TEAL was seen on the Androscoggin River in Gorham on
December 23rd, and again on the 30th. This is an unusually far north
occurrence in winter.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was discovered at Woodmont Orchard off of Woodmont Drive
in Hollis on December 21st, and was seen there again on the 26th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in
Rye, and was last reported on December 26th.
A flock of 50 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen foraging on crabapple trees in New
London on December 31st.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: AMERICAN
KESTREL, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, EASTERN PHOEBE, GRAY CATBIRD, SWAMP
SPARROW, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
Highlights from the Littleton Christmas Bird Count held on December 23rd
included:
a FOX SPARROW, a BALTIMORE ORIOLE, a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, 45 COMMON RAVENS, 51
PINE GROSBEAKS, 84 EVENING GROSBEAKS, 30 PINE SISKINS, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS,
and 4 PURPLE FINCHES.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any
interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the
recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon
web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Date: 12/30/18 12:15 pm From: Samuel Lewis <samlewis100...> Subject: [NHBirds] Exeter - Barred Owl
Located on route 27 near Old Town Farm Road. It was just sitting in the sun relaxing until it spied something exciting and flew into the woods after it.
Date: 12/30/18 11:02 am From: Christine Sheridan <cmsbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] RE:Monson Village hotspot--we need another hotspot!
Monson Village, as a hotspot, should really refer to the land off old Adams Road, mostly in Milford. This land was carefully protected by owners and abutters for literally centuries, as the location of the main early settlement in the ancient town of Monson.
Monson itself was a very large tract of land comprising large areas of Milford and Hollis, but was not viable as a town for various reasons, and was split up among the adjoining towns.
The little area of the settled village became threatened by development, and through hard work, fundraising and land donation eventually was saved and is now protected by the Society for New Hampshire Forests.
Its habitat consists largely of hayfield and older forest.
The land on the other side of Federal Hill Road the road is younger growth, power lines etc., and crisscrossed by snowmobile trails and logging roads.
Both areas are great birding locations, but are quite different.
I tried to get a new Hotspot for the "Birch Hill trails" through eBird--I really think it would be useful. In the case of the Golden-winged Warbler, people used various spots, under various names, some under "Monson Village".
Date: 12/30/18 10:41 am From: Christine Sheridan <cmsbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Monson's may 2018 golden-winged warblers - where'd they go?
Hi Molly--
The bird, or birds, may have stayed throughout the breeding season. If they did pair up with Blue-winged females, they may have nested, and become much quieter and hard to find. Many people interested (some wanting to add them to a list), may have become satisfied once they saw the birds, and stopped looking for them.
In 2009 as a new birder, I was following at least two Lawrence's Warblers (Blue-winged/Golden-winged backcrossed hybrids) in Nashua. After the end of May, I found them very difficult to find, no longer sitting up on branches and singing for all to hear! Eventually, I found them in a nearby, but different location in the park, defending nests near to the ground on the edge of forest and field from a hunting hawk. They had taken Blue-winged females as mates.
The Golden-winged Warbler may have left the area, become victim to a predator, but might have stayed and mated with a Blue-wing. It might be a good spot to look for Brewster's Warblers (first generation hybrids) next spring!
Blue-winged Warblers do have an alternate song, and both species apparently can learn the buzzy vocalizations of each other.
Chris Sheridan Nashua
On Sat, Dec 29, 2018 at 11:58 PM 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds < <nhbirds...> wrote:
> Hi all, > I was looking back on old ebird reports and remembered the two > golden-winged warblers that showed up for a couple of weeks at Old Monson > Village in Hollis/Milford. Both were there singing, and it seemed hopeful > that they'd stick around. But after a while it seemed that reports of them > stopped - what happened to them? Were they just not there one day? Did they > both leave at the same time or did one linger? What could have caused them > to leave that suitable habitat? Once I'd seen the bird myself I stopped > paying much attention to updates on them so I realize now that that left me > with unanswered questions as to how long they actually did stay at that > location. I am just curious, that's all! > > -Molly Jacobson > Merrimack > > (On the same topic, I always thought it interesting that they were > reportedly singing blue-winged songs, but when I observed one, it was > singing a golden-winged song. Can these hybrids alternate at will?) > > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Date: 12/30/18 8:16 am From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Monson's may 2018 golden-winged warblers - where'd they go?
Hi, Most Warblers migrate south to warmer areas in the fall. I read in Cornell Ornithology that the Golden winged warbler is a long distance migrant to Mexico, places like Costa Rica .It also states that it's numbers have decreased by 68% since 1966 due to loss of habitat but that the Cornell lab has a conservation plan in place to try increase their numbers by preserving their habitat. It's nice you saw them, I have not seen any yet! I hope they visit you again when they return in April/May.
On Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11:58:09 PM UTC-5, Molly Jacobson wrote: > > Hi all, > I was looking back on old ebird reports and remembered the two > golden-winged warblers that showed up for a couple of weeks at Old Monson > Village in Hollis/Milford. Both were there singing, and it seemed hopeful > that they'd stick around. But after a while it seemed that reports of them > stopped - what happened to them? Were they just not there one day? Did they > both leave at the same time or did one linger? What could have caused them > to leave that suitable habitat? Once I'd seen the bird myself I stopped > paying much attention to updates on them so I realize now that that left me > with unanswered questions as to how long they actually did stay at that > location. I am just curious, that's all! > > -Molly Jacobson > Merrimack > > (On the same topic, I always thought it interesting that they were > reportedly singing blue-winged songs, but when I observed one, it was > singing a golden-winged song. Can these hybrids alternate at will?) > > >
Date: 12/30/18 7:08 am From: Debbie <dlv...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bluebirds in Concord
Penacook this morning - about a dozen bluebirds, Male and female downy woodpeckers, a couple nuthatches, goldfinches, and a junco at my mom’s bird feeder.
Debbie/Boscawen
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 30, 2018, at 9:23 AM, Anne Ryc <annehadshi...> wrote:
>
> A pair of very bright bluebirds seen on stalks in the meadow.
>
> Anne H.
> --
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Date: 12/29/18 8:58 pm From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Monson's may 2018 golden-winged warblers - where'd they go?
Hi all,I was looking back on old ebird reports and remembered the two golden-winged warblers that showed up for a couple of weeks at Old Monson Village in Hollis/Milford. Both were there singing, and it seemed hopeful that they'd stick around. But after a while it seemed that reports of them stopped - what happened to them? Were they just not there one day? Did they both leave at the same time or did one linger? What could have caused them to leave that suitable habitat? Once I'd seen the bird myself I stopped paying much attention to updates on them so I realize now that that left me with unanswered questions as to how long they actually did stay at that location. I am just curious, that's all!
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack
(On the same topic, I always thought it interesting that they were reportedly singing blue-winged songs, but when I observed one, it was singing a golden-winged song. Can these hybrids alternate at will?)
Date: 12/29/18 4:25 pm From: 'Stephen Whitney' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] CBC Laconia, Coastal Sector: Raptors, including Bald Eagle
During Laconia CBC saw today around noon at Belknap Point AKA Lincoln Park, Gilford
an Adult Bald Eagle soaring high up. Well beyond Welch Island. Perhaps near Sandy Island. Could easily ID with binoculars as a mature adult, but far enough out that I needed my scope to confidently see white head.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2497329 Did not see the Great Horned Owl recently seen at Prescott Farm.
But early morning got a nice view of a soaring red-tailed hawk South of the Rte 3 bridge and just inland of the Weirs Beach Post Office/Logs of Fun parking lot.
Date: 12/28/18 4:56 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] Crow Patrol Thursday December 27th
Last night was a memorable and beautiful night on Crow Patrol in Lawrence MA. We met Cheryl Dean of Newburyport, Rinky Black and her sister from Erving, MA and Judy Rogers of North Andover at the New Balance Parking Lot an hour before sunset (3:17 yesterday). Richard Osborne and his wife Julia who had previously visited with us were there exploring on their own.
As stated previously, you begin by watching where the crows are flying to start each night. Last night they were flying to the south over the Riverview old mill building to our right. That meant they were going to the So. Common Park which is along Market St. - we had seen a few gathering there on our way cross country to the parking lot.
Again who determines each night where and why they settle on a specific place??
After describing where you look (though your binoculars), and seeing some of the first waves coming in from the east over the North Andover Lawrence Airport and their moving south - NOT up the river, and seeing a few come in from the north, we headed over to the parking garage on foot. It was a sunny late afternoon in the mid-30's with very little wind. Some walked up as the near elevator is broken and some went up by the elevator near the train tracks.
Once up there we were regaled by thousands in the tall trees in the common, a few in some tall near trees. Then the spectacle began - waves from the west and northwest peppering the sky - so attractive in the colorful sky due to the setting sun and framed by the tall old mill chimneys and church steeples. Some began to gather on the roof of the B & D Warehouse to the west. Waves came from the east, the south, on large wave wove itself around the attractive Bell tower which sits over the New Balance Building. A few Fish Crows called and sat briefly on the light poles nearby giving just enough time for us to describe how you tell the difference between them and the American Crow. The din of thousands of crows cawing, a few giving that strange rattle or burring call surrounded us. A train came by and set thousands into the air. More gathered on the roof below. A beautiful sunset peppered with crows graced us and as light began to fade, some began to head to the roost. Now after sunset, we returned to the parking lot and saw them adoring the small trees along the river along the edge of the New Balance Factory. Black bobbles against the western sky. Bob was counting away and got to 24,000 last night!!!
As Rinky Black emailed me, "Thanks so much for sharing the excitement of the crow roost with my sister and I yesterday. It was amazing! Even my non-birder sister was enjoying herself."
Please read about other nights and some of our references on our blog: www.wintercrowroost.com <http://www.wintercrowroost.com>
Also, schedule a visit to Lawrence's Essex Art Gallery at 57 Island St. to see the upcoming crow art exhibit over weekdays 10-6 January 11-March 15. Imagine three rooms with just crow art!
Plan to visit the New Balance Factory Store and local restaurants - they all need a lift after this fall's tragic gas problems.
Well, stay tuned for our next entry. I will let you know when we are going out next if you want to join us or follow our route. Let us know what you see.
Date: 12/26/18 5:01 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagle, Langley parkway Concord
At 3pm today I saw an adult bald eagle swoop over the cornfield on Langley parkway (past a red tail hawk eating a squirrel in the field) then land on the top of a pine tree. As I observed the eagle, 2 adult red tails then 1 juvenile were in bare trees bordering the opposite side of this field.The eagle stayed on the top of the pine tree for 30 minutes. Several people walking by this area stopped to ask what I was looking at with the binocs, they were pretty excited to see the eagle. I observe this area many times per week and almost always see the 2 adult resident red tails but had not seen this third one before. I have seen the Eagle here many times too. An earlier post from this am reported an Eagle near White farm which is just 1/2 mile from this afternoon's location.
Date: 12/26/18 1:56 pm From: Linda M. Charron <clinda912...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Bald Eagle
that's in Concord?
Linda Charron New Boston, NH Cell: (603) 470-7037
On Wed, 26 Dec 2018 10:09:28 -0800 (PST), Jane Kolias wrote:
This morning at 9AM. Flew in a low circle from White Farm field to the south side of Clinton St. then back northward across White Farm field again.
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Date: 12/26/18 1:34 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Littleton CBC Results Sunday 23 December 2018
The 48th Annual Littleton Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday 23 December 2018. We had 12 participants and we tallied 41 species and 1029 total birds. This amount is slightly above average for the past thirty years. There was very little natural food such as spruce or pine cones present in the forest. The snow cover was minimal after two days of rain and warm temperatures. The rivers were running fast and high after the rain and we saw only one hooded merganser for waterfowl. We had a starting low temperature of 12 and a high of 28 degrees F.
We had one new species, a fox sparrow coming to a feeder in Littleton and a 2nd ever Baltimore oriole also coming to a feeder in Littleton. A barred owl was seen with a full moon behind it. We had only one count week bird and that was a northern goshawk. We missed black-backed woodpecker at the Trudeau Road Wetlands although we did see one last Wednesday there. Other highlights included:
Common Raven 45
Brown Creeper 9
Pine Grosbeaks 51
Evening Grosbeaks 84
Pine Siskin 30
Common Redpoll 2
Purple Finch 4
I would like to thank all the participants for making it a fun event. If anyone would like a complete summary please let me know off line.
Date: 12/26/18 12:49 pm From: Marie Harris <marie...> Subject: [NHBirds] Another Belted Kingfisher
Spotted fishing at the east end of Ayres Lake in Barrington a few days before Christmas. Also, we've had two Brown Creepers traveling up and down the trees near our feeders.
Marie Harris www.marieharris.com 603.664.7654 603.833.0564 (c)
Date: 12/26/18 9:21 am From: Jane Hills <jhbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Manchester Belted Kingfisher
This morning there was a loud and active Belted Kingfisher over the open water near where Ray Brook enters the north end of Dorrs Pond in north Manchester.
Jane
Jane Hills
Manchester, NH
jhbird(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
"We are all environmentalists now, but we are not all planetists. An environmentalist realizes that nature has its pleasures and deserves respect. A planetist puts the earth ahead of the earthlings." --William Safire
It’s been a few years since I seena Carolina Wren in Richmond. Yes, in the
lower lying towns I still see them. However the last two days one has been
hanging around my feeders on Fish Hatchery Rd.
While walking the RRT late this afternoon we were presented the gift of a Barred Owl near where Old Lee Rd. crosses. Best of the Holidays to all,Mark & DottyLee, NH
Date: 12/25/18 1:39 pm From: Steve Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] White Pelican - NO
Jane and I checked for the Pelican this morning and came up empty. We could have missed it, but we searched several spots around Little Harbor and the inner harbor of Portsmouth.
Meanwhile, the Maine bird (same bird?) was seen this morning in Portland! So now a White Pelican and a Great Black Hawk in Portland, Maine!
Date: 12/25/18 3:46 am From: mresch8702 via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fwd: [Maine-birds] White Pelican in Falmouth, ME, 12/24 PM
Cross-posting this to the NH and ME listserves. A (the?) White Pelican was seen in Falmouth, ME in the afternoon of the 24th. The last eBird post of the Pelican in New Castle, NH on the 24th was at 11 AM. Likely the same bird, but then again, the Maine location is more than 50 miles from its New Castle location (as the Pelican flies). Did anyone see it on the afternoon of the 24th in New Castle?
Here's what I think is the chronology of the recent Pelican sightings -
12/9 - sitting in York County, ME marshes12/9 - PM - last seen flying south from York County12/10 - Webhannet River, Wells, ME12/11 - Odiorne, Rye, NH (20 miles from Wells)12/14-24 AM - New Castle, NH12/24 - PM - Falmouth, ME (50 miles from New Castle, 30 miles from Wells)
What if there have been 2 birds all along - the bird seen flying south on the 9th has taken up residence in New Castle (and Odiorne), NH, while a second bird has remained in Wells and now Falmouth, ME.
Just a few general thoughts on White Pelicans on this early Christmas morning...
Merry Christmas!
Mike Reschwww.statebirding.blogspot.comPepperell, MA
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Gilpin <susanogilpin...>
To: maine-birds <maine-birds...>
Sent: Mon, Dec 24, 2018 4:30 pm
Subject: Re: [Maine-birds] Abridged summary of <maine-birds...> - 8 updates in 5 topics
White American Pelican flew into Tidewater Farm the afternoon of Dec. 24, then flew around the cornet towards the Presumpscot River and Gilsland Farm.
From Susan Gilpin
On Dec 24, 2018, at 3:34 PM, <maine-birds...> wrote:
| <maine-birds...> | Google Groups | |
Today's topic summary
View all topics
- GBHA Now - 1 Update
- Bittern - 2 Updates
- American Bittern Black Point Rd - 1 Update
- Am. Bittern in Scarborough - 3 Updates
- Freeport Brunswick CBC: Help Wanted - 1 Update
GBHA Now
| "Marianne Taylor, Skowhegan" <andale62...>: Dec 24 11:27AM -0800
The hawk is currently in a tree behind Mellon St Market eating a rat.
...more
|
Back to top Bittern
| Tod Abrahams <todabr1...>: Dec 24 01:16PM -0500
Poor digiscope 1:15
...more
|
| Tod Abrahams <todabr1...>: Dec 24 01:18PM -0500
FYI...black point road across from
Old Neck road
...more
|
Back to top American Bittern Black Point Rd
| Ann Hancock <annhancock9...>: Dec 24 12:49PM -0500
Bittern is still present, but moving frequently. On the eastern side of the road, moving back into the Marsh.
Ann Hancock
Sent from my iPhone
...more
|
Back to top Am. Bittern in Scarborough
| Rafael Adams <soposup...>: Dec 23 05:12PM -0800
I was driving down Blackpoint rd in Scarborough towards Pine Point and saw a very large bittern, which can only be an American Bittern, a bird I have strangely never seen before. It was out in the ...more
|
| Rafael Adams <soposup...>: Dec 24 07:07AM -0800
I was heading to Prouts Neck, not Pine point.
...more
|
| Rob O'Connell <flashart123...>: Dec 24 11:39AM -0500
Thanks Rafael!
The bittern was present today at 11:30.
What a great early Christmas present!
Happy holidays everyone!
Rob O'Connell
...more
|
Back to top Freeport Brunswick CBC: Help Wanted
| Delia Guzman <dguzman1964...>: Dec 23 07:32PM -0500
Doug,
I’d love to do or help out on the Wolf’s Neck count. Have you gotten any
other volunteers for that area?
Delia in Brunswick
--
Sent from Gmail Mobile
...more
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Date: 12/24/18 7:35 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Condition of White Pelican
I am curious about the condition of the White Pelican that has continued in Rye. A few post's have commented that it has not been seen feeding.Since it still has not left, should there be a concern about it's health? Is there a point where there would be an attempt to catch and examine it?
Date: 12/24/18 6:15 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 24, 2018
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 24th,
2018.
An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was photographed in coastal Rye on December 11th,
and then re-discovered in Little Harbor between Rye and New Castle on the
14th. It is still being seen in Little Harbor and was last reported on the
24th. To try to see the bird, the best viewing has been from the Wentworth
By The Sea Marina in Little Harbor. The Marina is on Route 1B in New Castle
adjacent to the Wentworth By The Sea hotel. Birders are welcome during
regular hours, but first check in at the Marina office. You can park in the
public parking lot and walk down the boardwalk to the Marina office.
A ROSS’S GOOSE was seen at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on
December 19th and 20th, but has not been relocated since them. The treatment
plant is gated and the hours of operation are 7:30-3:00 on weekdays. If you
visit, please park and check in at the office and be out of the plant by
2:45 so that plant personnel do not have to ask birders to leave. Do not
drive on the dikes and do not block the road. The Trails at Pickering Ponds,
located east of the plant, are not gated, and are always open during
daylight hours.
A SNOW GOOSE continues to be seen in coastal Rye and North Hampton and was
last reported on December 16th.
2 DOVEKIES were seen along the coast in Rye on December 21st.
A male GREEN-WINGED TEAL was seen on the Androscoggin River in Gorham on
December 23rd.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was discovered at Woodmont Orchard off of Woodmont Drive
in Hollis on December 21st, and was seen there again on the 22nd, 23rd, and
24th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on December 24th,
and an AMERICAN PIPIT was seen at Rye Harbor State Park on the 22nd.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in
Rye, and was last reported on December 20th.
A flock of 60 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was reported from New London on December
18th, and again on the 23rd, and a flock of 12 was seen in Laconia on the
23rd.The flocks were foraging on crabapple trees.
COMMON REDPOLLS, PINE GROSBEAKS, EVENING GROSBEAKS and PINE SISKINS were
reported from scattered locations during the past week, and sightings seem
to be increasing in number. Of particular note were a flock of 35 PINE
GROSBEAKS seen in Bethlehem, and a flock of 40 PINE GROSBEAKS seen in
Gorham, all on December 23rd.
A MERLIN and a PEREGRINE FALCON were seen in Concord on December 24th.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: FISH CROW,
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, FOX SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, HERMIT THRUSH, GRAY
CATBIRD, and WINTER WREN.
Highlights from the Keene Christmas Bird Count held on December 16th
included: a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, a GREAT BLUE HERON, a NORTHERN SAW-WHET
OWL, an AMERICAN KESTREL, 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 27 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, a
COMMON GRACKLE, a FOX SPARROW, and 71 EVENING GROSBEAKS.
Highlights from the Pittsburg Christmas Bird Count held on December 20th
included: a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 2 BARRED OWLS, a BOHEMIAN WAXWING, 8 RED
CROSSBILLS, 72 PINE GROSBEAKS, 18 GRAY JAYS, 12 BOREAL CHICKADEES, and a
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.
Highlights from the Lee/Durham Christmas Bird Count held on December 22nd
included: a ROSS’S GOOSE, a PEREGRINE FALCON, 3 SAVANNAH SPARROWS, an
EVENING GROSBEAK, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS, 3 GLAUCOUS GULLS, 6 ICELAND GULLS, a
GRAY CATBIRD, 2 NORTHERN SHRIKES, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, 2 FOX
SPARROWS, and 3 SWAMP SPARROWS.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any
interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the
recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon
web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Date: 12/24/18 3:47 pm From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring is in the air
Now that we have passed the winter solstice, it's downhill towards spring, and birds know it. Today I watched a recently formed pair of Bald Eagles beginning a new nest here in the Lakes Region. Getting those very first sticks to stay in place is a real trick. Their quarreling over the placement of one stick was hysterical. Nearby, male Hooded Mergansers were displaying to their prospective mates and a Hairy Woodpecker kept up a constant drumming from the top of a dead tree.
The recent rains pretty much decimated the snow cover in Jackson and Jefferson. So with minimal skiing we chose to hike these past few days instead.
Yesterday we hiked Ethan Pond, in a blustery 10 degree day, crossing as many streams as one would in summer (without the risk of mosquitoes!). Very few birds were found but one grouse startled us (at high elevation 2600 feet) but fluttering into dark/dense forrest. Suspect Spruce but nothing definitive from our visual contact.
Today in a balmy 20-26 degree we hiked Mud Pond/Pondicherry/Moose alley, with even less snowpack on the ground. Hightlights were the 42 evening grosbeaks that joined the few chickadees as we hiked out. And another 2 mystery grouse fluttering/startling us from the trail (without any views).
As we drove back through Gorham this afternoon ( stopping at the wine/liquor outlet) we noticed a few perched birds that rapidly grew to a very large flock of Pine Grosbeaks in 3 different trees. Best guess in the high 60’s -but a part of the flock had already moved on before we counted.
Merry Christmas Eve(ning) to all, and good birding!
Jeanne-Marie Maher and Michael Pahl
Nashua/Jackson NH
On Sun, Dec 23, 2018 at 12:29 PM Christine Sheridan <cmsbirds...> wrote:
> Has been very active this morning, hunting, grooming, and singing around > the upper portion of the Woodmont Drive loop. > At one point it appeared with a scrap of a prey item (vole) which it > devoured. > Fun bird to watch! > > Chris Sheridan > > -- > 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Date: 12/24/18 12:14 pm From: mresch8702 via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Swamp Sparrow and Winter Wren in Hollis (too), 12/24
Like Pam Hunt, I too found a Swamp Sparrow and a Winter Wren (though just 1) today. Mine were in Hollis while scouting my territory for Saturday's Nashua/Hollis CBC. In my 17 years birding this territory I've only had 1 Swamp Sparrow and never had a Winter Wren. Otherwise there were very few birds around. As I always say - it's quality not quantity.
Saturday while scouting the small slice of my territory in MA I found a Sapsucker, Grackle and Great Blue Heron. Those are 5 pretty good mid-winter species for this inland location. Now if only all those birds stick around for Saturday...
Merry Christmas to all!
Mike Reschwww.statebirding.blogspot.comPepperell, MA
-----Original Message-----
From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...>
To: nhbirds <nhbirds...>
Sent: Mon, Dec 24, 2018 12:34 pm
Subject: [NHBirds] Winter Wrens, Merlin in East Concord
Greetings all,
I opted to spend a little time this Christmas Eve morning doing a little birding away from my usual haunts. I first spent 1.5 hours at West Locke Road, where the highlight was FOUR Winter Wrens and a Swamp Sparrow!! Three of the wrens were along the Canal Trail, and there might have been a fourth at the very end, which is where the Swamp Sparrow was. The definite fourth wren was south of the main road a little farther west, where there was a steady flow of water through a culvert.
I then went to West Portsmouth Street where the highlight was a Merlin perched in a tree along the RR tracks. Three redpolls also flew over.
Happy Holidays and good birding,
Pam Hunt
Penacook--
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Date: 12/24/18 9:34 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Winter Wrens, Merlin in East Concord
Greetings all,
I opted to spend a little time this Christmas Eve morning doing a little birding away from my usual haunts. I first spent 1.5 hours at West Locke Road, where the highlight was FOUR Winter Wrens and a Swamp Sparrow!! Three of the wrens were along the Canal Trail, and there might have been a fourth at the very end, which is where the Swamp Sparrow was. The definite fourth wren was south of the main road a little farther west, where there was a steady flow of water through a culvert.
I then went to West Portsmouth Street where the highlight was a Merlin perched in a tree along the RR tracks. Three redpolls also flew over.
Happy Holidays and good birding,
Pam Hunt
Penacook
12 Bohemian Waxwings were observed along the Ledges Drive, Taylor Community, Laconia. The birds along with two Robins were feeding in some small fruit bearing trees.
Date: 12/23/18 1:04 pm From: Charlie Nims <charlie.nims...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pine Grosbeaks
This morning, while driving through Bethlehem on Rte. 302, I saw a flock of birds near the Dollar Store. I stopped to check them out and it turns out it was a flock of 35+ Pine Grosbeaks. Yesterday a.m., Joe Scott and I birded the Rte. 16 corridor from Jackson to Milan with minimal bird activity other than a flock of ~40 Pine Grosbeaks in the Main St. area of Gorham. So, lots of PIGR still around.
Date: 12/23/18 12:24 pm From: watch ya <watch.yesry...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fwd: Us congress hearing of maan alsaan Money laundry قضية الكونغجرس لغسيل الأموال للمليادير معن الصانع
YouTube videos of
U.S. Congress money laundering hearing
of
Saudi Billionaire " Maan Al sanea"
with *bank of America*
and The owner of Saad Hospital and Schools
in the Eastern Province in *Saudi Arabia*
and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Awal Bank in *Bahrain*
With Arabic Subtitles
*موقع اليوتيوب الذي عرض جلسة استماع الكونجرس الأمريكي *
* لمتابعة نشاطات غسل الأموال ونشاطات*
*السعودي معن عبدالواحد الصانع*
*مالك مستشفى وشركة سعد ومدارس سعد بالمنطقة الشرقية بالسعودية ورئيس مجلس
ادارة بنك اوال البحريني*
Date: 12/23/18 10:13 am From: Sheridan Brown <birds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemians - New London
There is currently a mixed flock of at least 50-75 Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings in fruiting trees near the academy quads and Fine Art Center at Colby Sawyer College.
These birds are not visible from the main road through Town. I found them by parking on the Academy Loop and walking campus until I heard them (they’re making plenty of noise).
Lots of fruit on the trees here and around town this season. Things were almost bare here by this time last year.
Has been very active this morning, hunting, grooming, and singing around the upper portion of the Woodmont Drive loop. At one point it appeared with a scrap of a prey item (vole) which it devoured. Fun bird to watch!
On Thursday, December 20, a group of fourteen participants conducted the 67th annual Pittsburg Christmas Bird Count. The day was highly regarded as one of the most pleasant count days in recent years. The weather was clear throughout the day with sunny skies until nearly sunset as clouds approached from the southwest. Wind conditions ranged from calm to a light east wind of up to 5 mph, and temps ranged from 7 F in the am to 38 F in the afternoon. No open standing water was found this year, greatly reducing the opportunities for water birds. Streams and moving water were only partly frozen. Snow amounts ranged from 6"-24" on the ground, from south to north. Wild food was scarce this year with both a poor soft mast and cone crop. Perhaps as a result of the limited food availability, and because there were no large finch flocks, it seemed like a rather quiet count day.
Observers tallied 34 bird species on count day and 1,203 individual birds. The individual total is considerably lower than the average since 2000. No first count records nor high counts were noted. A second count record (and first since 1960) was tallied for Rough-legged Hawk with one bird found by Katrina Fenton flying along a ridge to the west of Round Pond. A third count record was that of a Red-winged Blackbird detected by call in north Pittsburg. Other notable observations included one Ring-necked Pheasant (5th count record), one Bohemian Waxwing (8th count record), and eight Red Crossbill (9th count record). Barred Owl tied a high count with two individuals seen and represented the 7th count record.
Boreal species observed included Gray Jay (18) and Boreal Chickadee (12). Just three Dark-eyed Juncos were found (compared with 216 last year), and this difference corresponds well to the difference in food availability between the two years.
Winter finch diversity was moderate, but numbers were low for most species with only Pine Grosbeak (72) reaching double digits. No Purple Finches were tallied this year. They have exhibited an on-off trend over the past ten years with several hundred one year followed by zero the next year. Only one Pine Siskin and two American Goldfinches were tallied, further supporting the belief that many irruptives have already moved south.
The five most numerous bird species on the count were Black-capped Chickadee (572), Red-breasted Nuthatch (144), Pine Grosbeak (72), Blue Jay (63), and Wild Turkey (59).
For mammals, White-tailed Deer were again observed in high numbers. Numbers of Red Squirrels were also high. Visual observations of Snowshoe Hare, Mink, and a Mole species were also observed, as well as tracks of numerous other mammal species including Bobcat, Coyote, and Red Fox.
Thanks to all the participants who help keep this count going year after year.
Phil BrownHancock, NH
Several birders braved the risk of heat stroke for the 1st annual Lee/Durham Spring Equinox Amphibian and Mammal count. A balmy 56 degrees welcomed us to the field, where we recorded at least two frogs and 8 mammals, including a snowshoe hare. A few birds were recorded as well, but the 63 species would have been a recent low if we had actually been foolish enough to call this a Christmas Bird Count.
Still, there were some noticeable highlights:
--the Ross's Goose made a first appearance, albeit as a count week bird
--Lee produced the 1st Ruffed Grouse since 2015 (Newmarket protests that it was actually in its territory, but replay was inconclusive)
--Gonic was the site for a Peregrine Falcon (3rd record), 3 Savannah Sparrows ( 3rd record), an Evening Grosbeak, 2 Redpolls, 3 Glaucous Gulls, 6 Iceland Gulls, and a Catbird (7th record)
--Shrikes were in Newmarket and Durham
--a Sapsucker was in Dover (3rd record)
--Fox Sparrows were in Lee and Barrington
--Swamp Sparrows were in Durham, Newmarket, and Gonic
--high counts in Ravens and Winter Wrens were offset by lows in Golden-crowned Kinglets (only 4!), Blue Jays, Tree Sparrows, and Buffleheads--and we completely missed Hermit Thurshes
Still, there don't seem to have been any arrests, accidents, or victories by the Steelers, so all ended up well.
The Northern Shrike was in the East orchard at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis again this afternoon. It spent most of the time within the loop on Woodmont Drive (Just past Scooters Farm) and beyond the loop.
Date: 12/22/18 7:49 am From: David Lipsy <dlipsy...> Subject: [NHBirds] I'm excited to announce a Gallery Exhibit on the Monster Crow Roost in Lawrence, MA - Images of an incredible evening you MUST see!
(See below the text for a link to my image set).
10 of these images are going to be part of:
“CELEBRATING THE WINTER CROW ROOST”
CROW ART EXHIBIT: PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOS, & MORE
ESSEX ART CENTER 56 ISLAND STREET, LAWRENCE, MA
Opening Reception: Friday, January 11, 2019
From 5 - 7PM
Exhibit: January 11 - March 15, 2019
The Essex Art Center in Lawrence, MA is pleased to present exhibitions and programs built around the theme of American Crows and Fish Crows. In cultures around the world, myths have grown up around crows. They are portrayed as tricksters, omens, or bringers of light.
For centuries crows have captured the attention of artists. Ancient Arabs illustrated manuscripts with paintings of crows. Naturalists like John James Audubon created realistic images. Van Gogh is famous for his painting “Wheat Fields with Crows.” Like artists and storytellers throughout time, we hope you come to be fascinated by these amazing birds!
American Crows are social, family oriented, smart, clever, and very resourceful. In a number of cities and towns from coast to coast, you’ll find them during the winter months gathering in large communal overnight roosts. Here in Lawrence along the Merrimack River, the Crows begin to roost in October and continue through early April when they return to their breeding grounds.
During the winter of 2018, their numbers swelled with arrival of migrants from the north as well as locals from nearby breeding grounds. The winter roost at its peak in the middle of January included over 15,000 American Crows, along with a much smaller number of Fish Crows. These exhibitions celebrate this amazing, natural phenomenon!
***In the Chester F. Sidell Gallery: “Celebrating the Winter Crow Roost” exhibit with photographs by Craig Gibson, Jim Renault, John Blout, Sandy Selesky, and David Lipsy.
~~~~~~~
The following is my on-scene report of my evening with the Crows.
'YES... You MUST see this for yourself!!!!'
Every once in a great while, something so unbelievable happens in nature that is SO SPECTACULAR, that you MUST see it with your own eyes.
Tonight I witnessed one of these events; you still can too! A show so spectacular, and all it costs is the gas in your car to get you there and home again.
I was asked by Dana Duxbury-Fox and Craig Gibson who are studying a HUGE Crow roost in the mill section of Lawrence, MA. I said sure, why not... it could be very cool. I was told there were upwards of 15,000 American & Fish Crows that come to this location to roost each night this time of year, and they wanted me to try and document it.
It started with a SINGLE American Crow flying over the Bridge we were at. Then a slow stream came in from the SE. Then more came in from the SW. Then a long and thick column came in from the W.... and kept coming for a while. During this time, the NE sector got into the thick of things.... and continued as you can see in this small section looking to the NE... for a very long time. They were all putting down in the trees on either side of the Merrimack River down stream of Duck Bridge, located on South Union Street in Lawrence. This is right at the New Balance Shoe Factory. They have a Parking lot that can be used late in the day that is located at the south end of the Duck Bridge on the E side of the street, across from the factory.
Then all of a sudden, most of the Crows that were in those trees as well as on the adjacent mill buildings all took off and flew low over the bridge and landed in the trees on the UP STREAM side of Duck Bridge, along the New Balance Factory waterfront. (Of course I had the 500mm on so I quickly changed lenses to capture this cloud of birds).
These birds, a HUGE number of them, were just the tip of an iceberg that I never did see the end of because the darkness eventually shrouded the flow in darkness... but you could see them as they came down into the trees from the lights of the building.
What you see in this photograph continued from around 4:45 to when I left at 6:15PM... and they were still coming in, though I could not tell you how many.
Taking an uneducated wild guess, based on the sheer volume and the continued non-stop heavy flow, I put tonight's number of Crows in this roost at an unbelievably ridiculous 150,000-200,000 birds.
Dana told me this was much much larger than she had ever seen before and was as awed as I was. This was a new high... exponentially higher. How many were actually there?
Only Mother Nature herself knows.
There was truly no way to count these birds... there were simply too many, they came too thick and too fast. I have estimated large kettles of Broad-winged Hawks (large by New Hampshire standards)... but even trying to use the section method would be impossible here.
What you see flowing over the building in this image was non-stop!! By Far the largest number of Crows came from the NE.
I was without words... which if you know me is rare... watching this thru my bins and seeing the never ending thickness of birds completely blew me away.
I tried many different methods, settings and lenses to capture these birds from the bridge.
I even tried some long exposure images with my camera braced on the sturdy flat steel railing when it was too dark to shoot otherwise. I should have used a tripod, but the bridge is not solid and occasionally shakes from the larger vehicles.
(Terrible time for my 5D Mark III to be heading into the shop for repairs... it can handle much better the higher ISO's I needed). I shot tonight with my 7D Mark II, but would not go over 2000 ISO.
The bridge has a wide sidewalk separated from traffic by steel girders on both sides of the bridge.
The Crows filled the trees almost right up to the bridge and down as far as I could see. It is a perfect viewing/shooting spot for this location.
The Lawrence, MA. Crow Roost.
You have to see it to believe it... and even then, you, like myself, may not believe what your eyes are telling you!
There is a Northern Shrike at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis. It was on the Woodmont Drive side today, but a couple days ago it was on the orchard/farm side (west).
Date: 12/21/18 5:10 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] 25,000+ crows December 20th Lawrence Ma Crow Patrol
Yesterday starting at 3:15 pm Bob and I enjoyed sharing the Lawrence MA crow patrol with Ann Banks from Gloucester, Jill Mathieu from Norton, Richard and Julia Osborne from Winchester and Mac McBurney from Arlington.
It was a rare, windless afternoon with temperatures in the 40"s and a mostly gray sky making it much more enjoyable to be standing outside. We gathered at the top- middle of the New Balance Parking Lot off of So. Union Street and looked eastward to see the directions the crows were flying. They control the show and you never know where they will be headed. Who determines this each night? How do they all know where to stage?
Well, yesterday when looking over the river to the far east we saw them flying south over the far red brick mill buildings - NOT staging on the north side of the river as they had on Tuesday. Looking down So. Union St to the south we could see some coming in from the west and going behind the Riverview Mill building. So off we went to the Parking Garage. We entered the door on the corner of Merrimack and So. Union and found a non-functioning elevator and a staircase. So up we walked 5 stories to the open top. No cars there but a wonderful view to the east, south and west. The din of cawing crows could be heard to the south of us and crows were streaming in from the south, east and west. Thousands of crows were perched on the tops of the tall trees on the south side of the South Common Park (which until only a few days ago had been filled with trailers and tents for those whose homes were gasless).
We were all spell bound by the waves of thousands of crows - some streaming in from the southeast, then from the east over the mill building, then so many waves from the west and northwest. Some settled in the trees nearest the garage and one silhouetted against the lighter western sky kept making this impressive rattling call all the while pumping his body back and forth. As twilight settled in, they began to move to and settle on the roof of the B&D storage building to the west of the garage - oh, so many speckling the roof with black bubbles. A train came by and caused hundreds to rise up. We heard a Fish Crow as it flew by. Amazingly, more birds kept flying in now most settling on the roof below. Bob counted the birds on the roof, tree tops and the last ones coming in and estimated 25,000 birds. It is a rare spectacle.
At one point, Craig Gibson was down on So. Canal St below us. He knew we were all there, assumed we were on top of the garage and even took a picture of what he thought was our many band. He saw many Fish Crows on the wires around the Truck Depot and the National Grid parking lot.
As it got dark, most of us found a functioning elevator on the south-central side of the garage including a heated glass walled area. Once down at the corner of Merrimack and South Union Streets, we could see birds flying across Merrimack St. headed towards the thin line of trees on the south side of the Merrimack River. We all walked up by the door into the New Balance Factory Store and out onto Duck Bridge. Looking into the lighter western sky you could see them coming around the building and settling into the tops of the thin line of trees - still some distance from the bridge. Some nights they are very close and they may have eventually filled in last night.
We all reflected on what we had seen - a true natural phenomena. They all were amused to see how excited I can still get watching this grand show. Hopefully, you too will soon come to see them. Periodically, we will invite folks to join us but if you start and watch they evening pathway from the New Balance Parking Lot and follow the show you can easily replicate our pattern. DO REMEMBER TO BRING BINOCULARS.
We travelled to Orlando FL last week-end to see our 10 year old granddaughter star (and did she star) as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and still could not escape the crows. At one point, the Scarecrow is surrounded by a circle of crows all cawing away. I just chuckled - little did those around me know why!
Today Craig is delivering to Tom French of the MA Fish and Wildlife over 150 pellets disgorged by the crows which he picked up in the truck depot parking lot over the past few weeks. Tom will dissect then and give us a report on what the crows have been eating. We look forward to comparing them to the ones we had dissected by Tom from early December last year.
Do explore our blog: www.wintercrowroost.com
Have a joyous holiday season, enjoy the crows and do post what you see or send us your highlights of your visit.
Date: 12/20/18 4:59 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Update Ross ‘s goose. No
I'm curious about the Ross's Goose.What is it eating,are the ponds here
frozen?
On Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 3:52:17 PM UTC-5, JM wrote:
>
> Stayed till moments ago. No return of the Ross ‘s gull. Still could come
> in later to roost.
> Treatment plant hours 0700 until 3:00 pm Please do check in if looking
> for the bird and respect the hours. You can also look from outside fencing
> Good luck !
> Jeanne-Marie Maher
> and Michael Pahl (aka Ross’s gull finder)
Date: 12/20/18 4:56 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Update Ross ‘s goose. No
On Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 3:52:17 PM UTC-5, JM wrote:
>
> Stayed till moments ago. No return of the Ross ‘s gull. Still could come
> in later to roost.
> Treatment plant hours 0700 until 3:00 pm Please do check in if looking
> for the bird and respect the hours. You can also look from outside fencing
> Good luck !
> Jeanne-Marie Maher
> and Michael Pahl (aka Ross’s gull finder)
Date: 12/20/18 3:53 pm From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] catbird at Massabesic Audubon
Made the rounds again today, no luck with shrikes or finches. However, I did find a catbird in the shrubs at the Massabesic Audubon Center, down by the Milne Pond. It came out and foraged in the leaf litter for a bit. There seems to be only a couple reports of catbirds inland on ebird this month, so I thought that was pretty cool. It's been a while since I've seen one! They always brighten my day. Meanwhile, I've been told by staff that the captive raven at the center has made a wild raven friend that often visits him and 'chats' about goings-on in the outside world, and that he likes to clean himself up and look nice when the other raven comes by. Corvids never cease to amaze!
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack
Date: 12/20/18 12:52 pm From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Update Ross ‘s goose. No
Stayed till moments ago. No return of the Ross ‘s gull. Still could come in later to roost.
Treatment plant hours 0700 until 3:00 pm Please do check in if looking for the bird and respect the hours. You can also look from outside fencing
Good luck !
Jeanne-Marie Maher
and Michael Pahl (aka Ross’s gull finder)
A first for me in Townsend, MA - a red shouldered hawk spent much of Tuesday afternoon watching over my bird feeder. A beautiful red shouldered with a rich reddish-brown breast. Cheers, Donna
Date: 12/19/18 2:28 pm From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Keene redpolls - no
I doubt anyone enjoys sending out an email saying they didn't find anything, but I figured this one was worth stating! Amanda Kallenbach and I spent the entirety of today in Keene trying to relocate some of the common redpolls seen on the CBC. We checked out all known locations where they'd been spotted in the past week, and came up empty. So we circled back and did them all again, and still nothing. I don't think my eyes missed a single birch tree in that town! Rather disheartening, as this is still a life bird for me, and now more and more becoming a nemesis bird! I figured if there was anywhere I'd find one, it'd be Keene, but no dice. We also looked for Bohemian waxwings and found none. We eventually found a handful of evening grosbeaks at a feeder in Surry (the 'Joslin Rd Gravel Pit' hotspot on ebird) but that was the only bird of note for the day. Mammal-wise, we stumbled upon both a coyote and a red fox near the cornfields on Krif Rd, which was very cool. So, not sure if they've moved, or were just hiding. Seems they didn't want to be found, at least not by me! Still, I carry on, in my hunt for winter finches. At least it wasn't windy today!
-Molly JacobsonMerrimack
Twenty-eightparticipants in 13 parties totaled 61 species of birds and 5,828 individuals onthe Keene CBC Sunday, December 16. Now runcontinuously for 36 years, the Keene count has the distinction of being NH'sfirst-ever Christmas Bird Count and one of the original counts conducted in theyear 1900.
Conditions consisted of overcast skies much of the day with somelight precipitation falling lightly in various forms in the late morning and earlyafternoon. Temperatures were fairly mild and stayed mainly above freezing,ranging from 29-37 degrees F. Winds ranged from still to light SE. Snow coveraveraged between 0” in many places closer to the valleys to 4” in higherelevations. Still water was partly open, and moving water was open. Wild foodwas poor overall with some birch the most notable seed source. Many feeders hadgood bird activity because of this. Waterfowl were scattered, but the majorityof species were found only at Spofford Lake, which had just enough open waterfor a small concentration of ducks.
This year’s 61 total species ties a high count achieved severaltimes in recent years (2012, 2014, & 2017) on count day. The 5,828individual birds is above the long-term average, but much lower than lastyear’s total, the difference being the dearth of Juncos compared to last year’snear-record tally.
Count day highlights included one Northern Saw-whet Owl heard calling by PhillipKirkhart at the Horatio Colony Preserve in Keene (2nd count record),two Peregrine Falcons (one each in Westmoreland and Swanzey – 3rdcount record and high count), one male American Kestrel behind the Surry TownHall found by Wendy Ward (5th count record), 27 Bohemian Waxwingsfound in West Keene by Ken Klapper (5th count record), and oneCommon Grackle found in West Keene by Ken Klapper (5th countrecord).
Otherhighlights were one Red-breasted Merganser (6th count record) onSpofford Lake, one Common Goldeneye (7th count record), one GreatHorned Owl (7th count record) at Goose Pond Park in Keene, and one FoxSparrow (8th count record) at Dave Hoitt’s feeders in Swanzey.
Seven species set new high counts: Peregrine Falcon (2),Bohemian Waxwing (27), European Starling (1,397), Common Raven (34), Great BlueHeron (2), Bald Eagle (12), and predictably, Wild Turkey (362) – at a highpoint from the recent strong mast years for oak acorns. A tie for high count was set for Barred Owl (7), as well. CedarWaxwing (806), Common Redpoll (138), and Evening Grosbeak (71) all appeared inhigher numbers than in recent years, all being reported by several teams.
On the other hand, lownumbers of Black-capped Chickadees (587), American Crow (96),Golden-crowned Kinglet (1), Dark-eyed Junco (214), and American Goldfinch (98)were noted, and a record-low countwas set for Blue Jay (47) – a species that has migrated south in response tothe poor acorn year.
The ten most common species were European Starling (1,397),Cedar Waxwing (806), Black-capped Chickadee (587), Wild Turkey (362), HouseSparrow (321), Rock Pigeon (299), Mourning Dove (230), Dark-eyed Junco (214), TuftedTitmouse (146), and Common Redpoll (138).
A few misses thus farinclude Ring-billed Gull, Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Shrike, and BeltedKingfisher. With no new species added thus far, the cumulative total of birds recorded on the Keene CBC stands at 109.
Thanks to all the participants who worked hard to find birds andhelped put another Keene CBC in the books!
Date: 12/18/18 12:56 pm From: Jean <jmullen43...> Subject: [NHBirds] Carolina Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebirds, Brown Creeper Portsmouth
Seasons’s Greetings! The Carolina Wren was spotted this morning along with the other subject birds. They joined the 3 resident woodpecker species of Red-bellied, Hairy, and Downy as well as the expected feeder birds. Alas, no Siskins or Grosbeaks have put in an appearance but hope springs eternal! The 4 Eastern Bluebirds have been eating the suet droppings from under my two feeders and I saw the Brown Creeper doing the same.
I saw the previously reported Snow Goose along with around 25 Canada Geese on December 16 but they were in North Hampton along 1A.
Date: 12/18/18 11:53 am From: sallie barker <salliebarker...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] New London Bohemian Waxwings and Lempster Evening Grosbeaks
We spotted a smaller flock, 60 Bohemian and about 5 Cedar Waxwings, thanks to Dylan Jackson's earlier report, in trees in front of Bar Harbor Bank on Newport Rd in New London this afternoon. They are still in town!
On Mon, Dec 17, 2018 at 12:42 PM Jack Swatt <jswattbirds...> wrote:
> I went searching for the bohemian waxwing flock that Dylan Jackson > reported yesterday and found them on the Colby Sawyer campus. I estimated > 160 so it is most likely the same flock. > This morning in Lempster I had 22 evening grosbeaks at my feeders. > > Jack Swatt > > Wolcott CT > > Lempster NH > > 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 post to this group, send email to <nhbirds...> > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >
Date: 12/18/18 7:07 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] Want a guided tour of the Lawrence MA Crow Roost?
Folks,
Bob and I will be going out two times this week -
this afternoon (Tuesday) and it should be cold and windy and
Thursday.
If you want a guided tour either day, first let me know and secondly, dress warmly, baring your bincos and meet us at 3:15 in the New Balance Factory parking lot on So. Union St. in Lawrence.
Date: 12/17/18 6:31 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 17, 2018
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 17th,
2018.
An AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was photographed in coastal Rye on December 11th,
and then re-discovered in Little Harbor between Rye and New Castle on the
14th. It is still being seen in Little Harbor and was last reported on the
17th. To try to see the bird, the best viewing has been from the Wentworth
By The Sea Marina in Little Harbor. The Marina is on Route 1B in New Castle
adjacent to the Wentworth By The Sea hotel. Birders are welcome during
regular hours, but first check in at the Marina office. You can park in the
public parking lot and walk down the boardwalk to the Marina office.
A SNOWY OWL was reported from Sharon, and a SHORT-EARED OWL was reported
from Rye, both on December 14th.
58 DOVEKIES were tallied flying in small groups off of Ragged Neck in Rye on
December 16th, and 11 RAZORBILLS were seen from New Castle on the 11th.
An adult male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen on the Connecticut River in
Hinsdale on December 15th. At least 1 adult male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen
at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in Manchester on December 15th and
16th, and a female BARROW’S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen on the
Connecticut River in West Lebanon and was last reported on December 15th.
A REDHEAD and a GADWALL were seen on Great Bay, and a NORTHERN PINTAIL was
seen on the Suncook River in Pembroke, all on December 15th and 16th.
A SNOW GOOSE continues to be seen in coastal Rye and was last reported on
December 15th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen soaring over fields on West Side Road in Conway
on December 14th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Nottingham December 11th, and 1 was seen in
Penacook on the 17th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT continues to be seen at Odiorne Point State Park in
Rye, and was last reported on December 15th.
A flock of 50 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Moultonborough on December 12th,
a flock of 17 was seen in Sandwich on the 14th, a flock of 175 was seen in
New London on the 17th, and a flock of 125 was seen in Lebanon on the 16th.
COMMON REDPOLLS, PINE GROSBEAKS, EVENING GROSBEAKS and PINE SISKINS were
reported from scattered locations during the past week, and sightings seem
to be increasing in number. Of particular note was a flock of 12 PINE
GROSBEAKS seen in Jackson on December 15th, and a flock of 60 COMMON
REDPOLLS seen in Keene on the 16th.
13 TURKEY VULTURES were seen in Exeter on December 13th, and a PEREGRINE
FALCON was seen in West Lebanon on December 15th.
A GREAT CORMORANT was seen in Newport on December 15th.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: AMERICAN
KESTREL, GREAT BLUE HERON, FISH CROW, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, PINE WARBLER,
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, CHIPPING
SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, FIELD SPARROW, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, HERMIT
THRUSH, GRAY CATBIRD, WINTER WREN, and MARSH WREN.
Species highlights from the Coastal Christmas Bird Count held on December
15th included: BARROW' S GOLDENEYE, NORTHERN SHOVELER, LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULL, GLAUCOUS GULL, ICELAND GULL, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, RAZORBILL, BLACK
GUILLEMOT, THICK-BILLED MURRE, EASTERN SCREECH-OWL, GREAT HORNED OWL, BARRED
OWL, NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, NORTHERN SHRIKE, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW,
DICKCISSEL, RED CROSSBILL, and RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any
interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the
recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon
web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Date: 12/17/18 11:35 am From: Cliff Otto <bye.bye.nh.birdy...> Subject: [NHBirds] A wonderful bird is the pelican
Don't know how I forgot about this poem by Ogden Nash, although my photograph seems to refute the basis for it:
A wonderful bird is the pelican, His bill will hold more than his belican. He can take in his beak Food enough for a week, But I'm damned if I see how the helican.
Date: 12/17/18 9:42 am From: Jack Swatt <jswattbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] New London Bohemian Waxwings and Lempster Evening Grosbeaks
I went searching for the bohemian waxwing flock that Dylan Jackson reported yesterday and found them on the Colby Sawyer campus. I estimated 160 so it is most likely the same flock. This morning in Lempster I had 22 evening grosbeaks at my feeders.
Date: 12/17/18 7:05 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwing makes it to Concord
This morning I went looking for some Pine Grosbeaks reported on yesterday's Concord CBC, and was instead rewarded with at least one Bohemian Waxwing in a flyover flock of ~45 Cedars. Location was along Fairview Drive - just north of the Concord Country Club.
Personal highlights from the CBC in Penacook were a N Saw-whet Owl and Northern Shrike, that latter at Morrill's Farm.
Date: 12/17/18 6:16 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Stygian Owl, Pink-headed Warbler
Danger Tours (DT) staged its third trip to Guatemala (since 1978) on Nov 28
- Dec 16 and spent a leisurely week apiece at the lodges at Los Tarrales
and Los Andes on the slopes of the Atitlan Volcano, followed by a couple of
days in Antigua with day trips. Though not a trip for serious listers (only
201 species), many serious bird were seen and some were recorded by Linda,
the trip’s Dedicated Photographer.
Walk-away views of a daytime-roosting Stygian Owl at Los Andes was only the
second sighting of this species on a DT trip since the 1988 trip to Abuc.
Repeated sightings of Black Hawk-Eagle, Resplendent Quetzal, Azure-rumped
Tanager and Highland Guan were special at Los Andes, as were roosting
Mottled Owls and a vibrant songbird and raptor scene at the lower elevation
Los Tarrales. There were surprising numbers of warblers in the shaded
coffee plantations at Los Tarrales, so yes, the hype is true. Yeah, there
was a Great Black Hawk as well, but the White Hawk was better.
The best bird was the surprisingly tame and unbearably cute Pink-headed
Warbler at Rincon Suizo by Finca Chichavac, on a day trip led by the
skilled guide Josué Odias de Leon. The warbler scene was dominated by
Wilson’s, Tennessee and Black-and-white Warblers, but there were plenty of
others, including many Townsend’s and a charming pair of Red-faced Warblers.
The trip was organized by the local tour operator Operador Latino. We used
the local guides at the lodges and the superb guide Josué out of Antigua.
PPDO land cost was about $3k. Although the DT organizer is rumored to have
some kind of black belt in Spanish, it is neither required nor expected of
Americans.
Date: 12/17/18 6:01 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds]
Stygian Owl, Pink-headed Warbler
Danger Tours (DT) staged its third trip to Guatemala (since 1978) on Nov 28
- Dec 16 and spent a leisurely week apiece at the lodges at Los Tarrales
and Los Andes on the slopes of the Atitlán Volcano, followed by a couple of
days in Antigua with day trips. Though not a trip for serious listers (only
201 species), many serious bird were seen and some were recorded by Linda,
the trip’s Dedicated Photographer.
Walk-away views of a daytime-roosting Stygian Owl at Los Andes was only the
second sighting of this species on a DT trip since the 1988 trip to Abuc.
Repeated sightings of Black Hawk-Eagle, Resplendent Quetzal, Azure-rumped
Tanager and Highland Guan were special at Los Andes, as were roosting
Mottled Owls and a vibrant songbird and raptor scene at the lower elevation
Los Tarrales. There were surprising numbers of warblers in the shaded
coffee plantations at Los Tarrales, so yes, the hype is true. Yeah, there
was a Great Black Hawk as well, but the White Hawk was better.
The best bird was the surprisingly tame and unbearably cute Pink-headed
Warbler at Rincon Suizo by Finca Chichavac, on a day trip led by the
skilled guide Josué Odias de Leon. The warbler scene was dominated by
Wilson’s, Tennessee and Black-and-white Warblers, but there were plenty of
others, including many Townsend’s and a charming pair of Red-faced Warblers.
The trip was organized by the local tour operator Operador Latino. We used
the local guides at the lodges and the superb guide Josué out of Antigua.
PPDO land cost was about $3k. Although the DT organizer is rumored to have
some kind of black belt in Spanish, it is neither required nor expected of
Americans.
