Date: 2/16/25 12:26 pm From: FirstChAoS <menasor77...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] High number of Goldfinch
I get 30-60 a day in Richmond lately.
Odd how they disappeared in. The fall only to have been slowly swelling in
numbers all winter.
On Friday, February 14, 2025 at 12:59:18 PM UTC-5 Bruce Conti wrote:
> Zero gold finches at my feeder in Nashua this winter which is unusual.
> I've never seen 50 to 100 here. Mostly Juncos and House Finches this
> winter, a few Bluebirds, Cardinals, Downy and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers,
> White-Breasted Nuthatches, White-Throated Sparrows, European Starlings, and
> one Carolina Wren are regular visitors.
>
> On Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM Elaine Faletra <elaine.......>
> wrote:
>
>> Hello Winter birders,
>>
>> Is anyone consistently getting 50-100 American goldfinch at their feeders
>> daily this winter like here? Today I estimated over 150. Numbers are
>> variable and today’s weather was really nasty with high winds and sleet
>> that likely drove additional birds here. I’ve only briefly seen 1 pine
>> siskin on 2 occasions. They are very energetic and seem healthy.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Elaine
>> Warren NH
>>
>> --
>> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
>> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en >> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "NHBirds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to nhbirds+<u......>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<55D44EA9-F8F1-4A20-B9DF-2C1794E4203F...> >> .
>>
>
>
> --
> Bruce Conti
> *B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com
> *¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
>
Date: 2/14/25 9:59 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] High number of Goldfinch
Zero gold finches at my feeder in Nashua this winter which is unusual.
I've never seen 50 to 100 here. Mostly Juncos and House Finches this
winter, a few Bluebirds, Cardinals, Downy and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers,
White-Breasted Nuthatches, White-Throated Sparrows, European Starlings, and
one Carolina Wren are regular visitors.
On Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...>
wrote:
> Hello Winter birders,
>
> Is anyone consistently getting 50-100 American goldfinch at their feeders
> daily this winter like here? Today I estimated over 150. Numbers are
> variable and today’s weather was really nasty with high winds and sleet
> that likely drove additional birds here. I’ve only briefly seen 1 pine
> siskin on 2 occasions. They are very energetic and seem healthy.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Elaine
> Warren NH
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<55D44EA9-F8F1-4A20-B9DF-2C1794E4203F...> > .
>
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
On Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 6:55 PM Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...>
wrote:
> Hello Winter birders,
>
> Is anyone consistently getting 50-100 American goldfinch at their feeders
> daily this winter like here? Today I estimated over 150. Numbers are
> variable and today’s weather was really nasty with high winds and sleet
> that likely drove additional birds here. I’ve only briefly seen 1 pine
> siskin on 2 occasions. They are very energetic and seem healthy.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Elaine
> Warren NH
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<55D44EA9-F8F1-4A20-B9DF-2C1794E4203F...> > .
>
Date: 2/13/25 3:55 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: [NHBirds] High number of Goldfinch
Hello Winter birders,
Is anyone consistently getting 50-100 American goldfinch at their feeders daily this winter like here? Today I estimated over 150. Numbers are variable and today’s weather was really nasty with high winds and sleet that likely drove additional birds here. I’ve only briefly seen 1 pine siskin on 2 occasions. They are very energetic and seem healthy.
Date: 2/13/25 9:39 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks and Goldfinches in Jefferson
The Thursday morning storm brought in an amazing number of American goldfinches to our feeders. I counted 112 at one time. We also had 38 evening grosbeaks, 1 pine siskin, and 1 tree sparrow plus the usual birds. The wind blew seeds onto the crusted snow making for a wider area for the birds to feed. The precipitation coming down was graupel, my favorite form of snow. This has been a fine winter like the ones we used to have a few decades ago.
Date: 2/13/25 4:36 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bird Notes from Old Iberia - Owl Box Recycled
If you build a nest box with quality materials and things don’t work out as
hoped, you can often recycle the materials and try a different tack. Nearly
20 years ago I built a Barn Owl nest box to bring to the farm in Spain. The
box was erected in a eucalyptus tree with great hopes, but they were never
realized. I have never heard or seen a Barn Owl on the farm, although they
used to occur.
A Little Owl thought it would be to his liking, but he was evicted by a
pair of Eurasian Kestrels. The kestrels have nested there ever since,
despite the box having no bedding material on its floor (Barn Owls were
supposed to litter the floor with pellets.)
Because the box was higher than it needed to be and difficult to access, we
decided to take it down and repurpose it - two kestrel boxes were made out
of the p.t. plywood (in very good condition) and erected in suitable
locations. At least one of them has been used by kestrels and the other’s
occupants, if any, are unknown. Little Owls are known to use a box like
these. A couple of tiny pictures show more details.
Date: 2/12/25 11:50 am From: Dotty Holcomb Doherty <dottyholcombdoherty...> Subject: [NHBirds] PhotoSynthesis: Portraits in the Wild -- Photo Exhibit Opening Saturday, Feb 15, noon to 2:00
Announcing the opening of my photography show, PhotoSynthesis: Portraits in the Wild at Two Villages Art Society, in Contoocook, NH this Saturday, noon to 2:00, featuring 80 photographs of wildlife and birds from local and international locales. One wall, “In the Wings” offers a mosaic of 48 8”x8” bird photos — a visual treat on a wintery day. Show runs from February 15-March 15.
Date: 2/11/25 8:00 pm From: Fran Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snow Buntings in Nashua
Looked out the window at work and saw "snowflakes" moving up. Went outside and confirmed a small flock of Snow Buntings foraging around the college parking lots. Amazing how they disappear when flying only to reappear moments later!
Date: 2/11/25 4:56 pm From: Beth Fox <bethfox45...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lone Robin territorial of our feeders
A lone robin here in Wolfeboro has been putting on a show here, settled in a fly-through feeder for hours, leaving only to drive the bluebirds and white-throated sparrow away from the other feeder, 20 feet away. He could not easily sit on a smaller feeder, so he propped himself on the edge and scooped seed onto the baffle below, so he could get it. Think he is after dried worms I have mixed with the seed. The squirrel baffle is now covered with seed he didn't want. This is the third day of this behavior. He appeared after the snowstorm, so I guess he is waiting for the snow to melt! Anyone out there seen behavior like this?
Every now and then events get stacked up in Nature! Yesterday morning after the snow began to taper off I was sitting watching our backyard feeder when I noticed all activity went on hold. Usually this would mean a raptor nearby. But after seeing many of the usual birds just sitting on limbs, etc in plain sight I was puzzled? So I walked down to our basement to peek out under our deck for anything awry. I was rewarded very swiftly with a Long tailed Weasel coming into view from my right and proceeding to head towards the wall at the woods edge. It had something in its jaws. Kinda gray but not avian like so I suspect a mouse or vole. It took the catch across the yard but mostly under the new fallen snow sticking it's head up, like a periscope, and then proceeding on! It took the catch into a 5+ foot diameter Red Oak at our wall line and went into one of holes in the tree that the squirrels used at times??!! It was broad daylight. The Weasel was not white!! But definitely a Long tailed. I've seen many but never a non-white one this time of year??? It soon came back across the yard by the feeders mostly under the snow. Poking it's head up frequently. It soon went back to the to the hole in the tree! Not seen again. But, in reflection I noted that it was very dark purred with little white underneath. A melanistic morph???
Today about the same time my neighbor up the street texted me to help get an Owl u snagged from some netting around his Holy shrubs alongside his home. So I went outside and soon saw the Barred Owl outside the netting but flapping it's wings very strongly? I localized a Hooaaw to get it's attention and it just flew into the woods nearby. I then noticed a Robin trying to get out of the inside of the netting. So I walked closer to the shrub and then found the Owl's interest! A dead adult Coopers Hawk inside the netting but within reach of the Owl's talons. Upside down just inside the netting!! A very persistent Owl. The Coops had trauma around it's head and neck but basically pristine otherwise! The Robin got out with my assistance. Lucky bird! Gotta love Nature. Always a treat. Kirk Elwell East Kingston. ps; I also had a Hermit Thrush check out the feeder area just after all this foofarah!!
Date: 2/10/25 11:36 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, February 10, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, February 10,
2025. To leave a message about a rare bird without listening to the
recording first, press 2 now.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on February 9th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Dartmouth College Highway in Haverhill on
February 8th, and 1 was seen along Route 16 in Dover on the 5th.
A SNOWY Owl was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on February 8th.
A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen from Great Boar’s Head in Hampton on February
8th, and a DOVE-KEY was seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on the 7th.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Sawyer’s Beach in Rye on February 6th
.
A BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen at the Eliot Bridge on the Salmon Falls River
in Dover, 4 were seen from south of the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on the
Merrimack River in Concord, and 2 were seen at Morono Park on the Merrimack
River, 1 was seen at Arms Park on the Merrimack River in Manchester, and 1
was seen at Moore’s Falls Conservation Area on the Merrimack River in
Litchfield, all during the past week.
3 LESSER SCAUP were seen on the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia on February 3
rd.
A SURF SCOTER was seen at Hilton Park at Dover Point on February 3rd.
A BUFFLEHEAD was seen on the Merrimack River in Manchester on February 8th,
and 1 was seen at the Moore’s Falls Conservation Area on the Merrimack
River in Litchfield on the 3rd.
A RED-THROATED LOON was seen on Great Bay from Adams Point in Durham on
February 8th.
An AMERICAN BITTERN was found at Meadow Pond in Hampton on January 23rd,
continued to be seen NH during the past week, and was last reported on
February 4th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at Sip Pond in Fitzwilliam on February 8th.
7 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen along South Mountain Drive in Lincoln on
February 8th.
A flock of 10 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen along Akers Pond Road in Errol on
February 8th.
6 AMERICAN PIPITS and a PALM WARBLER were seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on
several days during the past week.
A female ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen at 512 Broad Street in Portsmouth
on February 9th.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was seen on Crestwood Drive in Concord on February 9th.
27 FISH CROWS were reported from Tuscan Village in Salem on February 8th, 2
were reported from Portsmouth on the 8th, 1 was reported from Manchester on
the 8th, and 1 was reported from Laconia on the 3rd.
Lingering species reported during the past week included: AMERICAN KESTREL,
NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER,
NORTHERN FLICKER, CAROLINA WREN, WINTER WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT
THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, SONG SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW,
CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD 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 to:
birds etcetera @ n h audubon dot org. Please put either "bird sighting" or
"Rare Bird Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing
address and phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New
Hampshire Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
The Audubon's Warbler that was spotted in Hanover in December has survived the many below 0-degree F nights we have been having in west-central NH. You can see 5 photos here:
Date: 2/9/25 8:19 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rarity Roundup from NH and adjacent States
I've finished digging out from last night's snowstorm so I figured I'd
update a few folks on what's being seen in the region:
New Hampshire
----------------------
HARRIS'S SPARROW - Found by Magill Weber on January 13th. Continues to
be seen regularly at the feeders opposite the Bellamy River Wildlife
Management Area along Old Garrison Road in Dover. This is a mega-rarity
for NH that is only roughly the 9th record for NH and only the 2nd in
the last 20 years. Sadly, the MacGillivray's Warbler seen from the
trails here has not been reported since January 26th.
GOLDEN EAGLE - TWO records being reported in the State right now with an
apparent adult being reported in the Bellamy River area of Dover last
Wednesday s and an immature photographed along the CT River in
Haverhill, NH yesterday.
THICK-BILLED MURRE - One seen yesterday floating like a log off of the
north side of Great Boar's Head in Hampton. Unfortunately, it continued
to drift around the point, but still was seen by several birders. This
is the time of year when they can sometimes show up along the shoreline.
DOVEKIE - One photographed nearby at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on
Friday. Not relocated yesterday.
SNOWY OWL - One present the last couple of days at Hampton Beach State
Park. Seen by dozens (or more!) of people yesterday perched on a home
adjacent to the parking area. Please use common sense and don't attempt
to get too close to the bird and respect private property.
PALM WARBLER AND AMERICAN PIPITS - A rare February record (only my 2nd)
of Palm Warbler continues along the shoreline at Plaice Cove point in
Hampton at the end of James Street. It is foraging with at least 4
American Pipits in washed up vegetation near the point. Park at
Bicentennial Park and walk the 1/2 mile over to the point. Curiously,
the Palm Warbler had been present until January 18th, but then
disappeared. Despite several searches since then, it could not be
found. Then Owen MacManes relocated the bird there yesterday! Here's my
photo yesterday of a Pipit and the Palm:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S212491074
Maine
---------
WESTERN TANAGER - A Western Tanager has been visiting a feeder in
Thomaston, ME. One of 3 for New England right now.
Massachusetts
--------------------
WESTERN TANAGER - One continues at a feeder in Merrimac and another is
visiting a feeder in Winchester! Pretty cool to have 3 in the
region.....just wish one was in NH!
SWAINSON'S HAWK - One adult or near adult continues from Good Harbor
Beach parking lot and marshes in Gloucester, MA. This would constitute
a rarity at any time of the year, but to see one in mid-February is
practically mind-blowing! This, I believe would be the first wintering
record for New England. They normally winter in Argentina!! Here's my
photo from a couple of days ago. Got luck!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemirick/54312933701/in/photostream/lightbox/
SPOTTED TOWHEE - TWO. With one long-staying individual way down in
Provincetown and another at Lobolly Cove in Rockport, MA. The latter
bird may be a hybrid with Eastern Towhee, but looks mostly good for Spotted.
NORTHERN LAPWING - One continues from Fort Rodman in New Bedford, MA. A
SECOND ONE is also overwintering not too far away on Long Island in NY.
We need to look for these birds in late February and early March to hope
one stops in NH!
WESTERN MEADOWLARK - One is overwintering out in Hadley, MA.
EARED GREBE - One continues at Little Private Beach in Marblehead, MA.
Vermont
------------
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE - One continues to overwinter at feeder in Brattleboro.
And outside of New England.........some MEGA RARITIES:
TUNDRA BEAN-GOOSE - Mega-rare US rarity continues in or near the Lawton
Valley Reservoir in Newport, RI. (Many NH birders have down out to see it!)
TAIGA BEAN-GOOSE - Mega-rare US rarity continues at or near Hudson
Crossing Park in Saratoga, NY. (Many NH birders have been out to see it!)
SMITH'S LONGSPUR - Mega-rarity for the Eastern US. One just found
yesterday on Long Island, NY.
Date: 2/7/25 6:26 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bird Notes From Old Iberia - White Headed Duck, Little Swifts, Great Spotted Cuckoos
This past week we took a tour to the south side of the Doñana National
Park, at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. The park has suffered from
drought the past few years, but Sanlúcar de Barrameda has managed to retain
its famous White-headed Ducks. We saw two males in two small ponds. The
species has been threatened by the introduction of the exotic Ruddy Duck,
so much so that Ruddy Ducks are now actively culled.
The salt pans of the area had impressive numbers of sanderlings and dunlins
as well as flamingos and such. A spot on a nearby beach on the Atlantic
had similar numbers and an improbable Curlew and numerous Black-tailed
Godwits.
But the most curious sight was a colony of Little Swifts tidying up their
nests at the Lonja de Pescado de Chipiona.. This attractive small swift is
common from Africa east to southeast Asia, but this outpost is the only
colony in Europe. These swifts generally do not migrate and favor buildings
as nest sites. They seem to find enough to eat during the winter here with
the various small water bodies and the associated insects, but may
eventually colonize other parts of southern Spain.
Coming home we swung by the La Janda area and connected with two Spanish
Imperial Eagles and yet another improbable bird,- two Great Spotted
Cuckoos. They stop each February on their return from Africa to search
pastures for a species of caterpillar that is active in early Spring. These
cuckoos parasitize magpies, of all things.
Date: 2/7/25 10:10 am From: <pkursewicz...> Subject: [NHBirds] Injured Turkey
We have an injured turkey that has been visiting our backyard all winter. We named him,"Hopalong." Its left toe & back toe in it's left foot is missing. He has a very hard time walking and stands on one foot most of the time.
eBird Checklist - 4 Feb 2025 - Epping NH Yard - 1 species
Date: 2/6/25 8:10 am From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: [NHBirds] Second hand report
All,
A non-birder, outdoorsmen friend saw a bird in Jaffrey near the lights this morning which was remarkable enough for him to ask me about it and even try to take a picture of it (which was all but useless). He described it as being especially "big" with a "white", unmarked belly and breast, and a dark, black and gray banded tail with "dark wing tips". It was on the top of a large oak tree.
The only details that I could pull out of the very poor cell phone photo was that, to me, the tail looked long, and it confirmed a uniform, evenly colored, very light (or as he reported, "white") breast and belly. It was far too blurry to make out fine markings, but not so blurry that a RTHA breast band would be obscured.
If I were not completely indisposed today I would be heading to the area near the cemetery on Stratton road in search of a potential Goshawk. Maybe someone else has the time and interest...
Date: 2/5/25 2:03 pm From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Don't Forget: This Weekend is NH Audubon's Backyard Winter Bird Survey
This Weekend, Join the Annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey: Saturday, Feburary 8th and Sunday, Feburary 9th
NH Audubon is calling on all nature enthusiasts and bird lovers to participate in the annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey, a unique opportunity to contribute valuable data from your backyard to help track New Hampshire's winter bird populations. Scheduled for February 8th and 9th, the survey is open to participants all across the state. Whether you are a seasoned birder or just starting to learn to identify the birds in your backyard, the survey is fun for all ages. Visit www.nhaudubon.org/bwbs<https://www.nhaudubon.org/bwbs> for more information, full survey instructions, printable tally sheets, and instructions for submitting your data online or by mail. You can count for as little or as long as you'd like over the survey weekend.
Email <bwbs...><mailto:<bwbs...> with any questions. Below is a little more information about the survey and what was found last year. You can view a full summary of last year's findings on our webpage www.nhaudubon.org/bwbs<http://www.nhaudubon.org/bwbs>. Thank you to all who have supported this project!
Our Winters Are Changing and So Are the Birds
Each year dedicated people just like you participate in the Backyard Winter Bird Survey. Last year we had over 1,500 participants. Let's grow that number! This is the 38th year of the survey. Over this time, we have seen dramatic changes both in our winters (which are getting warmer) and the birds that call NH home for the winter. Twenty-five years ago, almost no Eastern Bluebirds stayed in NH for the winter; today, people see them throughout much of the state during the colder months. Thanks to people like you, we have also tracked Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Carolina Wrens moving into the state over the last 25 years. Not every trend is positive, though. We've observed steep declines in other species, like Evening Grosbeaks. This is where the value of this long-term dataset is realized, allowing us to monitor bird populations and identify critical trends.
Last year's winter brought surprises. We recorded a record high count of Pine Warblers, a species that typically winters farther south. We also saw record numbers of Turkey Vultures, a bird expanding its winter range northward. Wild Turkey numbers dropped, likely due to a poor breeding season the year before. Some rare surprises included the first-ever Yellow-throated Warbler recorded in the survey-a bird that typically nests no farther north than New Jersey and usually migrates to southern Florida or the Caribbean.
Many will remember the flocks of Pine Siskins and Dark-eyed Juncos that visited their feeders last February. While we don't expect as many Pine Siskins this year, there's always something exciting to observe. Each year, Dr. Pamela Hunt speculates on what we might see in the upcoming survey. This year, she predicts high counts of Red-breasted Nuthatches, a species that often moves south into New Hampshire in response to dwindling food supplies up north. Additionally, she anticipates strong showings of favorites like Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, and Eastern Bluebirds.
Last year, the top five species on the survey were:
1. American Goldfinch (9,925 birds counted)
1. Dark-eyed Junco (9,665 birds counted)
1. Mourning Dove (4,695 birds counted)
1. Black-capped Chickadee (4,395 birds counted)
1. Blue Jay (4,373 birds counted)
Help us determine the top five species this year!
Happy birding!
Grace
Grace McCulloch
She/Her
Community Science Project Leader
New Hampshire Audubon
84 Silk Farm Road
Concord, NH 03301
www.nhaudubon.org<http://www.nhaudubon.org/> [cid:<image001.png...>]
Protecting NH's natural environment for wildlife and for people.
Date: 2/4/25 9:28 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bird Notes From Old Iberia - Crag Martins Stop By For Dinner on the Way to Gibraltar Cave
The nearby “Rock of Gibraltar” is not as solid as advertised. It has many
caves, as well as 70 km of roads dating from WWII. One of those caves is
the winter home to 17,000 Crag Martins from the mountains to the north.
Each day they sally forth from the cave at dawn to seek food in the
surrounding Spanish countryside, especially over bodies of freshwater.
We see them at the nearby reservoir but this evening a group of about 30
stopped by over the house because of some sort of insect hatch, arriving
at 5:30 PM and leaving by 6 PM. Other than a few hardy Barn Swallows, this
martin is the only wintering hirundine (fancy word for swallow) that
overwinters in Europe.
Date: 2/3/25 11:34 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, February 3, 2025 CORRECTED
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, February 3rd,
2025.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on February 2nd. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the
private property.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen near the Connecticut River in Charlestown on
February 1st.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Rye Harbor State Park on January 26th,
and 1 was seen at Great Boar’s Head in Hampton on the 22nd.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Eel Pond in Rye on February 1st.
A BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen at the Eliot Bridge on the Salmon Falls River
in Dover, 4 were seen from south of the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on the
Merrimack River in Concord, and 2 were seen at Morono Park on the Merrimack
River, all during the past week.
A RUDDY DUCK was reported at Awcomin Marsh in Rye on January 27th.
4 LONG-TAILED DUCKS and a RED-THROATED LOON were seen on Great Bay from
Adams Point in Durham on January 31st.
A GADWALL was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Merrimack on February 1st, 2025.
A NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen at the Thirty Pines area in Penacook on January
26th, 1 was seen at Gilman Park on the 26th, and 1 was seen at Newfound
Lake on the 25th.
A BUFFLEHEAD was seen on the Merrimack River in Manchester on February 2nd.
A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was seen at Witch Island in Hampton on January 28
th.
4 BLACK VULTURES were seen along Office Industrial Park Drive in Walpole on
January 30th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Jefferson Road in Whitefield on January 25
th.
4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on January 25th.
An AMERICAN BITTERN was found at Meadow Pond in Hampton on January 23rd,
continued to be seen NH during the past week, and was last reported on
February 1st.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was reported from Kensington on February 1st.
A flock of 11 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen along Tilton Hill Road in Pittsfield
on January 31st.
A flock of 67 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen along Bailey Road in Jefferson on
January 28th, and a flock of 48 was seen along Reed Road in Colebrook on
February 1st.
10 BALD EAGLES were seen on Great Bay on January 28th.
Lingering species reported during the past week included: AMERICAN KESTREL,
NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER,
NORTHERN FLICKER, WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN TOWHEE, SONG SPARROW,
SAVANNAH SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD
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 to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding.
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire
By Robert A. Quinn
Boreal birds and dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New
Hampshire’s North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s
detailed new guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding
in northern Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and
to order a copy, check out this link:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 1/31/25 10:50 am From: jeepinmoabgirl <jeepingmoabgirl...> Subject: [NHBirds] Between heater rd and 120, lebanon nh
Between 30 and 40 robins foraging on the ground underneath the pines. I counted eight starlings but there are definitely more. Juncos, a Carolina Wren, chickadees. Merlin sound ID said that there were Cedar waxwings, a pine siskin, a snow bunting, but I did not see any of these so I did not count them on e bird. There is a ridiculous amount of road noise here also. Did not expect this as I was waiting for somebody at a doctor's appointment. A good birding thirty minutes
Date: 1/29/25 8:08 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bird Notes From Old Iberia - Devil’s Cackle Concert
For two days stormy winds have been “blowin’ a hoolie”, along with
always-welcome rain. Then things calmed down to bright skies and calm winds
yesterday at sunset. It was a perfect invitation for the local Eagle Owls
to take up the mic. The mic in question is the ponderous old eucalyptus
tree just outside our flat on the farm here in southern Spain. The farm
buildings and residences are on a promontory above the valley of the Rio
Palmones and below the cliffs of the nearby *Sierra de la Luna - *a perfect
amphitheater*.*
Last night I was awakened at quarter to 12 by a sound. After a minute I
heard it again - the “devil’s cackle” of an Eagle Owl in the eucalyptus..
The male owl continued this weird, perfectly-named call for five long
minutes, then he and she gave quiet versions of their famous BUBO calls as
well as single notes of the cackle that are reminiscent of the “bleat” call
of the Eurasian Collared Dove. All this lasted until 12:30 AM when I heard
a far away BUBO call and then silence.
But later, at 3:30 AM the male started up again with his cackles, which
went on sporadically for a half hour. He seemed to be alone.
I think that most adult owls are on nests now and that these may be
immature owls that are “practicing”. These owls nest early to take
advantage of the vast raptor migrations that occur across the Strait of
Gibraltar when the young hatch and need to be fed - mid-Feb to mid May.
It’s a lot easier to pluck an exhausted Black Kite from a tree on the farm
than go hunting for rabbits. Prey as large as the Osprey-sized Short-toed
Snake-Eagle are often brought to the nest for the young.. At other times of
the year it’s feral cats. Many disappear between sundown and sunrise. The
owls tell me they are delicious, but I’ve never tried one, at least not yet.
Date: 1/28/25 3:32 pm From: Steve Bennett <sbennett999...> Subject: [NHBirds] 10 Eagles together on Great Bay
This afternoon I had the opportunity to watch up to 10 Bald Eagles taking turns feeding on a carcass on the ice on Great Bay. At one time they were all in the same scope view.
Viewed from the Discovery Center in Stratham, looking over at the Lamprey River open water confluence in Newmarket.
One had a distinctive light brown / golden head & nape. Impossible to call it anything other than a juvy baldie from this distance ... but keep your eyes open ...
Lots of waterfowl in the limited open water but impossible to id from such a great distance. 3 adults, 7 juvies.
Date: 1/28/25 12:24 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson
I counted 67 Evening Grosbeaks this morning after saying yesterday that 32 was a consistent number for the last week. I took in the platform feeders last night because snow was in the forecast and when I went out before sunrise the grosbeaks were noisily waiting for breakfast. I had to refill the six platforms feeders an hour later. Last night on our deck we had a flying squirrel scampering around when I went out to look at the stars.
Date: 1/27/25 7:11 pm From: Sylvia Miskoe <sylviasmiskoe...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Digest for - 8 updates in 8 topics
Possums carry a dangerous parasite that is spread through their feces. It
infects grazing horses and infects their spinal columns. There is diagnosis
and treatment that is very expensive. Occasionally one will get into the
feed room and will be dispatched on discovery.
Sylvia Miskoe,Concord NH
On Sat, Nov 16, 2024 at 5:39 PM <nhbirds...> wrote:
> <nhbirds...>
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/topics> Google
> Groups
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> [image:
> Google Groups Logo]
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > Topic digest
> View all topics
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/topics> >
> - Fox Sparrows and Purple Finches-Wilton
> <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_0> - 1 Update
> - Catbird in Concord <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_1> - 1 Update
> - a mid-month update <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_2> - 1 Update
> - fox sparrow in Derry <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_3> - 1
> Update
> - Cattle egret continuing <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_4> - 1
> Update
> - what ate my bluejay <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_5> - 1
> Update
> - birds in Carroll <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_6> - 1 Update
> - Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory (15 Nov 2024) 3 Raptors
> <#m_7645487218562686274_group_thread_7> - 1 Update
>
> Fox Sparrows and Purple Finches-Wilton
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/1aa93e65a83e41f3?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Gail Coffey <gcoffeywriter...>: Nov 16 05:17PM -0500
>
> We have had 4-5 Purple Finches at our feeders over the past week. A
> beautiful Fox Sparrow was scraping in the leaf litter underneath some
> goldenrod this morning in our yard. Later in the day, Gerry Coffey saw 3
> Fox Sparrows on the rail trail next to Pratt Pond in Mason-Wilton. So they
> are on the move.
>
> This fall weather has been incredible-but we need rain. Providing lots of
> water for the birds and they are coming to the bird baths and our little
> pond frequently.
>
> Gail Coffey
> Wilton
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> Catbird in Concord
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/eba60b1f5a01921a?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Anne Ryc <annehadshi...>: Nov 16 04:05PM -0500
>
> Catbird seen in a winterberry bush on my street.
> Anne H.
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> a mid-month update
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/8777d6c0da517d02?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Rob Woodward <toucanrob...>: Nov 16 07:43PM
>
> I talked to Pam Hunt recently about the dearth of ducks around here. She
> has noticed the same elsewhere in the state. We blame it on good weather.
> But good weather should bring lots of half-hardies like catbird (only 1),
> sapsucker (only 1), towhee (none), thrasher (none), phoebe (none). Apart
> from a late Palm and Yellow-rumped Warbler, no late lingering warblers.
> But Team Belknap remains supremely confident. Some are already planning
> parades and ordering up champagne, which I of course discourage. We still
> have 2 long weeks to go.
>
> Rob WoodwardLaconia, NH
>
> | | Virus-free.www.avast.com |
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> fox sparrow in Derry
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/69e005bbed45a5c0?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Barbara Horton <byrder101...>: Nov 16 12:43PM -0500
>
> Hi all,
> Had my first fox sparrow in my yard this am. Nice surprise. Tho this week
> the biggest surprise for me was a female pileated woodpecker who showed up
> on my peanut feeder before 7am on Monday. She was back a few more times.I
> went out at 3pm to fill that feeder with peanuts and she showed, scolded me
> and flew into the woods! I have had them in my yard thru the years but
> always in the trees along the brook or back yard. Been a quite a long time
> since seeing or hearing one the past few years. And never on a feeder. She
> has been back every day this week including today except for Thursday tho I
> was out for awhile.
> Just a general rap up of when I had the yellow belled sapsuckers. I never
> ever had so many in my yard. I would see groups of 4 fighting for the
> crabapple tree.
> And one adult female I had was a black morph. Had one 10 years ago.
> Been seeing male and female/immature purple finches here. Way more than
> usual since September.
> And my as I call her mama goldenwing turkey is still coming here with as I
> call them her kids tho only 5 now.
>
> Barb Horton
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> Cattle egret continuing
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/c3faabfdeea5e816?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Roger Stephenson <rstephenson...>: Nov 16 10:04AM -0500
>
> This morning. Amongst cattle.
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> what ate my bluejay
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/c73b8a4d309a506c?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > barry whittemore <wb1edi...>: Nov 16 02:57PM
>
> Yesterday afternoon, i looked out over my deck under the bird feeders and
> noticed a small patch of brown fur going under the deck. I went ou to see
> what it was and noticed a small collection of bluejay feathers near where
> it was. I looked under the deck and saw nothing., this morning I went out
> to get the ATV out of its shed and my wife noticed what appears to be the
> rest of the feathers, but no bird parts.
> we have a cat that shows up from time to time and has killed but not eaten
> mice. last winter we found a mink in the ATV shed that was not a happy
> camper when i started it up to plow. we have also seen possums, fishers,
> and raccoons around.
> I did not get a good look at the critters.
> the blue jays frequently feed on the ground under the feeders so I assume
> one was doing that and did not notice the danger under the deck.
> any ideas?
> Thanks
> Barry
> Unity NH
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> birds in Carroll
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/1973a7ac09ab6342?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Jeanne-Marie Maher <jeannemariemaher...>: Nov 15 07:17PM -0500
>
> Unlike the Coast finding any bird in Carroll County such as a snow bunting
> and Lapland longspur is a novelty and treat. So today was one such day .
> Thanks To Ken RBME, and then I was able to add a Lapland longspur and a
> snow bunting. Still hoping the Snowy Owl from Mt Washington comes to
> Carroll county!
>
> Jeanne-Marie Maher and Michael Pahl
>
> Intervale , NH
> Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory (15 Nov 2024) 3 Raptors
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/d38041e71078c65b?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > <reports...>: Nov 15 11:02PM
>
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory
> Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 15, 2024
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 0 15 157
> Osprey 0 0 194
> Bald Eagle 2 26 169
> Northern Harrier 0 8 124
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 18 1056
> Cooper's Hawk 0 14 160
> American Goshawk 0 5 21
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1 66 172
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 3042
> Red-tailed Hawk 0 127 203
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 2
> Golden Eagle 0 8 14
> American Kestrel 0 0 180
> Merlin 0 5 138
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 39
> Unknown Accipiter 0 0 9
> Unknown Buteo 0 5 16
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 3
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 0 1 44
> Short-eared Owl 0 1 1
> Snowy Owl 0 1 1
>
> Total: 3 300 5745
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 09:00:00
> Observation end time: 15:00:00
> Total observation time: 6 hours
>
> Official Counter: Caroline Fegley
>
> Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Nancy Moreau
>
> Visitors:
> 6
>
>
> Weather:
> Sunny with moderate NW/W winds. 0-5 C (32-41 F)
>
> Raptor Observations:
> Three migrants today, one close juvenile red-shoulder flew low over the
> hawkwatch in the morning.
> Scoping a group of several ravens was rewarded with an immature bald eagle
> in the afternoon, followed by an adult bald eagle about an hour later.
>
> Two nonmigrant red-tails kept the hawkwatchers entertained in the
> afternoon.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> Chickadees and our two red-breasted nuthatches continued to swarm the suet
> and seed.
>
> Predictions:
> Sunny with NW winds
>
> On this day in Pack history...
> "2022: A Snow Bunting that was missing its tail showed up at the hawkwatch.
> It hung around eating millet with the juncos through the last day of the
> count, when we noticed it was starting to grow a brand new tail. Phil
> Brown: ""A tail-less Snow Bunting kept me company for much of the day as it
> sunbathed atop rock piles and outcrops near the platform, occasionally
> spooked by dogs or hikers, but it stayed faithful to the site. A Common
> Loon straight overhead in the first hour of the count, heading due south. A
> late day flock of 28 Canada Geese. Flyover Evening Grosbeak (1?) and Red
> Crossbill (2?) heard but not seen. Two continuing Fox Sparrows with a
> decent-sized Junco flock, staying mostly hidden but calling throughout the
> day. Two male Red-breasted Nuthatches coming to seed near the counter's
> feet. Nice diversity with 17 species in all.""
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by Caroline Fegley (<cgfegley...>)
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
> www.harriscenter.org
>
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org:
> https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=320 > Back to top <#m_7645487218562686274_digest_top>
> You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this
> group. You can change your settings on the group membership page
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/join> > .
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>
Date: 1/27/25 4:30 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 27, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 27th,
2025.
A MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy
River Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 12th. It has been seen
and/or heard on nearly every day since then and was last reported on the 26
th.The bird has mainly been seen in the fields located north of the small
pond located on the trail.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on the 26th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the private
property.
2 DOVEKIES were seen from Rye Harbor State Park on January 25th. A few
BLACK GUILLEMOTS and RAZORBILLS were also seen.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at Rye Harbor State Park on January 26th,
and 1 was seen Great Boar’s Head in Hampton on the 22nd.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at the Tuscan Village in Salem on January 21st.
A BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was seen at the Eliot Bridge on the Salmon Falls River
in Dover, 1 was seen from the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on the Merrimack
River in Concord, 1 was on the Winnipesauke River in Laconia, and 1 was
seen from Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in Manchester, all during
the past week.
A CANVASBACK, 5 LESSER SCAUP, and a GREATER SCAUP were all seen at Lake
Winnisquam in Laconia on January 21st.
A RUDDY DUCK was reported from Awcomin Marsh in Rye on January 27th.
4 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen from Adams Point in Durham on January 23rd.
A GADWALL was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Merrimack on January 24th.
A NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen at the Thirty Pines area in Penacook on January
26th, 1 was seen at Gilman Park on the 26th, and 1 was seen at Newfound
Lake on the 25th.
3 BUFFLEHEADS were seen on the Merrimack River in Manchester on January 26th
.
4 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Exeter all during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Jefferson Road in Whitefield on January 25
th.
4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on January 25th.
An AMERICAN BITTERN was seen at Meadow Pond in Hampton on January 23rd-27th.
A PALM WARBLER was seen at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge on January 22
nd, and a PINE WARBLER was seen at a private residence in Raymond on the 20
th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen again at a birdfeeder on Pine Meadow Road in
Exeter on January 25th.
5 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Plaice Cove in Hampton on January 25th, and
3 were seen at Rye Harbor State Park on the 26th.
6 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen along Packers Falls Road in Lee on January 25th
.
A few FISH CROWS were reported from several locations mainly in southeast
NH during the past week.
Lingering species reported during the past week included: KILLDEER, WOOD
DUCK, RING-NECKED DUCK, AMERICAN KESTREL, NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN,
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, WINTER WREN, CAROLINA WREN, GRAY CATBIRD, HERMIT
THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, SONG SPARROW, SAVANNAH
SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD 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 to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding.
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire
By Robert A. Quinn
Boreal birds and dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New
Hampshire’s North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s
detailed new guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding
in northern Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and
to order a copy, check out this link:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 1/27/25 1:27 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson
On Monday morning we had 32 evening grosbeaks at the feeders. Those numbers have been consistent for the last week. Had a high of 27 mourning doves at one time today. We have a consistent 12 species of birds. Two brown creepers are coming to peanut butter suet, along with 70 goldfinches and 5 tree sparrows.
My hikes in the woods are very quiet with few birds this winter. I see or hear four species and in low numbers.
While ice fishing with a friend of mine yesterday he showed photos of 20 Evening Grosbeaks he had at his feeders in Orange last week. Finches are lacking this winter, but apparently not absent.
Date: 1/26/25 3:17 pm From: Bob Littlefield <blbeach...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Digest for - 4 updates in 4 topics
No I'm not going to apply to it until at least know more about it. If it's
on the first floor I might be interested. Would be really nice to hear
anything from Christine. But I will look into it tomorrow a little bit
deeper
On Sun, Jan 26, 2025, 5:39 PM <nhbirds...> wrote:
> <nhbirds...>
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/topics> Google
> Groups
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> [image:
> Google Groups Logo]
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email/#!overview> > Topic digest
> View all topics
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/topics> >
> - Twitchers out of the Rye in the Superbowl
> <#m_-535208043308054366_group_thread_0> - 1 Update
> - Bald eagle buddies <#m_-535208043308054366_group_thread_1> - 1 Update
> - Broadwing hawks at Superbowl of Birding 2025
> <#m_-535208043308054366_group_thread_2> - 1 Update
> - 4th & Longspurs Superbowl Results - 78 Species!
> <#m_-535208043308054366_group_thread_3> - 1 Update
>
> Twitchers out of the Rye in the Superbowl
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/7340a9f18fb07db6?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > birdrecords <birdrecords...>: Jan 26 09:29PM
>
> Posted by New Hampshire Bird Records because I am having trouble with my
> NHBirds email.
> Becky Suomala
>
> The Twitchers out of the Rye had a great day yesterday and did pretty well
> considering the year. There were four of us, Becky Suomala (captain), Susan
> Wrisley (driver), Jenna Rosen (navigator), and Kathryn Frieden
> (chronicler). We were entirely in the town of Hampton, NH and were hoping
> that some of the birds we scouted would still be there. This is the fifth
> year the Twitchers have done Hampton and the 15th year I have participated
> in the Superbowl (not including the year I counted in Antarctica as a fund
> raiser in 2023).
>
> The highlight was definitely the American Bittern which Susan Wrisley
> spotted while we were out scouting on Thursday. It took us four tries to
> find it yesterday, and a push from the Broadwing Hawks whose report made us
> look extra hard for the bird. It was tucked back along a bank, invisible
> from nearly all sides, including the street. Our second five-pointer was
> American Pipit, but the Broadwings scooped us on that also when we made a
> strategic error and waited for the sun to appear at dawn.
>
> We had Barred and Great Horned Owl, Razorbill and Black Guillemot, all
> three "expected" shorebird species (never a sure thing), Lapland Longspur
> with the Horned Larks, and Snow Buntings at Hampton Beach State Park
> (absent when we scouted), all the winter seabirds expected from shore,
> Winter Wren (only seen once before by the Twitchers in Rye), and all the
> one-point birds on the official Superbowl checklist except Mute Swan (and
> nearly all the 2-pointers).
>
> Total species: 65 (one short of our Hampton record of 66)
> Total points: 109 (Hampton high 119)
> We'll find out later tonight if we won the Townie Award. Last year a team
> from Massachusetts won it.
>
> Biggest disappointments:
> The Peregrine Falcon that flew up to its perch on the Hampton water tower
> at 5:03 pm - just after the end of the competition.
> Missing the 5-point Chipping Sparrow in Hampton despite four visits
> (although I don't know of any team that found it).
>
> Misses:
> Wood Duck - scouted bird present on January 23 (I don't think anyone else
> found it.)
> Cooper's Hawk
> Hairy Woodpecker
> Pileated Woodpecker (scouted)
> Brown Creeper
> Red-winged Blackbird (scouted)
> Fish Crow and Merlin - seen by the Broadwings at the Hampton Cemetery
> which we visited 4 times
>
> As usual, we were raising money for New Hampshire Bird Records and NH
> Audubon:
> https://nhaudubon.org/make-a-donation-to-twitchers/ > Thanks to those who already made a donation or sent a fun pledge (e.g. a
> bonus for each alcid species, bonus per 5-point species, bonus for
> new-to-the-Twitcher birds).
>
> Kathryn's much-anticipated and enjoyed full summary of the day's
> adventures will come out as soon as possible.
>
> Becky Suomala
> for The Twitchers out of the Rye
> Back to top <#m_-535208043308054366_digest_top>
> Bald eagle buddies
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/413e980868a3b03d?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > John Ranta <john.f.ranta...>: Jan 26 03:40PM -0500
>
> Went ice fishing with my grandkids today on Halfmoon Pond in Hancock. A
> pair of adult bald eagles soon joined us, circling the pond for a while,
> before they settled in a couple of nearby pine trees. They spent an hour or
> more perched, calling occasionally. Then they took off, circled the pond
> one more time, and flew off east.
>
> John Ranta
> Back to top <#m_-535208043308054366_digest_top>
> Broadwing hawks at Superbowl of Birding 2025
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/2d1c1f233cf0df4?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > stuart varney <stueymcv...>: Jan 26 03:12AM
>
> Team Captain Stuart Varney, Eric Masterson, Greg Tillman, Chris McPherson
> and Cliff Seifer.
> Proudlyrepresenting the Harris Center for Conservation Education in
> Hancock NewHampshire, the team known as the Broadwings soared into action a
> little after5am. First stop was Wentworth Coolidge mansion/Creek farm for
> owling. We wereproud of our screech owl calls. Convincing enough to get a
> response from anearby group of Canada geese, but no owls. We left the area
> as soon as teamMirick turned up to avoid being heckled for our amateur owl
> calls.
> After a returnto base camp to retrieve some forgotten binoculars, we
> conjured up a GreatHorned Owl at Marsh Pond in Rye – our only owl. Stops at
> Rye recreation areaand Love lane encountered other teams but no owls. We
> were happy with oursolitary owl, so our focus changed to 5 point birds.
> First team to report afive point bird gets a bonus 3 points, so we headed
> to the beach at Plaice Covefor pre-dawn American Pipit. The team had
> scouted where and when the Pipetswould appear and were ecstatic when the
> first Pipit appeared just as planned.
>
>
>
> Next stop wasfor American Bittern at Meadow pond, but we dipped. A
> consolation heron wasfound instead. Another dip at the high street cemetery
> for Chipping Sparrow wascushioned by a fish crow calling as it flew over.
>
>
>
> Greg Tillmanhas scouted an Eastern Phoebe at Depot road the week before,
> but theperishingly cold weather of the previous week was likely too much
> for it andagain we dipped. This time the dip was softened by a nice
> pick-ups of raven andhooded merganser.
>
>
>
> With high tideat 8 am, our next priority was shore birds on the breakwater
> at Hampton BeachState Park. Purple sandpipers and sanderlings (for the
> latter we had to headacross the bridge to the other side of the channel)
> were found in addition tothe trifecta of Snow buntings, Horned larks and
> Lapland Longspurs.
>
>
>
> Eagle-eyesMcPherson spotted a Peregrine resting on platform in the marsh.
> A pull over tolet an ambulance go by yielded a road side Coopers hawk. Next
> was by far ourmost pleasant stop of the day. Our thanks goes to Karen and
> Bob Dudra forwelcoming us into their home in Exeter to view Sophie the
> Baltimore Oriole whohas been visiting their feeder this winter, and a bonus
> Pine warbler, served upwith warm muffins.
>
> Gilman park gotus Pintail and Teal. We arrived at Donna Drive too late for
> the Black Vultureswho were already out and about. We zipped up to Stratham.
> Savannah sparrows atStuart Farm. Common Mergansers at Chapmans landing. A
> stop at Great BayDiscovery Center to pick out distant Scaup surprised us
> with Iceland Gull and aSapsucker.
>
> More zipping,this time back to Hampton for a no-show wood duck at Hurd
> farm. A winter wrenplaying in the stream made us happy. Swamp sparrows at
> Blake’s Lane. At leasteight or so more swamp sparrows at Applecrest farm
> but the previously scoutedField sparrows may not have survived the prior
> week’s cold. Dip #2 for chippingsparrow at the cemetery in Hampton. We
> almost had a high speed drive-by AmericanBittern at the Meadow Pond
> location, but only two of the team were payingattention. An so, not only
> did we have to slow down, we had to stop to let theothers out to see this
> remarkable monstrosity of a bird.
>
> We headed northwhile picking up the usual ocean birds. Kudos to Eric for
> picking out aKingfisher at Rye Harbor UNDERNEATH the dock he was standing
> on. Still not surehow he did this.
>
> A search forTurkeys at Odiorne was proving difficult until we realized
> there was onestanding real still only feet from us.
>
>
>
> Razorbill wasthe only likely ocean bird remaining. Luckily one of our team
> has a locationwhere you can’t miss them. Ever. He has never ever not seen
> one at FortConstitution. Until today.
>
> The sun wasgetting lower. Last thing to do was head back to Exeter for
> another try atBlack Vulture, stopping briefly to admire the merlin atop the
> pine tree snag inSouth St Cemetery,. We found a Black Vulture in Exeter and
> it was to be ourlast bird of the day. Our team all had a good time and we
> found a lot of goodbirds. Biggest misses were:
>
> Golden CrownedKinglet
>
> HairyWoodpecker
>
> Pileatedwoodpecker
>
> Hermit thrush
>
> ‘Brown Creeper’– Eric claims to have heard one but no-one believed him
> haha.
>
>
> We finishedwith a decent 78 birds in total, with 165 points. Four five
> pointer birds,three of which we got the bonus three points for being the
> first to see it(American Pipit, Baltimore Oriole, and American Bittern).
> Thanks Stuart Varney
> Back to top <#m_-535208043308054366_digest_top>
> 4th & Longspurs Superbowl Results - 78 Species!
> <http://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/t/10fbb4e5648d2530?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email> > Steve Mirick <smirick...>: Jan 25 08:04PM -0500
>
> Jane and I joined up with Paul Lacourse and Kurk Dorsey today for the
> "Superbowl of Birding" sponsored by the Joppa Flats Education Center of
> Massachusetts Audubon. This is the 22nd anniversary for this competitive
> event. The event is a fun way of beating the winter cold and getting
> out and finding birds in Essex County, MA and Rockingham County, NH.
> Our team name is the "4th and Longspurs". We've now competed in NH for
> 19 years of this event having missed 3 due to a broken elbow and covid.
> As we've done in the past years, we participated in the category of
> "Rockingham County, NH only". A weighted valuation system determines the
> winner, where the rarity of the species determines the number of points
> awarded.
>
> Unlike the last couple of winters, this winter has been very
> cold....more like the older days. Very little snow so far this winter,
> but temperatures have been colder than normal. Today continued this
> trend. Not sure about others, but our car thermometer bottomed out at
> -1 this morning!!! Fortunately, the wind wasn't bad early and the
> temperature rebounded into the upper 20's later in the day. Lots of
> sun, and the winds increased making it uncomfortable on the coast. But
> the seas were good and visibility offshore was good.
>
> We've found "good" birds in short supply as compared to the last few
> years and most birds have been at feeders. Our scouting efforts have
> been generally not too successful. Fortunately others have had some
> luck scouting and finding birds and we capitalized on a few nice birds!!
>
> We started the day on a VERY OMINOUS note by getting pulled over by the
> police at 4:15 AM in Exeter on our way to meet Kurk and Paul!!!!!!
> Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign!!!! Fortunately, the
> officer was in a good mood and when we taught him about "birding" and
> the Superbowl event, he decided not to give me a ticket! Phewww!
>
> Owling turned out to be very successful for us. The first being a
> Barred Owl that came in to my Saw-whet Owl toots. We followed this with
> 2 spectacular Screech Owls calling to each other giving the whistle and
> toot calls simultaneously at Massacre Marsh in Rye! And then we got a
> nice calling Great Horned Owl at Goss Farm in Rye as it started getting
> light. I completely missed this species in 2024! Dawn was successful
> as we caught one of the Black Vultures coming out of the roost in
> Exeter, and then we timed it right for a home owner who feeds the
> massive group of Turkeys off Linden Road in Exeter. They were running
> in from everywhere as he sprinkled corn. We lucked out with a pair of
> Pileated Woodpeckers that landed over our car, but dipped on a few other
> species. We managed BOTH Pintail and Green-winged Teal at Gilman Park
> in Exeter and then zoomed up to Newmarket. One of my personal
> highlights was getting BOTH a Belted Kingfisher and a Great Blue Heron
> in this TINY little rivulet of a stream, but remarkably had open water.
> We also got a key 5-pointer when we got a Chipping Sparrow off Maple
> Street in Newmarket. One (of two) that I had scouted a couple of days
> ago. Working our way back south, we managed our only Yellow-bellied
> Sapsucker (now not all that rare) AND a key Hermit Thrush off Dearborn
> Road in Greenland.
>
> Then things got more difficult......we zoomed down and MISSED the Wood
> Duck that's been present in Hampton and MISSED that Baltimore Oriole in
> Exeter. So....off to the coast. We had good luck along the
> coast.....got Horned Lark, Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur at Hampton
> Beach SP with a bonus Northern Harrier! And we got the awesome American
> Bittern (first ever for us on a Superbowl!) found a couple of days ago
> by Susan Wrisley (but it took us two attempts and wouldn't have gotten
> it without a nice phone call from Becky!) and we got American Pipits
> that have been at Plaice Cove. One of the other highlights was stopping
> at Ragged Neck in Rye where Holly Bauer had found a Dovekie earlier in
> the afternoon. I wasn't optimistic we would get them, but Kurk and I
> simultaneously got on TWO DIFFERENT Dovekies at the same time!
>
> We ended the day with an excellent total of 78 species. This is well
> below our record high of 87, and below our total for recent years, but I
> think an excellent total considering the winter. We tied the total
> species count of Eric Masterson's team, but I think they will barely
> edge us out on the point total. Official results won't come out until
> tomorrow night.
>
>
> Total List
> -----------------
> Canada Goose
> American Black Duck
> Mallard
> Northern Pintail - Gilman Park in Exeter
> Green-winged Teal - Gilman Park in Exeter
> Lesser Scaup - One lonely bird at Exeter WTP
> Common Eider
> Surf Scoter
> White-winged Scoter
> Black Scoter
> Long-tailed Duck
> Bufflehead
> Common Goldeneye
> Hooded Merganser - Taylor River in Hampton
> Common Merganser - Squamscott River and continuing male at Odiorne.
> Red-breasted Merganser
> Wild Turkey
> Common Loon
> Horned Grebe
> Red-necked Grebe
> Great Cormorant - Concord Point
> Great Blue Heron - Two total for the day.
> Turkey Vulture
> Bald Eagle - At least 4 for the day including PAIR SITTING ON Osprey
> nest at Chapman's Landing. Clearly setting up territory.
> Northern Harrier - 1 at Hampton Beach SP
> Cooper's Hawk
> Red-shouldered Hawk - TWO for the day. Both in Newmarket.
> Red-tailed Hawk - Remarkable total for the day and at least 3 or 4 pairs
> sitting together....spring is in the air!
> Purple Sandpiper - 3 at Little Boar's Head rocks.
> Dunlin - 49 in Hampton harbor
> Ring-billed Gull
> Herring Gull
> Great Black-backed Gull
> Black Guillemot - 5 total for the day.
> Rock Pigeon
> Mourning Dove
> Eastern Screech-Owl - 2 calling at Massacre Marsh in Rye.
> Great Horned Owl - 1 calling at Goss Farm in Rye
> Barred Owl - 1 off McIntyre Road in Newington.
> Belted Kingfisher - 1 for the day.
> Red-bellied Woodpecker
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 for the day.
> Downy Woodpecker
> Hairy Woodpecker - Just one for the day.
> Northern Flicker - About 3 for the day.
> Pileated Woodpecker - Two together in tree in Kensington.
> Blue Jay
> American Crow
> Horned Lark
> Black-capped Chickadee
> Tufted Titmouse
> Red-breasted Nuthatch - RARE SURPRISE! Scarce this winter on Seacoast.
> We had a single at feeder off New Road in Newmarket
> White-breasted Nuthatch
> Winter Wren - One scouted bird in Newmarket off Mastin Road.
> Carolina Wren
> Golden-crowned Kinglet - One only. Staked out bird in pines at "Spotted
> Towhee" spot on coast.
> Eastern Bluebird
> Hermit Thrush - Surprise bird with Sapsucker in Greenland. Scarce for
> us this winter.
> American Robin
> Northern Mockingbird
> European Starling
> Cedar Waxwing - RARE SURPRISE! Scarce this winter on Seacoast. 6 or so
> off Bay Road in Newmarket.
> Lapland Longspur - At least one continues at Hampton Beach SP
> Snow Bunting
> American Tree Sparrow
> Savannah Sparrow - Lots of them, but only at Stuart Farm where we had
> easily 12.
> Song Sparrow
> White-throated Sparrow
> Dark-eyed Junco
> Northern Cardinal
> House Finch
> American Goldfinch
> House Sparrow
> American Bittern - One of the birds of the day. Continuing at north end
> of Meadow Pond in Hampton
> Dovekie - The other bird of the day. TWO of them at Ragged Neck in Rye.
> American Pipit - 6 or so at Plaice Cove in Hampton.
> Chipping Sparrow - 1 off Maple Street in Newmarket.
> Black Vulture - 1 off Donna Drive in Exeter.
>
> Big Misses
> --------------
> Wood Duck - Female at Hurd Farm was a disappointing no-show.
> Greater Scaup - Great Bay was a frozen Popsicle with no open water in
> scopable distance.
> Red-throated Loon - Rare miss, but they've become scarce with the cold
> winter since the beginning of January.
> Sanderling - None
> Razorbill - TOUGH MISS. I had two clear birds at Pulpit Rocks in Rye,
> but no one else could get on them. A rare miss.
> Merlin - One 2 days ago.
> Peregrine Falcon - No luck with Hampton bird.
> Common Raven - TOUGH MISS. Kurk and I heard a bird in Newmarket, but
> Paul and Jane didn't get it.
> Brown Creeper - Not many around.
> Gray Catbird - Scouted bird in Newmarket by Kurk was a no-show.
> Yellow-rumped Warbler - Scouted bird in Greenland was a no-show,
> Swamp Sparrow - We HAD FOUR of them in Portsmouth Hospital marsh last
> weekend. None today!
> Blackbirds - Nope
> Baltimore Oriole - Missed the one in Exeter. Bad time of day and not
> much bird activity at the feeder. Had to keep moving.
>
> Steve Mirick (for the 4th and Longspurs)
> Bradford, MA
> Back to top <#m_-535208043308054366_digest_top>
> You received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this
> group. You can change your settings on the group membership page
> <https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!forum/nhbirds/join> > .
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
>
Date: 1/26/25 1:30 pm From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Twitchers out of the Rye in the Superbowl
Posted by New Hampshire Bird Records because I am having trouble with my NHBirds email.
Becky Suomala
The Twitchers out of the Rye had a great day yesterday and did pretty well considering the year. There were four of us, Becky Suomala (captain), Susan Wrisley (driver), Jenna Rosen (navigator), and Kathryn Frieden (chronicler). We were entirely in the town of Hampton, NH and were hoping that some of the birds we scouted would still be there. This is the fifth year the Twitchers have done Hampton and the 15th year I have participated in the Superbowl (not including the year I counted in Antarctica as a fund raiser in 2023).
The highlight was definitely the American Bittern which Susan Wrisley spotted while we were out scouting on Thursday. It took us four tries to find it yesterday, and a push from the Broadwing Hawks whose report made us look extra hard for the bird. It was tucked back along a bank, invisible from nearly all sides, including the street. Our second five-pointer was American Pipit, but the Broadwings scooped us on that also when we made a strategic error and waited for the sun to appear at dawn.
We had Barred and Great Horned Owl, Razorbill and Black Guillemot, all three "expected" shorebird species (never a sure thing), Lapland Longspur with the Horned Larks, and Snow Buntings at Hampton Beach State Park (absent when we scouted), all the winter seabirds expected from shore, Winter Wren (only seen once before by the Twitchers in Rye), and all the one-point birds on the official Superbowl checklist except Mute Swan (and nearly all the 2-pointers).
Total species: 65 (one short of our Hampton record of 66)
Total points: 109 (Hampton high 119)
We'll find out later tonight if we won the Townie Award. Last year a team from Massachusetts won it.
Biggest disappointments:
The Peregrine Falcon that flew up to its perch on the Hampton water tower at 5:03 pm - just after the end of the competition.
Missing the 5-point Chipping Sparrow in Hampton despite four visits (although I don't know of any team that found it).
Misses:
Wood Duck - scouted bird present on January 23 (I don't think anyone else found it.)
Cooper's Hawk
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker (scouted)
Brown Creeper
Red-winged Blackbird (scouted)
Fish Crow and Merlin - seen by the Broadwings at the Hampton Cemetery which we visited 4 times
As usual, we were raising money for New Hampshire Bird Records and NH Audubon:
https://nhaudubon.org/make-a-donation-to-twitchers/ Thanks to those who already made a donation or sent a fun pledge (e.g. a bonus for each alcid species, bonus per 5-point species, bonus for new-to-the-Twitcher birds).
Kathryn's much-anticipated and enjoyed full summary of the day's adventures will come out as soon as possible.
Date: 1/26/25 12:40 pm From: John Ranta <john.f.ranta...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald eagle buddies
Went ice fishing with my grandkids today on Halfmoon Pond in Hancock. A pair of adult bald eagles soon joined us, circling the pond for a while, before they settled in a couple of nearby pine trees. They spent an hour or more perched, calling occasionally. Then they took off, circled the pond one more time, and flew off east.
Forgot to post this from yesterday (early afternoon)
Little River, Bell Ave. Green -winged Teal (1 drake)continuing N. Pintail 2 (1 drake, 1 hen) continuing Mallard x A. Black Duck 12 White-throated Sparrow 3 A. Goldfinch 3 Dark-eyed Junco 5 Great Blue Heron 1
Date: 1/24/25 8:15 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Orange House Finch
I've been observing an orange house finch at my birdfeeder setup in
Nashua. Orange is a relatively uncommon color but apparently not rare for
a house finch which is normally red. Images captured over the past couple
days...
Date: 1/24/25 7:28 am From: Lynn Graham <lilriverdesigns.nh...> Subject: [NHBirds] Tree sparrows
I've counted at least 21 tree sparrows in my yard this morning along with a few purple finches and a house sparrow which is pretty rare on my property this is the first time I've had this many tree sparrows during the winter. Lynn Graham Nottingham, New Hampshire
Date: 1/23/25 10:36 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] This Saturday: The Superbowl of Birding!
The day is almost here! Becky Suomala and her team, the "Twitchers," are competing in the Superbowl of Birding this weekend on Saturday, January 25th, along the New Hampshire coast. The event is hosted by Mass Audubon and challenges teams to spot as many bird species as possible in 12 hours.
This year, the Twitchers have chosen to bird in Hampton, NH, aiming for the prestigious Townie Award for the most species spotted in a single town. Last year, they tallied 62 species and earned 108 points. Will they break this record this year? Stay tuned to find out! We will share an update next week.
How You Can Support the Twitchers:
* Make a Donation Today:<https://nhaudubon.org/make-a-donation-to-twitchers/> Your support helps New Hampshire Bird Records and NH Audubon's conservation efforts thrive.
* Donate Based on Results: Consider donating based on their final score or the number of species spotted.
Let's cheer on Becky and her team as they bird from dawn to dusk, showcasing their dedication to birding and conservation. As we speak, she is out scouting locations for the big day.
A special thanks to all those who have already donated or pledged their support.
Since Dec. 22 we have had regular visits from two female Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, one adult, one immature.Never together, most often only one visit a day.
Today was different. The adult female showed up first thing, then left when harrassed by a Red-bellied Woodpecker...she was back about noon for a bit. About an hour later, the immature female came in. Then, at about 1330, an immaturemale, blackish head, bib just beginnning to show red!
https://ebird.org/checklist/S210083295
Date: 1/20/25 11:35 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, January 20, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, January 20th,
2025.
A MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy
River Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 12th. It has been seen
and/or heard on nearly every day since then and was last reported on the 19
th.The bird has mainly been seen in the fields located north of the small
pond located on the trail.
A HARRIS’ SPARROW was found at the New Hampshire Fish & Game Bellamy River
Wildlife Management Area in Dover on January 13th. It was first seen next
to the entrance road and then across the street on the ground below a
birdfeeder in the front yard of a private residence and was last reported
on the 19th. Please view the feeders from the road and stay off the private
property.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen in East Kingston on January 18th.
A SHORT-EARED OWL was reported from Arboretum Drive near Pease
International Tradeport in Newington on January 17th, and a SNOWY OWL was
reported from Hampton Beach State Park on the 16th.
Birders on a boat cruise to Jeffrey’s Ledge reported; an ATLANTIC PUFFIN, a
THICK-BILLED MURRE, 20 COMMON MURRES, 43 DOVEKIES, and 159 NORTHERN FULMARS
on January 13th. 2 DOVEKIES were seen from Great Boar’s Head in Hampton on
the 18th.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and an ICELAND GULL were seen in Exeter on
January 18th.
2 BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were seen at the Sewall’s Falls Road bridge on the
Merrimack River in Concord, 3 were seen from Gale Avenue on Lake
Winnisquam, and 3 were seen from Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in
Manchester, all during the past week.
A female HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen near Fort Stark in New Castle on January 18
th.
4 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at Adams Point in Durham on January 19th.
5 GREATER SCAUP and 2 LESSER SCAUP were seen on Lake Winnisquam on January
18th.
A GADWALL was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Merrimack on January 18th.
An AMERICAN WIGEON and 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS were seen at Morrill’s Farm in
Penacook on January 18th. A NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen at Newfound Lake on
January 7th.
A BUFFLEHEAD was seen on the Merrimack River in Manchester and 1 was seen
on the Merrimack River in Concord, both on January 19th.
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Exeter, and 1 was seen in Rollinsford, all
during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen at the Ines and Fredrick Wildlife Sanctuary in
Warren on January 19th, and 1 was seen off of Arboretum Drive near the
north end of the Pease airport runways on the 18th.
4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on January 19th,
and 1 was seen at Morrill’s Farm in Penacook on January 19th.
Up to 4 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Rye Harbor State Park and up to 5 were
seen in coastal Hampton, all on several days during the past week.
A PALM WARBLER was seen along coastal Hampton on January 16th-18th.
A flock of 21 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen in Berlin on January 19th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen again at a birdfeeder on Pine Meadow Road in
Exeter on January 18th.
2 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen at Rollins Park in Concord on January 17th.
A flock of up to 9 AMERICAN PIPITS was seen at Rye Harbor State Park on
several days during the past week.
12 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen in Errol and 4 RED-CROSSBILLS were
seen in Gorham, all on January 17th.
8 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were seen at Patch Park in Charlestown on January 18th.
A flock of 18 FISH CROWS was seen at Tuscan Village in Salem on January 17th,
and single birds were reported from Concord, Exeter, and Dover during the
past week.
Lingering species reported during the past week included: KILLDEER,
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, WOOD DUCK, RING-NECKED DUCK, AMERICAN KESTREL,
NORTHERN HARRIER, MERLIN, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER,
NORTHERN FLICKER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, WINTER WREN, CAROLINA WREN, EASTERN
PHOEBE, GRAY CATBIRD, HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,SONG SPARROW,
SAVANNAH SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and FIELD
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 to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding.
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire
By Robert A. Quinn
Boreal birds and dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New
Hampshire’s North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s
detailed new guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding
in northern Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and
to order a copy, check out this link:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each
issue). This quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the
work of many volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all
NH Audubon members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
The Northern Shrike continues in Newington, in the brushy field across the street at the end of the Pease runway. Today I watched it cough-up a pellet, a behavior I did not know shrikes exhibited. Just goes to show that you are never too old to learn something new. A series of photos attached at ...
Date: 1/18/25 9:31 am From: Martin Mick <mdmick01...> Subject: [NHBirds] Dovekie near shore at Hampton Beach!
A solitary Dovekie is currently riding the waves with a couple of Common Eider thirty feet off the northern end of the beach. Very unusual! For those who don't ride on boats this a great time to see a pelagic.
