Date: 3/24/19 1:20 pm From: Brian R <reillybj49...> Subject: [NHBirds] Carolina Wren - Keene
Carolina Wren singing in my backyard this afternoon. Confirmed visually. Last summer had a pair nest in an old bucket in my garage. Eggs laid but nest abandoned. Maybe this year?
Date: 3/24/19 8:49 am From: Becky <rsuomala2...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snow and Cackling Geese
There are 2 Snow Geese and 1 Cackling Goose with a huge flock of Canadas on the Connecticut River just below the Rt. 123 bridge in Walpole.Becky Suomala
Date: 3/23/19 2:51 pm From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Song ID help
Not a creeper. Possibly a kinglet. But it sounded lower and sweeter than i would expect and have ever heard from a kinglet.
Chris
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 23, 2019, at 5:13 PM, Len <lenmedlock...> wrote: > > Could be a Brown Creeper. > > -- > 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.
Two BLACK VULTURES continue with the Turkey Vultures around Fall Mountain in Walpole. I saw both birds today around 1:45pm.
Other new arrivals today (in Sullivan County) include Merlin, Kestrel and Rusty Blackbird. Hoping tomorrow’s warmer weather starts pushing more birds north.
Date: 3/23/19 12:20 pm From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: [NHBirds] Song ID help
Howdy,
Could anyone point me in a direction?
I heard a song today that sounded like the first part of a RCKI song. Building louder into a very short jumble at the end. It was lower and sweeter than a RCKI. My only guess is a SOSP making an interesting song...
Had a winter wren pop up from beneath a brush pile behind my woodshed this afternoon. After a few alarm chips, he/she promptly returned to the pile and disappeared into the tangle.
Date: 3/22/19 2:02 pm From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Saturday, March 23 Bird Walk Cancelled
We regret that, in view of a continuing Winter Weather Advisory by the National Weather Service in the Upper Valley, through mid day on March 23, 2019, the previously announced bird walk for tomorrow morning along the Connecticut River as had been planned by the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon has been canceled.
Date: 3/22/19 11:15 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson
A very snowy Friday at our feeders in Jefferson. I counted 31 Evening Grosbeaks and 56 Redpolls in the trees as I was filling the feeders but know that this was not all of them. They really flock to the feeders during the snowstorms. Six inches of fresh snow as of 2 pm Friday and more to come.
Date: 3/22/19 8:06 am From: Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> Subject: [NHBirds] FOY Kill Deer
FOY Kill Deer Rt101A Merrimack
And, our local Northern Mockingbird is back singing up a storm. I believe Mockingbirds are here year-round, but ours is always amiss during the coldest winter months.
Traveling down Wednesday Hill Rd from Lee to Newmarket, saw FOY phoebe perched in an autumn olive in the field across the road from the elk farm. Crossing into Durham on Packers Falls, approaching the intersection with Mill Rd., we passed a red shouldered hawk perched on the roadside utility line. Just past the intersection with Bennet Rd. we saw a circling red-tailed hawk, and approaching the Newmarket Town Line, we saw another perched in a pine. Once we crossed the town line into Newmarket, there were turkey vultures galore - two pairs circling along Packers Falls, and four more as we came into town where Elm Street intersects with S. Main St.
Two Phoebes calling and forth from the boat ramp off Tilton St. today here in Nashua. (Also my first chipmunk!)
Also three Gadwall among the Hooded and Common Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, Wood Ducks, Black Ducks and Mallards on the Nashua.
At Woodmont in Hollis, a flyby Eastern Meadowlark and lots of Killdeer.
Chris Sheridan Nashua
> > -- > 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: 3/21/19 9:32 am From: Jane Rice <moultnews...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barred owl in Moultonborough
Roosting on a lower branch right in back of the recreation department for a nice close view. Robins and redwings on this morning's walk on Ossipee Mt. Rd., also probable shrike. It was kind of far across the large hayfield but the light was good so I'm 99% certain. First one I've seen all winter.
Date: 3/21/19 5:41 am From: Steven Lamonde <slamonde...> Subject: [NHBirds] Walpole Ross's Goose
This morning I went to look for the Ross's Goose that has been seen in Westminster, VT and Walpole, NH since 3/18. After 20 minutes of scanning through Canada Geese flocked around the island just south of the NH-123 bridge in Walpole, I located the bird near a pair of neck-banded Canada Geese. Soon after the sun rose, the geese started taking off in small groups, one of which contained the Ross's Goose. While most groups headed to the corn fields at Westminster Station, the Ross's Goose and 4 Canada Geese flew northward above the river.
Waterfowl migration seems to be picking up steam along the Connecticut River - Mallard, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Hooded and Common mergansers, and Common Goldeneye were also present.
I just stepped outside with the dogs and was rewarded with a Winter Wren bubbling away from the cul de sac on Fogg Drive, right underneath the sunrise. I expect that they were connected. A couple of redpolls have been in the neighborhood the last few days as well.
Date: 3/20/19 7:32 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Kettle of Turkey Vultures
A large kettle of Turkey Vultures, at least 20 were circling above the Concord Market Basket on Fort Eddy plaza late this afternoon. It was such a fun thing to watch.
Date: 3/20/19 4:13 pm From: 'Stephen Whitney' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Birding Upper New Hampton Road, Meredith
<nhbirds...> "Stephen Whitney" <swhit_41...>
>> 3/20/2019 17:16 Subject: Birding Upper New Hampton Road, Meredith Wild Turkeys. Flock of 16 in driveway off Upper New Hampton Road, Meredith. Mourning Dove calls.
Date: 3/19/19 4:08 pm From: 'Geoff Niswander' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Likely a phoebe today in Bow
While driving on South Bow Road this afternoon, going by Merrill Crossing, what I thought to be an Eastern Phoebe crossed the road in flight, at eye level, just a few yards ahead. It vanished in to shrubs along side the road. I got a pretty good look at it, and no I am not 100% sure. Let’s call it 98% sure. The main reason I’m open to being wrong, is that I don’t see any Phoebe reports yet, while being as familiar with the species as any of you reading this.
Date: 3/19/19 2:39 pm From: Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Owl ID
Thank you everyone -- Consensus is Barred Owl. :) Donna, Brookline / Townsend MA
On Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 1:21 PM Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> wrote:
> Remember not to attach images to emails on the listserv. Create a URL > > The photo is an adult Barred Owl. > > Iain MacLeod > Ashland > > On Tue, Mar 19, 2019, 12:17 PM Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> wrote: > >> Can anyone help identify this owl (zoom in center of picture)? >> I'm thinking Barred, but it looked smaller than Barred owls I've seen in >> past. >> Also, the bill was dark grey; not the yellow I expected to see on Barred. >> >> Location: >> Spotted from Rt101A West in Amherst NH. >> 5:30PM March 18, 2019 >> Parked @ St Paul's Lutheran Church >> 3 Craftsman Ln, Amherst, NH 03031 >> Walk from parking lot towards Rt 101A >> In a tree just across from small pond. >> >> Thank you, >> Donna >> >> >> >> -- >> 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: 3/19/19 11:45 am From: Pam Blair <pamelynblair...> Subject: [NHBirds] Est. 500-700 Canada Geese at Walpole Bridge
Watched wave after wave of Geese coming up the Connecticut River today around 2:00! I'm estimating 500-700 congregating just south of the Westminster bridge, including a 100 or so that kept going, and including 2 snow geese.
Two Sandhill Cranes at Moore Fields in Durham - far back from road, about half way between the main path that goes down the fields and the green barn. Best visible from road, with scope or binoculars, from near utility pole that’s labeled #118.
Date: 3/19/19 10:21 am From: Iain Macleod <pandiain.im...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Owl ID
Remember not to attach images to emails on the listserv. Create a URL
The photo is an adult Barred Owl.
Iain MacLeod Ashland
On Tue, Mar 19, 2019, 12:17 PM Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> wrote:
> Can anyone help identify this owl (zoom in center of picture)? > I'm thinking Barred, but it looked smaller than Barred owls I've seen in > past. > Also, the bill was dark grey; not the yellow I expected to see on Barred. > > Location: > Spotted from Rt101A West in Amherst NH. > 5:30PM March 18, 2019 > Parked @ St Paul's Lutheran Church > 3 Craftsman Ln, Amherst, NH 03031 > Walk from parking lot towards Rt 101A > In a tree just across from small pond. > > Thank you, > Donna > > > > -- > 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: 3/19/19 9:45 am From: Batwrangler <batwrangler...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Owl ID
Looks like a juvenile Barred Owl (and probably a male) and that's a fairly typical location for one. Well spotted!
On Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 12:17 PM Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> wrote:
> Can anyone help identify this owl (zoom in center of picture)? > I'm thinking Barred, but it looked smaller than Barred owls I've seen in > past. > Also, the bill was dark grey; not the yellow I expected to see on Barred. > > Location: > Spotted from Rt101A West in Amherst NH. > 5:30PM March 18, 2019 > Parked @ St Paul's Lutheran Church > 3 Craftsman Ln, Amherst, NH 03031 > Walk from parking lot towards Rt 101A > In a tree just across from small pond. > > Thank you, > Donna > > > > -- > 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: 3/19/19 9:17 am From: Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> Subject: [NHBirds] Owl ID
Can anyone help identify this owl (zoom in center of picture)? I'm thinking Barred, but it looked smaller than Barred owls I've seen in past. Also, the bill was dark grey; not the yellow I expected to see on Barred.
Location: Spotted from Rt101A West in Amherst NH. 5:30PM March 18, 2019 Parked @ St Paul's Lutheran Church 3 Craftsman Ln, Amherst, NH 03031 Walk from parking lot towards Rt 101A In a tree just across from small pond.
Date: 3/19/19 6:39 am From: k chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ashland Spring Goldeneye, RWBB Etc.
Hello Everyone, Had a pair of Golden Eyes on the Squam River yesterday along with several Hooded and Common Mergansers. At least two Bald Eagles have been regulars around Ashland as well. Today was our first Red Winged Blackbird and several Grackles. A large Coopers Hawk took out a pigeon in our yard just last week. We have seen a couple Turkey Vultures here in Ashland and some in Bristol yesterday as well. Happy Birding Keith and Kris Ashland, NH
Date: 3/19/19 6:31 am From: 'Steve Lauermann' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] spring arrives...
Rochester in town...
After a mid-winter departure,our pair of Carolina Wrens has returned.
Yesterday, a female Red-breasted Nuthatch,and today a male...
Steve Lauermann
Date: 3/18/19 5:30 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 18, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 18th,
2019.
A TUFTED DUCK was photographed from the south shore of Great Bay on March
15th. Also seen here several times during the past week were 3 REDHEADS, and
3 CANVASBACKS.
A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen north of Stark Landing on the Merrimack
River in Manchester on March 17th.
A SNOW GOOSE was seen in Charlestown on March 16th, and 2 BRANT were seen at
Pulpit Rocks in Rye on the 17th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was photographed at Adam’s Point in Durham on March 12th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was reported from the Pease International Trade Port on
March 12th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in Warren, and 1 was seen in Westmoreland, both
on March 17th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen in Exeter on March 17th. A GLAUCOUS GULL continues
to be seen in Seabrook at Hampton Harbor and was last reported on the 17th.
A flock of over 50 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Plainfield on March 17th, a
flock of 11 was seen in South Sutton on March 16th, and a flock of 12 was
seen in Etna on the 14th.
A PINE GROSBEAK was seen in Newport, and 1 was seen in Gorham, both on March
16th.
A flock of 18 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen in East Kingston, and a flock of 17
was seen in Jefferson, all on March 17th.
A flock of 32 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen in Jefferson on March 17th, a flock
of 9 was seen in Keene on the 15th, a flock of 19 was reported from Etna on
the 14th, and a flock of 12 was seen in Dunbarton on the 11th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen again in East Kingston on March 16th.
Small numbers of SNOW BUNTINGS, HORNED LARKS, and AMERICAN PIPITS were
reported from scattered locations during the past week.
There was an influx of returning migrants during the past week, including
GADWALLS, a NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAILS, COMMON GOLDENEYES,
RING-NECKED DUCKS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, HOODED MERGANSERS, COMMON
MERGANSERS, BUFFLEHEADS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, WOOD DUCKS, GREAT BLUE HERONS,
TURKEY VULTURES, MERLINS, an OSPREY, 3 TREE SWALLOWS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS,
a WILSON’S SNIPE, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, KILLDEER, EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, COMMON
GRACKLES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS, FOX SPARROWS, FISH
CROWS, and PINE SISKINS,
Overwintering migrant species reported during the past week included: WINTER
WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, and
NORTHERN FLICKER.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any
interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the
recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon
web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Date: 3/18/19 12:55 pm From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring Events Calendar Now On-line
The Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon is pleased announce the posting of its spring programs on the chapter website.
Highlights include the final talk in our 2018-2019 Nature Series which will be at Hanover's Howe Library on Tuesday, April 9. The speaker will be Hanover-based naturalist Jim Kennedy whose talk is titled "The American Woodcock; Ecology and Management." Jim is supremely qualified to discuss that topic having competed, judged and reported on wild bird field trials. He also is a former winner of the International Amateur Woodcock Championship.
New to the schedule will be Steering Committee member Jeff MacQueen's birding tour of the recently opened (summer 2018) Mascoma River Greenway Trail. This will be Jeff's third walk exploring segments of the Northern Rail Trail.
For more details about these and and other upcoming birding events, please visit: www.mascomabirds.org
Date: 3/18/19 8:21 am From: Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Brown-headed Cowbird (F) - Concord
Brown Headed cowbird male and female Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Red-winged blackbirds 2 Females 4 Males Common Grackle (1) Robins (5) Juncos are still here (approx 10) New visitor yesterday Barred Owl sitting on branch overlooking bird feeder
I haven't seen our White-Throated sparrows nor Gold Finches in at least 4-5 the last 4-5 days. Perhaps Mr. Owl or Mr. Hawk have something to do with these guys missing.
Speaking of Mr Hawk, I haven't seen our local red-shouldered hawk in the last week. Perhaps moved on?
Interestingly, my local squirrel population is thriving; fat lil buggers. ugh
Spent yesterday afternoon cleaning blue bird houses; all set and ready to welcome this year's families.
Y'all birders most likely know of the Talkin Birds birding show, but if not you might want to check out: TalkinBirds with Ray Brown. Listen live Sunday 9:30 or anytime podcasts: http://www.talkinbirds.com/archive
Cheers, Donna Brookline NH / Townsend MA border
On Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 10:13 AM steph ttlc <steph...> wrote:
> Just came through my yard. > > > > Steph Parkinson > > -- > 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: 3/17/19 8:07 pm From: Len Medlock <lenmedlock...> Subject: [NHBirds] Local waterfowl awesomeness
Wonderful find of those Cans by Leo (nice one, buddy!). Seems like waterfowl is trickling in to local ponds and stuff due to warmer sun--but that wind was tough.
Exeter WTP ------------- Canada Goose-5 Wood Duck-1 drake Mallard-13 American Black Duck-7 Canvasback-3 (2 drakes, 1 hen continue) Ring-necked Duck-17 Lesser Scaup-67, easy count once the wind stopped Bufflehead-2 hens Common Goldeneye-1 hen Common Merganser-28 from Squamscott River Killdeer-2 Bald Eagle-1 Red-shouldered Hawk-1
Powwow Pond ----------- Wood Duck-23 Green-winged Teal-6 Ring-necked Duck-37 Hooded Merganser-9 Common Merganser-11 Fish Crow-2 Brown Creeper-1 singing!
Date: 3/17/19 4:14 pm From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring in Jaffrey
Is everyone tired of the spring announcements yet? I’m not!
This morning’s fresh arrivals include 12(ish) JUNCOS. This is the first time they have been seen on our farm in 2019. They are joined by 2 SONG SPARROWS, also newly arrived today.
This week have been the first BARRED OWL vocalizations that I have heard this calendar year. There was one perched above the chicken coop this morning as well, large and particularly dark.
This early afternoon there was a TURKEY VULTURE soaring above, the first of the year for me.
On Friday I had a single singing AMERICAN TREE SPARROW out behind the house.
Date: 3/17/19 3:11 pm From: Samuel Lewis <samlewis100...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barred Owl - Exeter
On John West Road first field on the right when coming from route 111. Currently sitting in a tree in the North side looking over the field. It flew from the East side right in front of us and into the tree. Otherwise we would have missed it.
Date: 3/17/19 2:14 pm From: 'Ann Griffin' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] spring migration
Lots of Grackles and one Turkey Vulture joined the Red-winged Blackbirds in Lancaster today. Also 2 Ring-billed Gulls in the Lancaster Motor Inn parking lot.
Date: 3/17/19 2:00 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Horned Larks and Snow Buntings at Whitefield Airport
I was driving by the Mount Washington Regional Airport, also known as the Whitefield Airport, on Sunday 17 March 2019. I saw 3 Horned Larks and 5 Snow Buntings in a small patch of grass that was not snow covered along Airport Road. I also saw 6 Snow Buntings on Sunday at The Rocks in Bethlehem while doing some apple tree pruning. On Friday I saw 6 Snow Buntings in a field off of Route 116 in Jefferson. Appears that these birds are heading north to the Arctic.
On Sunday morning at our feeders in Jefferson we had 17 Evening Grosbeaks, 32 Redpolls, 2 Ravens, 1 Ruffed Grouse and the usual chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches and juncos. The ruffed grouse loves to eat dried mealworms. The bag says that chickens love these meal worms and I guess the grouse do too. On Saturday we had our first Grackle of the year.
Date: 3/17/19 12:36 pm From: Brian Reilly <reillybj...> Subject: [NHBirds] Today's birds in Keene
In my backyard a mixed flock of about 30 Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. Two Song Sparrows eating on the ground under the feeders. A solitary FOY male Brown-headed Cowbird earlier. About 12 Pine Siskins have been daily visitors all winter and are still here.
Date: 3/17/19 12:22 pm From: Hale, Stephen <Steve.Hale...> Subject: [NHBirds] North River Lake (Barrington) subadult Bald Eagle
An unbanded subadult Bald Eagle visited North River Lake moments ago. This individual had smudgy black areas on the head, slight osprey-face, and some small black areas on the end of otherwise white tail.
Date: 3/17/19 12:15 pm From: Evelyn Nathan <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] fox sparrow in Kingston
Nice day for birds in the backyard. The apple tree was loaded with grackles, wonderful spring chorus, then a red-wing came by, and then a fox sparrow. I see them very infrequently here. Friend Alice and I spotted a flicker nearby, and she heard two broadwings fly over her house.
Evy Nathan
Kingston, NH
Date: 3/17/19 8:06 am From: Wayne Scott <wsscott...> Subject: [NHBirds] Northern Shrike
The adult Northern Shrike seen and photographed twice before over the last 3-4 days by Elaine Marie was seen briefly by Jeff McQueen and me at the edge of the same large field along the north side of Rt. 25C just west of the village of Warren this morning about 8:45-9:00 am.
Date: 3/17/19 7:59 am From: 'jenna_pett' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] 2 Brants at Pulpit Rocks
They were on the rocks eating. They flew to the cove at the north end of the pull off when some kids went on the rocks. They landed in the water.Jenna Pettipas Manchester Susan Wrisley Hollis Sent via my Samsung Galaxy, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Date: 3/17/19 7:01 am From: Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Red wings
At my ground feeders this morning, (Townsend / Brookline NH) border Red Wing Blackbirds 6 male 2 females
2 common grackles Donna
On Sat, Mar 16, 2019 at 4:51 PM 'Ann' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
> At least 30 Red-winged Blackbirds in a tall tree in backyard in Lancaster. > > -- > 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. >
More signs of spring in Penacook the last two mornings. No noteworthy arrivals, but all the usual suspects are now here in force: redwings, grackles, Song Sparrows, and a couple of Turkey Vultures. Species totals were 35 and 29 on the 10k and Island surveys respectively, both of which are the highest since last October.
Other highlights from yesterday include two apparently migrating Cooper's Hawks and a flyover Pine Siskin along Bog Road yesterday. I also had a siskin last week, and I'm wondering if they've started trickling back north now that warmish weather has started to arrive. This morning netted a Barred Owl in someones yard and a flyover pair of Peregrines. Also of note is an increase in numbers and locations for Blue Jays. For most of the winter the only place I've seen them locally has been in the vicinity of Fowler Street to the south of me, but yesterday and today they were scattered along both routes. Like the siskins and Cooper's Hawks, they're likely starting to return from points south.
Thus afternoon I'll be checking a couple of spots along the Merrimack to see what might be in the area in terms of early waterfowl.
Date: 3/16/19 3:20 pm From: Fran Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] GBH, mergansers and bald eagle Derry
In about 40 minutes of casual late-day local birding today, we saw a great blue heron and a red tailed hawk over the Hoodcroft golf course, then 11 hooded mergansers, two more GBH, a pair of circling red tailed hawks, many Canada geese and a bald eagle at Beaver Lake.
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Blake Allison <blake_allison...>To: Upper Valley Birders <uv-birders...>; Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...>Sent: Friday, March 15, 2019, 7:05:13 PM EDTSubject: Spring Arrived in Lyme Friday At 5:08 p.m.
Heading down the driveway, even with the windows up and the radio on, I thought I heard a red-winged blackbird's unmistakable trill. Backing up the hill, windows now down, radio and heating/cooling fan off, I was delighted to have my suspicion confirmed by a small chorus of red-wingeds calls. It took me a couple of minutes, but I located a trio of red-wingeds concealed in the foliage of one of our property's old, unkempt apple trees. Hooray!
Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3400
Date: 3/16/19 2:38 pm From: David Larson <dlarson...> Subject: [NHBirds] Book Sale at Joppa Flats, 3/30-31/2019
Bird bibliophiles and everyone else,
Every few years Joppa Flats Education Center has a book sale to clear out donated used books that we do not need or cannot fit into our library. This year, we have maybe 80 boxes of books, magazines, etc. Most are bird books, some botany, some odds and ends. With some exceptions, each book will be sold for $1. Bring a large car and fill it up with all sorts of treasures.
Our book sale will run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31, 2019, here at Joppa Flats. No early admissions, but first come, first served. Proceeds benefit Joppa Flats; books will benefit you!
Hope to see you here for the big sale.
Dave
David M. Larson, Ph.D., Science and Education Coordinator
Joppa Flats Education Center, Mass Audubon, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950
Telephone: (978) 462-9998 E-mail: <dlarson...>
Upcoming tours with space available:
Birding NJ and NY - 5/23-26/2019
Boreal Forest to Prairies - Minnesota and North Dakota - 6/7-15/2019
Date: 3/16/19 2:19 pm From: Fred Sladen <fwsladen...> Subject: [NHBirds] Blackbird in North Sutton
Today, another male RWBB showed up feeding on the milo and millet on the ground. This one is a first year male. The one yesterdayi was full male breeding plumage.
Today I birded within the Sullivan County lines and I was well rewarded. Migration is definitely underway in the area especially in the Connecticut River Valley. I spent the majority of my time in the river valley but also poked around a few places in Newport and Sunapee as well. I ended my outing with 35 species, and while yes, those numbers are low, the species were worth the effort:
SNOW GOOSE: One seen in an overhead flock of Canada Geese from Wetherby Road in Charlestown.
Canada Goose: Several migrating along the CT River, two in Sunapee in Wendell Marsh.
WOOD DUCK: I had my first of the year (FOY) in Claremont on Thursday, but I found another pair today along Wetherby Road.
American Black Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Wild Turkey
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
KILLDEER: FOY in the fields off Trask Brook Road in Sunapee
TURKEY VULTURE: My Sullivan County FOY. Two in Charlestown, two in Newport.
NORTHERN HARRIER: FOY, seen over St. Pierre Inc’s pit in Charlestown.
Bald Eagle: Two adults over Wetherby Road, an immature along Route Windsor Road in Claremont.
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
European Starling
PINE GROSBEAK: One in a fruit tree outside the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Newport.
HOUSE FINCH: One singing in Newport. This species is notoriously scarce in Sullivan County but have been becoming more regular in Newport recently.
SNOW BUNTING: Four around the ponds at the Charlestown WTP.
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
SONG SPARROW: Numbers are starting to climb in the CT River Valley. Only found one overwintering bird all season.
EASTERN MEADOWLARK: FOY. A big surprise when I accidentally flushed it from the side of Langdon Road in Charlestown.
Red-winged Blackbird: Had my FOY on Thursday, but numbers are climbing.
Common Grackle: FOY.
Northern Cardinal
House Sparrow
Date: 3/16/19 8:05 am From: Dorsey, Kurk <Kurk.Dorsey...> Subject: [NHBirds] Durham Jackson Landing
Birders
This morning at high tide there was quite a duck show at Jackson Landing in Durham: Mallard, Black Duck, GW Teal, Ring-neck, Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and all three Mergansers.
In the center of town, at least 12 Fish Crows were cavorting in preparation for the return of spring breakers tomorrow.
Mark and I birded with Denny many times (and Mark knew him from work). Our warm memories of him with his son, include 3 distance meetings: Salineno, TX where you meet Everyone looking for border rarities. Grassland corral in AZ in the middle of nowhere, looking for Longspurs and Baird's Sparrows. and southern California (coincidently where my brother lived) for Mark's 600th ABA bird: Nuttings Flycatcher (which now nests in AZ).
Thank you Steve, for posting pictures of Denny and friends.
Date: 3/15/19 4:26 pm From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Keene and Swanzey - blackbirds, killdeer, waterfowl, and raptors migrating
Some Keene area observations from this afternoon with early migrants in good numbers: Krif Road - where I bumped into Adam Burnett, who put me on the large blackbird flock:~400 blackbirds (300+ Red-wings, 75 Grackles, a few Cowbirds and a single Rusty Blackbird) making a lot of noise! 65 Canada Geese 16 Mallards 2 Killdeer1 Turkey Vulture1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 American Pipit1 Fish Crow (probable) 9 Horned Lark9 Common Redpolls22 Song Sparrows8 Cedar Waxwings - some flycatching!
Currently listening to and viewing in field by river.Mark Hatfield & Dotty WendelkenLee, NHHappy "Spring" Birding!Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
I set up my scope on my back porch this sunny and warm afternoon and hoped for a few migrants - a Merlin flew to the northeast around 3:45pm... nice!
Yesterday, in Meredith, I saw a group of about 16 Mallards flying north, 35+ robins feeding on the crabapples at the Mills Falls parking lot, and a single Canada Goose flying north over Moultonborough Farm.
Blackbirds, grackles, killdeer, and a flicker were in the West Portsmouth Street/Locke Road area of Concord this morning. Becky Suomala and I also got the overwintering Winter Wren at the latter location to sing a little for us.
Later in the morning, Unity Dienes and I explored Tilton and Laconia, where there were also reasonable numbers of grackles and blackbirds, a three Ring-necked Ducks above Silver Lake, and a kingfisher and pair of Wood Ducks in downtown Laconia.
Song Sparrows are starting to sing in most locations.
Bring it on (but get out tomorrow before it starts cooling off again)!
Pam Hunt Penacook
On Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:08:24 -0400, Scott Heron wrote:
It's that great time of year when things really start to move. A quick drive around Kingston, East Kingston and Kensington produced several blackbird flocks consisting of mostly Common Grackles with some number of Red-winged Blackbirds present.
Bodwell Farm in East Kingston is picking up a bit. There was a handful of Green-winged Teal among a couple hundred Mallards and American Black Ducks.
Powwow Pond and the Powwow River has been pretty active for much of the winter with things picking up in the last couple weeks. A FOY Killdeer called over head today while yesterday, there was a decent showing of waterfowl on the Pond:
On Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 11:29:59 AM UTC-4, Susan Wrisley wrote: > > The Redheads found by Zeke and Becky are continuing at Great Bay. I also > found a Canvasback mixed in with the large flock of scaup, geese and other > ducks. Viewed from Bracketts Point, via the path from Osprey Cove. > > Susan Wrisley, Hollis NH >
It's that great time of year when things really start to move. A quick drive around Kingston, East Kingston and Kensington produced several blackbird flocks consisting of mostly Common Grackles with some number of Red-winged Blackbirds present.
Bodwell Farm in East Kingston is picking up a bit. There was a handful of Green-winged Teal among a couple hundred Mallards and American Black Ducks.
Powwow Pond and the Powwow River has been pretty active for much of the winter with things picking up in the last couple weeks. A FOY Killdeer called over head today while yesterday, there was a decent showing of waterfowl on the Pond:
8 Canada Goose 3 Wood Duck 35 Mallard 15 American Black Duck 1 Northern Pintail 21 Ring-necked Duck 2 Bufflehead 11 Hooded Merganser 8 Common Merganser
Date: 3/15/19 7:18 am From: Milton Trimitsis <trimitsis...> Subject: [NHBirds] Woodcocks in Sullivan
Hey y’all,
I just flushed 2 woodcocks while walking in one of my lower fields. The dogs and I came within about 2 feet of stepping on them before they exploded out of the brush.
Date: 3/15/19 7:04 am From: Miriam Simmons <simmonsmiriamj...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Red-winged Blackbirds at the Feeders
Make that about 70 in the flock.
On Friday, March 15, 2019 at 9:34:23 AM UTC-4, Miriam Simmons wrote: > > We had 40+ Red-winged blackbirds at the feeders this morning in > Northfield. Mixed in with them were a few European Starlings. About the > same time as the red-bellied woodpecker and the usual half dozen > cardinals. Can spring be far behind? > > Miriam Simmons > Northfield, NH > <simmonsmiriamj...> >
Date: 3/15/19 6:34 am From: Miriam Simmons <simmonsmiriamj...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red-winged Blackbirds at the Feeders
We had 40+ Red-winged blackbirds at the feeders this morning in Northfield. Mixed in with them were a few European Starlings. About the same time as the red-bellied woodpecker and the usual half dozen cardinals. Can spring be far behind?
Date: 3/15/19 6:28 am From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fox sparrows, Lee; common grackles, red wings, Newmarket
A pair of fox sparrows feeding with the juncos and white-throated sparrows at Allen's Ave. in Lee. Red winged blackbirds and common grackles feeding at Hamel Farm Dr., Newmarket.
Molly has also provided photos of the Heald Street Orchard in Middlesex
County in Massachusetts.
I am working on adding information about hotspots for all the New England
states. Rhode Island is about 80% complete. You can always check the
"What's New" blog link above to see the latest additions.
Date: 3/15/19 5:02 am From: Jane Hills <jhbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fish Crows have returned to Manchester
While on my daily walk through the local neighborhoods this morning, I heard two Fish Crows calling. Spring is coming!
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
Pretty obvious why he's there! This is the 3rd pic I've seen in the past 2 wks of a Barred owl at a feeder. Is this due to the snow cover, seems there is still plenty of squirrels to go around...
On Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:44:21 PM UTC-4, Scott Seely wrote: > > This striking bird has come to our house in N Hampton two days in a row. > Scott Seely > > > > Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone >
This morning, Thursday, March 14th, one male RWBB showed up at my feeders in North Sutton. This is the FOY blackbird here. Harbinger of Spring? Hope so.
Date: 3/14/19 1:29 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Great Bay Access - CLARIFICATION and list from this afternoon
Just to clarify/expand on Susan Wrisley's post from earlier today.
The access to Great Bay off Osprey Cove Road she is talking about is
from Conservation Land at Brackett's Point. It is NOT the short
"resident access" path close to the water on Osprey Cove, nor is it from
Brackett's Point Road (cottages) off Great Bay Road further to the
east. Both of these locations are Private Property. Stay out of these
spots.
This public access land Susan is talking about can be a spectacular
location for seeing ducks on Great Bay, but a spotting scope is
absolutely essential and a short walk is required. I am not aware of
any name for this public access property. For now I am calling it
"Brackett's Point Conservation Land" unless/until someone corrects me.
Parking is from a small gravel parking lot (currently covered with snow)
near a cemetery (didn't note street number....see map) off Osprey Cove
Road in Greenland. Signs are not terribly obvious, but they are present
which show that this is public access property. From the parking lot you
walk along a poorly maintained foot trail crossing an overgrown pasture
field to access Brackett's Point, where there are tall White Pine
trees. It is about a 5 to 10 minute walk which is currently not too
difficult since there is only a small amount of snow and it is currently
well packed. Please see the map below for more specifics. And below is
my list from this property this afternoon.
Bird List from today
----------------------------
Canada Goose 200 Likely an undercount, but not huge numbers on bay
this afternoon.
American Wigeon 6
Mallard 1
American Black Duck 14 Likely an undercount. Distant birds hard to
pick out.
CANVASBACK 2 Female and male.
REDHEAD 2 Males.
Ring-necked Duck 1 Male.
Greater Scaup 2,000 Rough ballpark. Biggest concentration was to
the east, but several hundred more toward the west. Possibly a Lesser
Scaup or two.
Bufflehead 14
Common Goldeneye 180 Likely an undercount. No obvious Barrow's
noted, but I could have easily missed one.
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 15
Red-breasted Merganser 38
Horned Grebe 1 Continuing. Uncommon for date.
Ring-billed Gull 20
Herring Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Great Blue Heron 1 Spring migrant.
Bald Eagle 4 2 adults perched in tree at Woodmans Point. 2 more
immatures on flats. At least 6 total on the bay, but NO GOLDEN! :-(
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Immature perched in tree. Photographed.
Surprised to see this.
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
Northern Cardinal 1
Date: 3/14/19 10:53 am From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Spring transformation at Horseshoe Pond
Just two days ago I was at Horseshoe Pond (Merrimack) and there were few signs of life. Today, enough of the pond has opened that there were red-winged blackbirds, grackles, hooded mergansers, wood duck, great blue heron, and belted kingfisher. -Molly JacobsonMerrimack
Date: 3/14/19 9:58 am From: Wayne Scott <wsscott...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bohemian Waxwings in Hanover Center
Saw a flock of 12 Bohemian Waxwings atop a tree along the south side of Lower Wolfeboro Road, Hanover Center (Etna) this morning. I continue to have up to 19 Common redpolls at our feeders.
Date: 3/14/19 8:30 am From: Susan Wrisley <swrisley13...> Subject: [NHBirds] Canvasback & Redheads - Great Bay from Osprey Cove
The Redheads found by Zeke and Becky are continuing at Great Bay. I also found a Canvasback mixed in with the large flock of scaup, geese and other ducks. Viewed from Bracketts Point, via the path from Osprey Cove.
Date: 3/14/19 8:17 am From: <jacksonwrxt89...> Subject: [NHBirds] Extralimital: Possible Snowy Owl in Hartland, VT
Hi Folks,
Sorry to post an extralimital sighting here, but it might be worth conveying to nearby VT birders. I’m currently on my way home from Pittsburg, NH and just passed through North Hartland, VT on I-91. Off to the West I saw an all white raptor flying over a field near 681 Route 5. It was too distant to tell what it was but I’m thinking either a Snowy Owl or perhaps a leucistic Red-tailed Hawk. May be worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Date: 3/12/19 6:18 pm From: bikenbird via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] ***NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday March 13 , 2019 Program - Identification of Common Tern Foraging Areas in Coastal NH***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday March13, 2019 7:30 pm Program - Identification of Common Tern Foraging Areas in Coastal NH Jessica Carloni, Waterfowl Biologist for theNH Fish and Game Department, will discuss her research for a Master's Degree inWildlife and Conservation Biology at UNH in which she tracked Common Ternsnesting on Seavey Island at the Isles of Shoals to identify their importantforaging areas. All are welcome to attend our WednesdayMarch 13, 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 at7:00 PM. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45PM. For more information see our website at http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs . Cancellations will beannounced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group. Make any donation to the Seacoast Chapterin the tin on the food table and pick up a NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter stickeras a thank you! Al Stewart, Jr.
Date: 3/12/19 2:13 pm From: Carol Foss <cfoss...> Subject: [NHBirds] Beginner Bird Banding Course April 22 – 28, 2019
The Harris Center for Conservation Education will host a Spring Beginner Bird Banding course in Hancock, NH. Taught by Master Bander Dr. Patricia Wohner, this course will provide birders and wildlife biologists with basic bird capturing and handling skills, including safe operation of mist nets, extraction methods from mist nets, in-hand ageing and sexing techniques, and data scoring and recording using MAPS protocol and forms. Target netting skills may also be taught depending on interest. Each day will include a morning practical on mist netting and banding and an afternoon class session at the Harris Center.
Email <pjwohner...><mailto:<pjwohner...> or call 423-999-9019 with any questions or to register. In the registration email, please include your name, address, and a phone number where you can be reached.
Cost including lunch is $975/ person. A $150 non-refundable down payment is required to hold a spot in the class. Course is limited to 7 participants! Payment can be made by check payable to Patricia Wohner. Send checks to Patricia Wohner c/o Carol Foss, New Hampshire Audubon, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301
Posted with permission of the moderator.
Carol R. Foss, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor for Science and Policy
Audubon Society of New Hampshire
84 Silk Farm Road
Concord, NH 03301
Had a single grackle at Wildcat Falls in Merrimack. There are probably others in the wetlands along the Souhegan; I tend to hear them behind Buckley's cafe before anywhere else in town, haven't had a chance to check though.-Molly JacobsonMerrimack
Date: 3/12/19 6:31 am From: 'Molly Jacobson' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Turkey vultures
Saw two turkey vultures flying very low over Beaver Brook in Hollis yesterday, and another two on Saturday over the Mass Pike. A sign of spring perhaps? Hopefully some open water soon will bring a few ducks! Last year the red-winged blackbirds returned mid-February and I was getting ring-necked ducks on Horseshoe Pond too. Still haven't seen a blackbird yet this year.-Molly JacobsonMerrimack(on spring break)
Date: 3/12/19 4:44 am From: Hale, Stephen <Steve.Hale...> Subject: [NHBirds] North River Lake adult Bald Eagles (2)
This morning on North River Lake: Two full adult Bald Eagles scavenging a deer carcass. One (female) notably larger than the other (male). Female ate first while the smaller Male waited. Female had no visible bands. Male had bands ... silver USFWS (left) and red (unreadable) right.
Steve Hale
Open World Explorers
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8, an AT&T 5G Evolution smartphone
Date: 3/11/19 8:47 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Eagles Arriving, Goshawk and Lesser Kestrels Visit the Farm
Relentless blue skies have made for hard hawk watching, but there’s now a
steady stream of Short-toed Eagles migrating over the farm, as well as the
first Booted Eagles, which will become very numerous in the next two weeks.
The big surprise yesterday was a flock of six Lesser Kestrels circling over
the house at mid-day. Although they nest in Los Barrios in nest boxes
placed on the cathedral and on apartment buildings, this daintier version
of the Eurasian Kestrel is rarely seen on the farm.
Lesser Kestrels have the peculiar habit of migrating in same-species
flocks, which helps with identification. Another raptor, the Levant
Sparrowhawk, also migrates “gregariously”, helpful in distinguishing that
more-eastern species from the Sparrow Hawk in places like Istanbul.
Probably the rarest bird recently was a male second-winter Goshawk that we
first spotted in January when a flock of Cattle Egrets exploded out of the
pasture and this big accipiter flew past us. Without binoculars at the time
we were unsure what it was. Then we found a pile of egret feathers in a
wooded copse near the manor house and then had several more sightings
around the gardens and wooded areas - a good spot from which to foray out
after those pesky egrets, which are currently everywhere. The egrets will
soon depart to form nesting colonies over by La Janda. The Goshawk, only
the second one I’ve seen here in nineteen years, probably will retreat to
more heavily wooded areas to seek a mate and nest.
Date: 3/11/19 7:10 pm From: Jennifer Frost -Dunbarton <jennfrost67...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagles,Redpolls,Barred Owl
I saw a pair of mature Bald Eagles flying near Horseshoe pond in Concord today.
12 Common Redpolls have been at my feeder in Dunbarton, eating hulled sunflower seeds in the feeder & on the ground. They are also using the heated bird bath side by side with the Goldfinches.
There was a Barred Owl in a tree near my garage again Sunday, napping for hours. Our yard has had a nesting pair here the past 2 yrs with 3 babies each time. I am looking forward to more babies this summer with their interesting hissing calls. Jennifer, Dunbarton
Date: 3/11/19 5:17 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 11, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 11th, 2019.
A SNOWY OWL was seen on the coast on March 9th.
An immature GOLDEN EAGLE was photographed in Dover near the Maine state line on March 6th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in South Sutton on March 10th, 1 was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester on the 9th, and 1 was seen in Croydon on the 4th.
A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen on the Androscoggin River in
Errol, and was last reported on March 7th. A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE continues to be seen off of Pulpit Rocks in Rye, and was last reported on March 9th
4 REDHEADS were seen at Osprey Cove on Great Bay in Greenland on March 9th.
A male GREEN-WINGED TEAL was seen on the Androscoggin River in Gorham on
March 6th. This is an unusually far north occurrence in winter.
An ICELAND GULL was seen on the coast on March 9th. A GLAUCOUS GULL continues to be seen in Seabrook at Hampton Harbor and was last reported on the 9th.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, a GLAUCOUS GULL, and 4 ICELAND GULLS were seen at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on March 8th. The treatment plant is gated and the hours of operation are 7:30-3:00 on weekdays. If you visit, please 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 mixed flock of over 30 birds consisting mainly of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS with a few CEDAR WAXWINGS was seen near Church Landing in Meredith on March 9th. 2 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen in Hanover on the 9th.
3 PINE GROSBEAKS were seen along Wolf Road in Amherst, and 2 were seen along Morgan Drive in Lebanon, all on March 9th
A flock of 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen in East Kingston on March 8th, and a flock of 26 was seen in Ellsworth on the 10th.
There were a few COMMON REDPOLLS reported from scattered locations during the past week.
2 FISH CROWS were reported from Hampton on March 9th.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen again in East Kingston on March 8th.
11 SNOW BUNTINGS were seen in Seabrook on March 9th, and 8 were seen in Northfield on the 8th.
A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen in Bedford, a MERLIN was seen on the coast, and an AMERICAN KESTREL was seen along Lee Hook Road in Lee, all on March 9th.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen in Orford on March 8th, and 1 was seen in Milford on the 5th. A NORTHERN HARRIER was seen in Seabrook on the 9th.
An EASTERN SCREECH-OWL was photographed in Hollis on March 7th.
43 TURKEY VULTURES were seen roosting in Exeter on March 9th.
3 BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen near Little Cherry Pond at the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on March 9th.
Small numbers of returning COMMON GRACKLES and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were reported during the past week.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and NORTHERN FLICKER.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at: <birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Date: 3/11/19 8:33 am From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Mascoma Chapter Field Trip: Saturday, March 23
Sitting, looking out the kitchen window at the snow-covered fields, it is
hard to believe we're talking about spring migration, but we know it will
happen regardless of current conditions.
Please join members of the Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee as we take a
tour along the Connecticut River's Vermont side in search of migratory
waterfowl and early arriving spring songbirds.
The outing is to begin at 8:00 a.m. Meet in Dartmouth’s new, Lewiston
parking lot adjacent to the Norwich end of the Ledyard Bridge to form car
pools.
We'll first check out Norwich’s, riverside Foley Park adjacent to the
Ledyard Bridge. From there we’ll head north searching the river and its
adjacent inlets, fields and woods for avian activity. Likely stopping spots
include “Pompy Flats,” Kendall Station Road and Campbell Flats
The event is free and open to the public. All experience levels are
welcome.
Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope as you prefer. Walking conditions
are level traveling over mostly paved surfaces.
In the event the river is frozen over to the north, we'll head south
searching the open waters at White River Junction and farther downstream.
Date: 3/11/19 2:38 am From: evyn <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Northern Shrike - South Sutton
cool, but you need to add location.
On Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 11:30:21 AM UTC-4, Cindy House wrote: > > A Northern Shrike made an all-to-brief appearance in the backyard this > morning. We're hoping for its return ... other birds at the feeders, not so > much. > > Cindy House > Eric Derleth >
Date: 3/10/19 6:24 pm From: Jim Kegley <jimkegley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Nashaway Audubon program and field trip
Monthly Program at Nashua Library Meeting Room: Tuesday March 12, 2019: 7 pm Trinidad and Tobago - A Birder's Trip
Becky Suomala (NH Audubon Senior Biologist) and Bob Quinn (NH Audubon volunteer and owner of Merlin Wildlife Tours and Merlin Enterprises) will present a travelogue about these tropical islands. This will include their trips to the Asa Wright Nature Center of Trinidad. Unique bird sightings include Scarlet Ibis, Oilbird, Motmot, Honey Gripper, Tanager, and hummingbirds all quite unlike our summer residents.
Saturday Mar 23, 2019, 7:00 AM to 3:30 pm, Field Trip to NH Coast
From Odiorne Point to Hampton Beach State Park, we will be looking for seabirds along the NH coast (e.g. Loons, Grebes, Seaducks, Alcids, and Gannets). Bring your scope if you have one and pack a lunch. 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 to meet at Odiorne Point.
Date: 3/10/19 8:30 am From: Cindy House <cjhouse...> Subject: [NHBirds] Northern Shrike - South Sutton
A Northern Shrike made an all-to-brief appearance in the backyard this morning. We're hoping for its return ... other birds at the feeders, not so much.
Date: 3/10/19 6:42 am From: Jane Hills <jhbird...> Subject: [NHBirds] Barred Owl in Epping
On Saturday while driving near Exit 7 of Route 101 West, Sylvia Hartmann and I observed a Barred Owl perched low in a tree immediately beside the highway. After reading postings about the abundance of these owls in odd places (and the probable reasons for that), this isn't surprising, but it was amazing to see the bird at this location.
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: 3/10/19 6:41 am From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] Looking at pics from almost two weeks before...is this a Golden or Immature Eagle?
Looking at eagle pics from just shy of two weeks before I saw the Golden Eagle on the Dover NH/South Berwick Maine line I got this which I thought was an Immature Bald sitting in a tree, same area, but now looking at it coloring and tail I am not sure, could this be the Golden Eagle as well?
Date: 3/10/19 4:47 am From: evyn <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 4, 2019
On Monday, March 4, 2019 at 8:05:07 PM UTC-5, mrsuomala wrote:
>
> This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 4th,
> 2019.
>
>
>
> A SNOWY OWL was seen at Massacre Marsh in Rye on February 28th.
>
>
>
> A BLACK VULTURE was seen in Westmoreland on March 1st.
>
>
>
> A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on West Portsmouth Street in Concord on March
> 2nd.
>
>
>
> An ICELAND GULL was seen in coastal Rye on March 2nd, and a GLAUCOUS GULL
> continues to be seen at Hampton Harbor and was last reported on the 3rd.
>
>
>
> A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, a GLAUCOUS GULL, and 3 ICELAND GULLS were seen
> at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on March 1st. The treatment
> plant is gated and the hours of operation are 7:30-3:00 on weekdays. If
> you
> visit, please 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 was seen with a flock of CANADA GEESE in Portsmouth on March
> 2nd, and a SNOW GOOSE was seen with a flock of CANADA GEESE in Greenland
> on
> the 3rd. 2 BRANT were seen off the coast in Rye on March 1st.
>
>
>
> 2 BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were seen north of Stark Landing on the Merrimack
> River in Manchester on March 2nd, and 1 was seen at Adam’s Point in Durham
> on March 1st. A CANVASBACK was seen on Great Bay on March 3rd.
>
>
>
> A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at Adam’s Point in Durham, and 1 was seen on
> Little Bay in Durham, both on March 1st. 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS were seen off
> the coast of Rye on February 27th.
>
>
>
> A RAZORBILL was seen in Portsmouth Harbor, and 3 LESSER SCAUP were seen in
> Rye Harbor, all on March 3rd.
>
>
>
> A flock of 9 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen in Newport on March 3rd, a flock of
> 10
> was seen in Walpole on March 2nd, a flock of 6 was seen in West Lebanon on
> March 3rd, and a flock of 12 was seen in Plymouth on February 24th.
>
>
>
> A flock of 67 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen in Jefferson on March 2nd, a flock
> of
> 40 was seen in Twin Mountain on the 3rd, a flock of 13 was seen in Concord
> on the 2nd, a flock of 10 was seen in Henniker on February 27th, and there
> were small numbers reported from scattered locations during the past week.
>
>
>
> A flock of 61 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was reported from Hanover on March 2nd,
> and
> 3 were seen in a flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS in West Lebanon on March 3rd.
>
>
>
> A flock of 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen in Grantham on March 3rd, a flock
> of 11 was seen in Jaffrey on the 3rd, and a flock of 42 was seen in
> Jefferson on the 4th.
>
>
>
> 4 FISH CROWS were reported from Bicentennial Park in Hampton on March 3rd.
>
>
>
> A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen again in East Kingston on March 2nd.
>
The yellow-rumped warbler is being seen in Kingston, not East Kingston. He
(she) is here every day and continues.
>
>
>
> 15 TURKEY VULTURES were seen roosting at the Front Street cemetery in
> Exeter
> on March 3rd.
>
>
>
> A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen in Rochester on March 1st.
>
>
>
> A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen in Newton on February 27th, 1 was seen in
> Chatham on March 2nd, and 1 was seen in Newport on March 3rd.
>
>
>
> A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen at the Pondicherry National Wildlife
> Refuge in Whitefield on March 4th, and 1 was seen at the Pondicherry
> National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on March 2nd.
>
>
>
> Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included:
> RED-WINGED
> BLACKBIRD, WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, TURKEY VULTURE, RED-SHOULDERED
> HAWK,
> YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, GRAY CATBIRD, and CHIPPING
> 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:
> <bird......> <javascript:>. 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.
>
>
Date: 3/9/19 1:49 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black-backed Woodpeckers at Pondicherry in Jefferson
Saw three adult Black-backed Woodpeckers at Pondicherry on Saturday morning. A pair was along the far end of the Mooseway Trail about 0.2 miles from the junction with the Little Cherry Pond Trail on a knoll working on some dead spruce. Photos on eBird. A third was drumming in a dead spruce at the south edge of Little Cherry Pond. Also had a hairy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, two brown creepers, two red-breasted nuthatches, three black-capped chickadees, and a ruffed grouse that exploded out of a snow cave along the Mooseway Trail. A few red squirrels and what appeared at first to be a small polar bear turned out to be a beautiful Samoyed dog named Carter.
Trail and weather conditions for woodpeckering were perfect. Blue sky, crisp air, and a slight breeze made it the best day of the winter for me so far. I kept my snowshoes off on the packed trails and listened for the tapping of woodpeckers every two hundred feet in suitable habitat.
Date: 3/9/19 9:11 am From: Gail Coffey <gcoffeywriter...> Subject: [NHBirds] Redpoll and Red-winged Blackbirds-Wilton
We had our first Common Redpoll in four years. One solitary male who stayed for 10 minutes eating sunflower seeds and then flew off and never returned.
Two Red-winged Blackbirds-FOY- appeared at our feeders this morning.
Date: 3/9/19 9:08 am From: Ken Klapper <kklapper...> Subject: [NHBirds] Meredith waxwings
I ventured out to Meredith yesterday and caught up with a flock of mostly Bohemians (25-30 or more - hard to tell) mixed with a few Cedars, at the Lakehouse (Church Landing). Bob Ridgely said he had seen them down the road at Mills Falls two days earlier.
Date: 3/9/19 5:44 am From: Ned Beecher <ned.beecher...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bird Camp 2019 - No. Chatham NH, May 16 - 19
*Peak Bird Migration Weekend in wild No. Chatham, NH: May 16 - 19, 2019* Join Tin Mountain Bird Society and AMC's Cold River Camp for a long weekend of birding during peak migration in the wild & varied habitats of No. Chatham, NH and surrounding eastern White Mountains habitats - subalpine, boreal, riverine, wetlands, farms. Starts with Thursday evening dinner & ends after Sunday breakfast. Includes scheduled outings & evening programs in an informal and comfortable atmosphere. You'll get a rustic cabin with fireplace or stove, hot showers, & use of all Camp facilities. Just $89 / night for lodging & all meals. Come for 2 or 3 nights. All ages & experience levels welcome. We had 90+ species at the last Bird Camp in 2017. Details & registration: https://www.amccoldrivercamp.org/Pages/BirdCamp.html. ------
Date: 3/9/19 3:54 am From: Christine Sheridan <cmsbirds...> Subject: Fwd: [NHBirds] ACT FAST Crow Patrol Outings to see the Winter Crow Roost in Lawrence MA
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Christine Sheridan <cmsbirds...>
Date: Sat, Mar 9, 2019 at 4:23 AM
Subject: Re: [NHBirds] ACT FAST Crow Patrol Outings to see the Winter Crow
Roost in Lawrence MA
To: <jeannemariemaher...>
I’ve seen hundreds, maybe thousands gather in the area just below the falls
at the Fishways/Eversource complex. I’d been looking at the river for ducks
and went to turn around at the end of N. Commercial St. when they started
to fly in.
I’ve got a bunch of photos somewhere. This was several years ago.
Bathing, conversing, squabbling, eating, roosting—a noisy group! And quite
a spectacle!
Chris Sheridan
On Fri, Mar 8, 2019 at 10:14 PM JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> wrote:
> Hi Geoff
> A week ago I was at an evening meeting at Catholic Medical Center on the
> top floor, looking out to the west. As twilight fell there was a massive
> number (Would guess easily 1000’s) swirling around local church top and
> chimneys. This continued for some time, and was a truly stunning sight in
> the almost dark sky. I lost track as I had a presentation to do, then
> when it was over no sight of these crows. Clearly there is an very large
> crow population along the Merrimack River in Manchester. No idea where
> they settled, but I have seen hundreds in the past settle just north of
> Bridge street along route 3 but never in these numbers.
>
> Jeanne-Marie Maher
> Nashua/Jackson NH
>
> > On Mar 8, 2019, at 9:26 PM, 'Geoff Niswander' via NHBirds <
> <nhbirds...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dana
> > Yesterday afternoon, Thursday 3-7 to be exact, at around 4:45, I was
> driving South on 93/293 from Bow down through Manchester, to Litchfield.
> Then back again shortly after. While traveling South, and just South of the
> Hooksett tollbooth, there were dozens of crows crossing over 93, coming
> from the area of the Merrimack river, going toward the West. I was counting
> best I could, 30-35 visible at any given time, in this ongoing stream of
> crows. I sighted them first from 150ish yards, after passing them by equal
> numbers were showing up from the East as they continued West.
> > Then further down, more crows. Again, crossing 293 this time, near the
> 93-Exit 10 split, Crossing over 293, and flying West. In the same streaming
> as noted above. And further down, more again. When I came back north, 45
> minutes later, all were gone apparently, except for the first spot I noted,
> where there was still this ongoing stream of crows, crossing 93 close to
> the tollbooth. Dozens of crows at a time visible above as I passsed by
> underneath. I was getting the impression this river of crows was going the
> entire time, between when I was driving South, to when I came back.
> > This isn’t the first or second time I’ve seen this crow-thing going on
> in the late afternoon, between Hooksett and Manchester. Sometimes I see
> them flying South along the river in Manchester, and I’ve seen hundreds
> (maybe even 1000 or more) in the trees along side 293, and/or the river, in
> Manchester. This, late afternoon, almost dark even, in the area of the
> Amoskeag bridge exit, and immediately South of it. Not long ago, in the
> fading twilight, I estimated several hundred, maybe 1000, crows in the
> trees in this spot, along both sides of 293 and the river itself, while
> another estimated 250 were in flight above my car. I can’t be the only
> person up this way to be noting these numbers of crows in the Manchester
> area.
> >
> > I am no expert, but I’d guess that most of the time, it doesn’t seem
> like the crows I see could possibly get to Lawrence before full darkness
> sets in. It’s another 25 miles or so South. At other times, like yesterday,
> it doesn’t seem like they’re heading to Lawrence at all. Instead they
> vanish while heading west, on the North side of Manchester, or even further
> up in Hooksett. I keep wondering if there could be a smaller roost area up
> in this area. It would be interesting to try and figure out a way to try
> and track these crows, and see how (if) they correlate to the roost site in
> Lawrence. One thing is, it doesn’t seem like they do this every day. So I
> wonder, do the crows keep flying in to the roost there, in Lawrence, even
> after dark? I was going to jot all this down in an email, but I can’t
> figure out how to find your address here.
> > -Geoff N.
> > Hillsborough, 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 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.
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
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> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>
Date: 3/8/19 7:14 pm From: JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] ACT FAST Crow Patrol Outings to see the Winter Crow Roost in Lawrence MA
Hi Geoff
A week ago I was at an evening meeting at Catholic Medical Center on the top floor, looking out to the west. As twilight fell there was a massive number (Would guess easily 1000’s) swirling around local church top and chimneys. This continued for some time, and was a truly stunning sight in the almost dark sky. I lost track as I had a presentation to do, then when it was over no sight of these crows. Clearly there is an very large crow population along the Merrimack River in Manchester. No idea where they settled, but I have seen hundreds in the past settle just north of Bridge street along route 3 but never in these numbers.
Jeanne-Marie Maher
Nashua/Jackson NH
> On Mar 8, 2019, at 9:26 PM, 'Geoff Niswander' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> Hi Dana
> Yesterday afternoon, Thursday 3-7 to be exact, at around 4:45, I was driving South on 93/293 from Bow down through Manchester, to Litchfield. Then back again shortly after. While traveling South, and just South of the Hooksett tollbooth, there were dozens of crows crossing over 93, coming from the area of the Merrimack river, going toward the West. I was counting best I could, 30-35 visible at any given time, in this ongoing stream of crows. I sighted them first from 150ish yards, after passing them by equal numbers were showing up from the East as they continued West.
> Then further down, more crows. Again, crossing 293 this time, near the 93-Exit 10 split, Crossing over 293, and flying West. In the same streaming as noted above. And further down, more again. When I came back north, 45 minutes later, all were gone apparently, except for the first spot I noted, where there was still this ongoing stream of crows, crossing 93 close to the tollbooth. Dozens of crows at a time visible above as I passsed by underneath. I was getting the impression this river of crows was going the entire time, between when I was driving South, to when I came back.
> This isn’t the first or second time I’ve seen this crow-thing going on in the late afternoon, between Hooksett and Manchester. Sometimes I see them flying South along the river in Manchester, and I’ve seen hundreds (maybe even 1000 or more) in the trees along side 293, and/or the river, in Manchester. This, late afternoon, almost dark even, in the area of the Amoskeag bridge exit, and immediately South of it. Not long ago, in the fading twilight, I estimated several hundred, maybe 1000, crows in the trees in this spot, along both sides of 293 and the river itself, while another estimated 250 were in flight above my car. I can’t be the only person up this way to be noting these numbers of crows in the Manchester area.
>
> I am no expert, but I’d guess that most of the time, it doesn’t seem like the crows I see could possibly get to Lawrence before full darkness sets in. It’s another 25 miles or so South. At other times, like yesterday, it doesn’t seem like they’re heading to Lawrence at all. Instead they vanish while heading west, on the North side of Manchester, or even further up in Hooksett. I keep wondering if there could be a smaller roost area up in this area. It would be interesting to try and figure out a way to try and track these crows, and see how (if) they correlate to the roost site in Lawrence. One thing is, it doesn’t seem like they do this every day. So I wonder, do the crows keep flying in to the roost there, in Lawrence, even after dark? I was going to jot all this down in an email, but I can’t figure out how to find your address here.
> -Geoff N.
> Hillsborough, 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 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: 3/8/19 6:26 pm From: 'Geoff Niswander' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] ACT FAST Crow Patrol Outings to see the Winter Crow Roost in Lawrence MA
Hi Dana
Yesterday afternoon, Thursday 3-7 to be exact, at around 4:45, I was driving South on 93/293 from Bow down through Manchester, to Litchfield. Then back again shortly after. While traveling South, and just South of the Hooksett tollbooth, there were dozens of crows crossing over 93, coming from the area of the Merrimack river, going toward the West. I was counting best I could, 30-35 visible at any given time, in this ongoing stream of crows. I sighted them first from 150ish yards, after passing them by equal numbers were showing up from the East as they continued West.
Then further down, more crows. Again, crossing 293 this time, near the 93-Exit 10 split, Crossing over 293, and flying West. In the same streaming as noted above. And further down, more again. When I came back north, 45 minutes later, all were gone apparently, except for the first spot I noted, where there was still this ongoing stream of crows, crossing 93 close to the tollbooth. Dozens of crows at a time visible above as I passsed by underneath. I was getting the impression this river of crows was going the entire time, between when I was driving South, to when I came back.
This isn’t the first or second time I’ve seen this crow-thing going on in the late afternoon, between Hooksett and Manchester. Sometimes I see them flying South along the river in Manchester, and I’ve seen hundreds (maybe even 1000 or more) in the trees along side 293, and/or the river, in Manchester. This, late afternoon, almost dark even, in the area of the Amoskeag bridge exit, and immediately South of it. Not long ago, in the fading twilight, I estimated several hundred, maybe 1000, crows in the trees in this spot, along both sides of 293 and the river itself, while another estimated 250 were in flight above my car. I can’t be the only person up this way to be noting these numbers of crows in the Manchester area.
I am no expert, but I’d guess that most of the time, it doesn’t seem like the crows I see could possibly get to Lawrence before full darkness sets in. It’s another 25 miles or so South. At other times, like yesterday, it doesn’t seem like they’re heading to Lawrence at all. Instead they vanish while heading west, on the North side of Manchester, or even further up in Hooksett. I keep wondering if there could be a smaller roost area up in this area. It would be interesting to try and figure out a way to try and track these crows, and see how (if) they correlate to the roost site in Lawrence. One thing is, it doesn’t seem like they do this every day. So I wonder, do the crows keep flying in to the roost there, in Lawrence, even after dark? I was going to jot all this down in an email, but I can’t figure out how to find your address here.
-Geoff N.
Hillsborough, NH
Date: 3/8/19 7:11 am From: raqbirds via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] calling Barred Owls
In addition to the songs of resident birds (cardinals, chickadees, etc.) the Barred Owls at my house have started hooting both day and night. Plus, one has been seen in the yard during the day.
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 3/7/19 8:55 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] What to do with an Injured Bird - New Hampshire Bird Records Fall 2017
"Kevin" the Sandhill Crane that spent the Winter of 2017-18 in Rochester NH, had a leg injury at one point. Although he recovered on his own and survived the winter, his story helps us learn what's best to do for injured birds. Read about "Kevin" and how to handle an injured bird in the Fall 2017 issue of New Hampshire Bird Records, now on the website:
http://nhbirdrecords.org/our-journal-new-hampshire-bird-records/current-issue-of-nh-bird-records/
Also in this issue, the Fall 2017 season of bird reports, the Photo Quiz, and these articles:
Fall 2017 New Hampshire Raptor Migration Report by Iain MacLeod
Western Wood-Pewee on Star Island! by Greg Tillman
Common Shelduck in New Hampshire by Ben Griffith
Field Notes compiled by Kathryn Frieden
Return of the Leucistic Chipping Sparrow by Dylan Jackson
One Bird Leads to Another - Birding by Behavior by Susan Wrisley
Peregrine Attack!
Wood Duck Who Thinks He's a Mallard by Kathryn Frieden
Hermit Thrush Nests Two Feet Apart! by Phil Brown
Dark-eyed Junco with Wing Bars
Pondicherry Experiences Bombogenesis by Kathryn Frieden
Construction at the Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant by Kathryn Frieden
Field Trip Report
Alice Bemis Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary Big Sit by Phil Brown
Antioch Bird Club's First Annual Fall Birdathon a Success by Chad Witko
Seabirds, Whales, and Ales! by Phil Brown
Where Were All the Birds? by Pam Hunt
Dublin Birding Areas by Tom Warren
Volunteers and Research - You Can Help Advance Science by Reporting Bird Bands by Kathryn Frieden
Date: 3/7/19 5:30 am From: Cliff Otto <bye.bye.nh.birdy...> Subject: [NHBirds] OT: A thermodynamic answer to why birds migrate
This is an article from Quanta magazine on-line suggesting that birds migrate "to strike a favorable balance between their input and output of energy." Some may find it interesting.
Date: 3/7/19 5:04 am From: Mascoma Chapter NH Audubon <mascomabirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Exploring Tools for Citizen Science
The Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon is to host a "Winter Nature Series Talk"
at Hanover's Howe Library this coming Tuesday, March 12 beginning at 7:00
p.m.
There have never been more programs available for people to engage in
"citizen science." In the Upper Valley there are Vermont eBird and New
Hampshire eBird as well as iNaturalist. These tools not only help you track
your own sightings but put a wealth of useful and interesting data at your
fingertips.
Exploring and understanding all these programs have to offer, can be
somewhat daunting, but Vermont Center for Ecostudies "Citizen Science
Outreach Naturalist" Nathan Sharp is more than capable of helping
interested users navigate their way.
Nathan will provide an introduction to both the eBird and iNaturalist
portals showing how to enter data into both websites. He'll also discuss
the myriad uses of eBird and iNaturalist, ranging from tracking the
migratory patterns of birds, to pinning down locations for hard to find
species, to viewing phenological changes throughout the year.
Whether just starting out or experienced users looking to maximize the
range of information available to them, attendees are sure to find Nathan's
talk both informative and entertaining.
Date: 3/7/19 4:28 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [NHBirds] Crow Patrol March 6, 2019
Crow Patrol Wednesday March 6th -
Temp 24 degrees, wind 10 mph out of the west, sunset at 5:38 pm.
Last night Bob and I went out on Crow Patrol about 4:45 pm and drove by the Riverside State Park seeing just a couple of crows. We checked in at the boathouse - again no birds so on to Industrial Way. A few crows were streaming in from the south on the west side of the New Balance Distribution Building. On to the Affinity parking lot - more were gathered along the river and in the trees to the west. Back to Andover St. and into Andover Place where beyond the initial buildings, crows were beginning to gather, many were on the ground in the swampy areas on both the left and the right. A few on roof tops and in the trees - 2,500 birds.
Craig Gibson had passed through minutes before and said and had none further west. Back to the Riverside State Park where Craig said birds were being seen. A few visitors were watching with him. Hundreds of Crows in waves were starting to move in from the west over the northern hill side - not over the river as the night before. Some started to come from the east over the land too. You could see them perched in the tallest trees on the far hillside but none by the river - in stark contrast to the night before.
We stayed the longest and watched them eventually sliding eastward along the far tree tops. By 6:15 we left to try and find where they had settled but it was probably too late to do this as it was getting dark by then. We went north on Rt. 28 and then cut west as if to go to the cemeteries and then turned south at the rotary near the cemetery and despite driving all around and eventually driving down Ames St. to Water St. - we saw no roosting crows. They had outwitted us again!!
Bob counted about 12,000 crows but many could have come in from the north and not been visible to us . Why they suddenly do something new is still a great mystery. Possibly, this is why we return again and again to see what new excitement they will evoke another night and hoping we may someday figure out why they do what they do!!!
We will be on Patrol tonight Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Please come very soon if you wish to see the show this year as they soon will be staying on their nesting territory or heading far north to establish one.
Wow, what a find! I came across the bridge from South Berwick into Rollinsford about 8 this morning and caught a glimpse of an eagle, which sure didn't look like a Bald. I was too far away to draw a conclusion, but maybe Deb's bird was in the region all day.
Kurk Dorsey
Durham
________________________________
From: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...> on behalf of DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...>
Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 5:14 PM
To: nhbirds
Subject: [NHBirds] immature golden eagle!!!!!!!!
I am beyond excited to say I photographed an immature golden eagle on the Dover NH/South Berwick Maine boarder this afternoon. I stopped because I saw an immature bald eagle circling with a mature balded eagle, then another immature showed up, one quick look and I knew it was not a bald. I enjoyed what seemed like 5 minutes of thrills as all three flew with each other, never showing any aggression. Right over my head! The two immature went way up high and flew off in the direction of the bay, the bald followed behind.
Date: 3/6/19 2:14 pm From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] immature golden eagle!!!!!!!!
I am beyond excited to say I photographed an immature golden eagle on the Dover NH/South Berwick Maine boarder this afternoon. I stopped because I saw an immature bald eagle circling with a mature balded eagle, then another immature showed up, one quick look and I knew it was not a bald. I enjoyed what seemed like 5 minutes of thrills as all three flew with each other, never showing any aggression. Right over my head! The two immature went way up high and flew off in the direction of the bay, the bald followed behind.
Date: 3/5/19 3:44 pm From: mmcormac <mmcormac...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] nature travels this summer in northern NH
Hello, Regarding June event:Cost? SIngle supplement?Meet at resort? Friday time?Itinerary? Other trip looks good as well. Unfortunately, dates do not work for me. Thank you, MarySent from my Verizon 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Date: 3/4/19 11:34 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: NHBirds Group <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] nature travels this summer in northern NH
Birders,
I’d
like to highlight two annual birding/nature travel opportunities I’ll be
leading this summer in northern NH. We will visit both well-known and
little-known birding hotspots in search of unusual or range-limited species,
warblers, nocturnal species, and boreal birds. We will focus on bird ID,
migration and life histories, learning bird songs, and birding by habitat. Both
experiences are suitable for both beginning and advanced birders. In addition,
these tours offer some great opportunities for bird photography, and the food
and lakeside accommodations are excellent.
Birdwatching Retreat Weekend at
Purity Spring Resort – June 21-23, 2019
The weekend will focus on the
amazing array of birds around Purity Spring Resort and other well-known and
little-known locations around the Mount Washington Valley. Upwards of 100
species of birds are possible, including some rare and local breeding species. This package birding weekend is
non-birding spouse-friendly and includes lodging, guide costs, presentations,
Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, and use of resort amenities.
Connecticut Lakes of Northern New
Hampshire – August 26-30, 2019
Five days of leisure AND birding in Pittsburg, NH and
surrounding locations in search of boreal birds, early migrants, and wild
natural places. Lodging at the scenic Glen Lodge on First Connecticut Lake.
Group size is limited, and these tours have filled in past
years, so please email me at <pbrownnature...>
for more information.
Date: 3/4/19 5:05 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, March 4, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, March 4th, 2019.
A SNOWY OWL was seen at Massacre Marsh in Rye on February 28th.
A BLACK VULTURE was seen in Westmoreland on March 1st.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on West Portsmouth Street in Concord on March
2nd.
An ICELAND GULL was seen in coastal Rye on March 2nd, and a GLAUCOUS GULL
continues to be seen at Hampton Harbor and was last reported on the 3rd.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, a GLAUCOUS GULL, and 3 ICELAND GULLS were seen
at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on March 1st. The treatment
plant is gated and the hours of operation are 7:30-3:00 on weekdays. If you
visit, please 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 was seen with a flock of CANADA GEESE in Portsmouth on March
2nd, and a SNOW GOOSE was seen with a flock of CANADA GEESE in Greenland on
the 3rd. 2 BRANT were seen off the coast in Rye on March 1st.
2 BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were seen north of Stark Landing on the Merrimack
River in Manchester on March 2nd, and 1 was seen at Adam’s Point in Durham
on March 1st. A CANVASBACK was seen on Great Bay on March 3rd.
A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at Adam’s Point in Durham, and 1 was seen on
Little Bay in Durham, both on March 1st. 2 NORTHERN PINTAILS were seen off
the coast of Rye on February 27th.
A RAZORBILL was seen in Portsmouth Harbor, and 3 LESSER SCAUP were seen in
Rye Harbor, all on March 3rd.
A flock of 9 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen in Newport on March 3rd, a flock of 10
was seen in Walpole on March 2nd, a flock of 6 was seen in West Lebanon on
March 3rd, and a flock of 12 was seen in Plymouth on February 24th.
A flock of 67 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen in Jefferson on March 2nd, a flock of
40 was seen in Twin Mountain on the 3rd, a flock of 13 was seen in Concord
on the 2nd, a flock of 10 was seen in Henniker on February 27th, and there
were small numbers reported from scattered locations during the past week.
A flock of 61 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was reported from Hanover on March 2nd, and
3 were seen in a flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS in West Lebanon on March 3rd.
A flock of 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS was seen in Grantham on March 3rd, a flock
of 11 was seen in Jaffrey on the 3rd, and a flock of 42 was seen in
Jefferson on the 4th.
4 FISH CROWS were reported from Bicentennial Park in Hampton on March 3rd.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen again in East Kingston on March 2nd.
15 TURKEY VULTURES were seen roosting at the Front Street cemetery in Exeter
on March 3rd.
A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen in Rochester on March 1st.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen in Newton on February 27th, 1 was seen in
Chatham on March 2nd, and 1 was seen in Newport on March 3rd.
A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen at the Pondicherry National Wildlife
Refuge in Whitefield on March 4th, and 1 was seen at the Pondicherry
National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson on March 2nd.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: RED-WINGED
BLACKBIRD, WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, TURKEY VULTURE, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK,
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, GRAY CATBIRD, and CHIPPING
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: 3/4/19 11:14 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black-backed Woodpecker at Pondicherry in Whitefield
Kathi and I skied to Cherry Pond on a snowy Monday morning. We only saw or heard one bird but it was a female Black-backed Woodpecker. The location was in a patch of dead balsam fir trees along the rail trail about 0.4 mils in from the Airport Road Trailhead. The rail trail here is on a high fill area where it drops down on both sides at a stream crossing. We also saw a white-tailed deer that crossed in front of us.
Back at home in Jefferson we had 42 Evening Grosbeaks and 28 Common Redpolls when we returned. We also had a Ruffed Grouse picking up spilled seed under the feeders.
Date: 3/4/19 8:35 am From: 'Phil Brown' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] nature travels this summer in northern NH
Birders,
I’dlike to highlight two annual birding/nature travel opportunities I’ll beleading this summer in northern NH. We will visit both well-known andlittle-known birding hotspots in search of unusual or range-limited species,warblers, nocturnal species, and boreal birds. We will focus on bird ID,migration and life histories, learning bird songs, and birding by habitat. Bothexperiences are suitable for both beginning and advanced birders. In addition,these tours offer some great opportunities for bird photography, and the foodand lakeside accommodations are excellent.
Birdwatching Retreat Weekend atPurity Spring Resort – June 21-23, 2019
The weekend will focus on theamazing array of birds around Purity Spring Resort and other well-known andlittle-known locations around the Mount Washington Valley. Upwards of 100species of birds are possible, including some rare and local breeding species. This package birding weekend isnon-birding spouse-friendly and includes lodging, guide costs, presentations,Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, and use of resort amenities.
Connecticut Lakes of Northern NewHampshire – August 26-30, 2019
Five days of leisure AND birding in Pittsburg, NH andsurrounding locations in search of boreal birds, early migrants, and wildnatural places. Lodging at the scenic Glen Lodge on First Connecticut Lake.
Group size is limited, and these tours have filled in pastyears, so please email me at <pbrownnature...> more information.
Date: 3/4/19 8:07 am From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Coast Field Trip (Redpolls, Fish Crows, and 2 owls (in MA))
Jane and I led our annual March field trip along the NH coast yesterday
for the Joppa Flats Education Center of the Massachusetts Audubon
Society. 8 birders joined us. We started at Joppa Flats, and after a
short Screech-owl stop, we drove directly up to Portsmouth (to avoid a
road race in Hampton) and worked our way south along the coast,
finishing briefly at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. In NH, we
stopped to bird at Fort Constitution and Great Island Common in New
Castle, Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, Pulpit Rocks pull-off in Rye,
Rye Harbor State Park and Rye harbor boat launch, North Hampton State
Beach, Bicentennial Park in Hampton, Church Street (water tower) parking
lot in Hampton, and Seabrook parking lot overlooking Hampton harbor in
Seabrook. We finished with a Snowy Owl at Salisbury Beach State
Reservation.
The weather was great, with sunny skies, seasonable temperatures, and
zero wind. But the residual waves from a storm the day before made for
challenging views of offshore sea ducks.
Total List - 40 species
----------------------------
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
LESSER SCAUP - 3 continue in Rye harbor from boat ramp. Two females and
a male.
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-necked Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
RAZORBILL - Relatively nice, close views of bird from Fort Constitution
parking lot in Portsmouth harbor. Kept diving a lot however!
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
GLAUCOUS GULL - Old reliable, "Glockenspiel" continues from Seabrook
bath house overlooking Hampton harbor.
Great Black-backed Gull
Red-throated Loon - 1 seen by Jane and a couple of others from Fort
Constitution. Scarce since December.
Common Loon - Lots. Including at least 14 from Pulpit Rocks in Rye.
Great Cormorant
Turkey Vulture - At least 2 or 3. One at Seacoast Science Center in Rye.
Bald Eagle - 3 for the day including one INCUBATING on nest in New
Castle, and 1 close flyover at Ragged Neck in Rye.
Red-tailed Hawk
EASTERN SCREECH-OWL - 1 beautiful red morph catching some morning rays
in Newburyport, MA to start the day.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemirick/47279886531/in/dateposted/ SNOWY OWL - 1 picturesque bird to finish the day in Salisbury, MA.
Peregrine Falcon - 1 immature bird perched on Hampton water tower.
American Crow
FISH CROW - 4 together at Bicentennial Park in Hampton. My first of the
year.
Common Raven - 1 distant bird soaring from Fort Constitution in New Castle.
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
House Sparrow
House Finch
COMMON REDPOLL - Beautiful views of 4 birds feeding in the grasses at
Bicentennial Park in Hampton in mid-afternoon.
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Zeke Cornell and I birded the coastal area yesterday. Overall things were quiet with similar species as have been present the past few weeks. There was a big swell on the ocean which made seabirding a challenge. We had no alcids. We also looked for the Canvasback found by Robbie Prieto at Great Bay Discovery Center without luck, although there were large numbers of distant Greater Scaup and Common Goldeneye feeding along the edge of the ice. We did have 5 Bald Eagles for the day and lots of Red-tailed Hawks. A few highlights below.
Newington Rd., Greenland
Snow Goose - 1 with a flock of Canadas in the fields by Great Bay Farm
Barred Owl - sitting in the sun on the edge of a field
Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles - only a small flock
Exeter
Turkey Vultures - 15 roosting in Front St. cemetery
Lesser Scaup - 18 at the WTP, numbers slowly building
NH coast
Red-throated Loon - 1 at Seal Rocks, Rye, they’ve been scarce for us lately
Scaup - 3 sleeping in Rye Harbor, not usually seen there
11 EVENING GROSBEAKS were present this afternoon, two singing CAROLINA WRENS in two locations, about 2 miles apart. 3 RAVENS in a croaking group flying over.
Also, in Lyndeborough NH just at sunrise this morning I heard an AMERICAN ROBIN singing.
This afternoon I drove to several areas, mostly in Newport, in search of birds (and any signs of spring). Not so many signs of a change in season, but I did find some interesting birds. It’s intriguing the difference a day makes. Yesterday, I scoured Sullivan County and couldn’t find one thing to write home about but thankfully today was a little better:
In the Sugar River along Sunapee Street in Newport there was a pair of COMMON MERGANSERS and a single Drake COMMON GOLDENEYE. The Mergansers are my first of the year in Sullivan County outside the CT River. The Goldeneye was my first of the year in the county in general.
Outside the Sullivan County Courthouse on Main Street in Newport there were 9 PINE GROSBEAKS feeding in a fruit tree. I was surprised to see them as I hadn’t seen any or read any reports about any in a few weeks now. Nearby amongst a big flock of starlings, there were also Cedar Waxwings and Robins. Some of the Robins were heard softly singing, so hey, that’s a sign of spring right?
In Wendell Marsh in Sunapee, three CANADA GEESE were seen out amongst a group of Mallards, Black Ducks and Hooded Mergansers. Canada Geese don’t overwinter in my area and these birds seem to be early returning migrants. I’ve been seeing them around for a couple weeks now, likely coaxed back into the area by one of the past “heat waves.”
The biggest surprise of the day came in the form of an immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK. It was perched in a tree in a mature pine forest along Corbin Road in Newport. The first perched bird I’ve since I believe 2012! Unfortunately, it didn’t stay put long enough for me to get my truck parked and attempt a photo. A great sighting nonetheless.
Date: 3/3/19 12:55 pm From: Samuel Lewis <samlewis100...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red-shouldered Hawk - Newfields
On route 85 where the railroad tracks go under the road. If you're going toward Rte.108 it will be on your left in a tree just after the tracks. Great looks!
Date: 3/3/19 9:59 am From: DEBRA M POWERS <dmp2ec...> Subject: [NHBirds] banded female mallard Gilman park exeter
I saw a banded female mallard today at Gilman park in Exeter, along with all the rest of the mallard which are feed by the women across the street. Of course the only shy one was this banded one. Not sure if there is enough for an ID or not?
Date: 3/2/19 1:27 pm From: russc376 <russc376...> Subject: [NHBirds] Is it Spring yet?
Got a double treat today birding the trail behind Ashuelot Park in Keene. About one half mile up the trail and past the small wood bridge I was greeted by both a gray catbird and a hermit thrush no more than 15 feet away from each other and about 20 feet from me. I watched the thrush for about 10 minutes perched in the understory before it flew off. A couple of hardy souls to be sticking around here this time of year. Russ ChretienKeeneSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Date: 3/2/19 12:14 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson
On Friday 1 March we had a high count of 67 Redpolls at our feeders in Jefferson. We have paper birch trees that they perch in and are easy to count. Our Evening Grosbeak count was 11, and that is the lowest number in a few weeks.
Birders reported seeing a Black-backed Woodpecker on the Little Cherry Pond Trail on Friday and a Barred Owl on the Mooseway Trail on Saturday, also at the Pondicherry NWR. I was birding in the Northeast Kingdom of VT on Saturday morning and we saw five black-backed woodpeckers including three on the same tree. Woodpeckers have started their territorial drumming making them easier to find. Snowshoes are needed if you leave the road because the snow is really deep.
Date: 2/28/19 7:20 pm From: Steve Bennett <sbennett999...> Subject: [NHBirds] A 5 Owl Species Day
On advise from some of her Facebook friends, Susan Wrisley and I decided to head up to Amherst Island in Canada for the wintering raptor show being reported there.
A 9 hour drive left us only a few hours of daylight to explore the island. Those 3 hours, however, were the 3 on my most productive birding hours ever!
Sighting included ...
20+ Red Tails, 12 in view at one time! A dozen+ Harriers, 4 Rough-legs, 2 Bald Eagles, 1 Saw-Whet owl, 1 Barred owl, 2 Great-horned owls, 5 Snowies, and ... 20+ Short-eared owls!
After watching an adult Eagle, only 50 feet away, chasing & catching voles running across the snow we saw a large kettle of birds rising from the field that turned out to be all Shorties leaving their daytime communial roost and dispersing across the field. It was a truly amazing spectacle.
Later we found them dispersed across the east side of island, it seemed like every other fence post had a Shortie teed-up.
Date: 2/28/19 2:11 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [NHBirds] Acadia Birding Festival (May 30-June 2) - REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1
I am posting this for Becky Marvil. Please contact her directly with
any questions.
Steve Mirick
NH Birds List Moderator
Bradford, MA
> *ACADIA BIRDING FESTVIAL*
>
> *Join the BIRDING fun!*
>
> *May 30 - June 2 (Thursday to Sunday)
> Mount Desert Island, Acadia Nat’l Park*
>
> * 60+ Field Trips /- with 40+ bird guides/
> * Boating Adventures - /including a Pelagic trip, Sat June 1/
> * Keynote Presentations - /Doug Hitchcox, Abby McBride, and Raymond
> VanBuskirk/
> * Birding Workshops
> * Socials
>
> Online Registration opens *_MARCH 1 at 10:00am_*.
>
> To learn more about the festival, click here to watch our video video:
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxNl4QFvrlM&feature=youtu.be >
> Come for a partial day or all four days. Click here to view our
> schedule of events:
>
> http://acadiabirdingfestival.com/schedule.php. For more information
> visit our website at http://acadiabirdingfestival.com >
> The Acadia Birding Festival is a non-profit organization designed to
> provide birding activities for everyone. Proceeds are gifted to local
> conservation and education organizations, especially those that help
> protect and teach about our birds and their habitats.
>
> Hope you can join us!
>
> Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact me at
> <beckym...>
> <mailto:<beckym...>.
>
> Happy Birding,
>
> Becky
>
> *Becky Marvil*, /Executive Director/
>
> *Acadia Birding Festival (May 3**0– June 2, 2019)
> *Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, ME
>
> 207-233-3694 (festival)
>
> <beckym...> <mailto:<beckym...> >
> www.acadiabirdingfestival.com <http://www.acadiabirdingfestival.com>
Date: 2/28/19 10:28 am From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] Kites, Eagles Arrive at the Farm as Andalusians Celebrate Bureaucracy and Kleptocracy; Caterpillar Perform a Procession
Today (Feb 28) was “Día de Andalusia” where Andalusians celebrate their
self-imposed bureaucracy and kleptocracy. It was in 1980 when a new
democracy was being formed. The Basques and the Catalans adamantly wanted
their own local government where they could be served in their own
language. The embryonic Federal Government caved in. The Andalusians, not
to be outdone, demanded the same thing. Soon 17 “states” were formed in a
country only three fourths the size of Texas, each with its own president,
vice-president, congress and hundreds of political advisors and
consultants. They’ve regretted it ever since, as scandal after scandal has
rocked these local governments, public payrolls became super-dimensioned
and taxes rose and services declined.
(I guess I shouldn’t throw stones - we have Rhode Island.)
The Black Kites and Short-tailed Eagles were not deterred, however, by
political considerations as the winds finally switched from East (Levante)
to West (Poniente) which sends the birds our way. The light winds produced
a few hundred Black Kites and the first Short-toed Eagles of the season,
one of which may have been the farm’s summer resident as it was quickly
busy hunting over the house and patio.
The skies were filled with Griffon Vultures, but for a reason other than
migration. A cow on the neighbor’s ranch had died and had been dragged out
for the vultures. Literally hundreds are attending the ceremonies and will
do so for the next day or so.
The other notable event began on Wednesday, when I noticed a circular mass
of the pine processionary caterpillars (*Thaumetopoea pityocampa*) under
our pine tree. Because their “hairs” are highly irritant, people dislike
them and destroy them when possible, but I find them fascinating. They are
famous for forming processions, with the head of one behind the rear of
another, with the procession always led by a female. They’ve spent the Fall
and Winter eating pine needles and are now off to burrow into the ground
and pupate. I think the “circle the wagons” formation I saw was to prepare
to spend the night together.
This morning about 10:30 AM I discovered them in a line, slowly marching
across a space of about fifteen feet over a heavily trafficked area to a
shrubby. area where they would be safe from detection. But would they get
there? After worrying and checking every hour or so, I finally found them
in another circle, just a foot away from safety. They were having a
planning season! Fifteen minutes later they were safely hidden away.
Why do I care? Well the pupae these caterpillars will turn into one of the
favorite foods of the Hoopoe, which is due to return from Africa within a
week or so. There’s nothing quite so cool as a Hoopoe on your lawn poking
its huge bill into the ground to dig up a processionary caterpillar pupae.
This is a reminder to please enter your winter sightings into NH eBird ( www.ebird.org/nh<http://www.ebird.org/nh> ) right away. The winter season runs from December 1 through February 28/29 and data should be entered by March 5th! That will ensure that it is incorporated into the dataset available for New Hampshire Bird Records and North American Birds. It's great to have everyone's sightings in the database for use by both publications.
Thanks!
The New Hampshire Bird Records Team
"New Hampshire Bird Records - your publication all about birds and birding in New Hampshire"
www.nhbirdrecords.org<http://www.nhbirdrecords.org>
Date: 2/26/19 5:25 pm From: 'Dan Hubbard' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] new Osprey nest platform at Strafford County Complex installed
The new Osprey nest platform was erected this am under frigid and blustery conditions. Thank you to Eversource who donated the pole installation via a hardy crew from JCR Construction Company, Inc. of Raymond. Also kudos to Richard Bickford who constructed a handsome platform with funds from Seacoast Audubon. Photos to record the event were taken by Alan Murray, Sam Stoddard, and Sue Bickford. Chris Martin of NH Audubon provided input on logistics. The project was approved by Strafford County Administrators and Commissioners.
Sue Bickford's attempt to record the proceedings with a drone was not possible because of the wind, but when weather permits, she will use the drone to record the final product. Sue will do a presentation on using drones for Natural Resources projects for the Seacoast Chapter's Oct. program. A video she took this morning will be shown at the program and also will be provided to Eversource and JCR.
The process was something to behold! Thanks to everyone who contributed. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Date: 2/26/19 9:48 am From: Evelyn Nathan <evynathan...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rumpelstiltskin still here
Just a follow-up, the little yellow rump continues here in Kingston. He’s here off and on daily from dawn until dusk. He can put down some mealworms!
Evy Nathan
Kingston
Thanks to birders who have shared photos and tips for birding locations. The latest additions are listed in the "What's New . . ." blog in the website.
This week I added sections to the website for other New England States: Connecticut Maine Massachusetts Rhode Island Vermont
Ken Ostermiller ebirdhotspots.com/birding-in-new-hampshire/
I gave a friend a ride down to Plymouth today. While I was waiting around for her I drove around to check some of the fruit trees in the area for feeding birds.On Russell Street I found a dozen female Pine Grosbeaks feeding on some fruit trees in the town library parking lot. At one point while I was photographing them I saw a Northern Mockingbird drop into a shrub across the street feeding on some other berries. Also while photographing the grosbeaks at one point a good sized flock of waxwings flew over and kept on going somewhere where I was not able to relocate them.Later I checked the trees down on Holderness Rd around the college buildings and found about 30 robins working the berries on several trees there. Duane Cross
Date: 2/24/19 4:41 pm From: Mark Suomala <mrsuomala...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, February 25, 2019
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, February 25th, 2019.
A SNOWY OWL was seen perched on a building adjacent to Hampton Beach State Park on February 23rd.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen in farm fields along South Road south of the elementary school in East Kingston on February 23rd, and 1 was seen at a private residence in Weare on the 19th.
A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen near Great Bay in Greenland on February 23rd.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen at the NH Audubon Thompson Wildlife Refuge in Sandwich on February 22nd, and a MERLIN was seen in Laconia on the 23rd.
A PEREGRINE FALCON and a NORTHERN HARRIER were seen near the coast in Hampton on February 23rd.
A first winter female DICKCISSEL was seen with a small flock of HOUSE SPARROWS in bushes at the intersection of Fair Street and Winnisquam Avenue in Laconia on February 23rd.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continues to be seen at Hampton Harbor and was last reported on February 23rd.
A GLAUCOUS GULL, and 5 ICELAND GULLS were seen at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on February 22nd. The treatment plant is gated and the hours of operation are 7:30-3:00 on weekdays. If you visit, please 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.
2 DOVEKIES, 39 COMMON MURRES, and 22 NORTHERN FULMARS were tallied in offshore water by birders on a boat cruise on February 23rd.
A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen near the Amoskeag Fishways, and 1 was seen near Stark Landing, both on the Merrimack River in Manchester on February 23rd.A BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen off of Pulpit Rocks in Rye on February 20th.
There were a few PURPLE SANDPIPERS, and GREAT CORMORANTS reported from the coast during the past week.
A flock of 7 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen in Lebanon on February 22nd.
A flock of 17 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen at the NH Audubon Thompson Wildlife Refuge on February 22nd, and a flock of 21 was seen in Hanover Center on the 24th.
A few BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past week,
A flock of 30 SNOW BUNTINGS was seen at Hampton Beach State Park on February 23rd, and a flock of 20 HORNED LARKS was seen in Walpole on the 23rd.
A YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen again in East Kingston on February 23rd.
4 FISH CROWS were reported from Great Pond in Kingston on February 20th.
Lingering migrant species reported during the past week included: RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, COMMON GRACKLE, WINTER WREN, HERMIT THRUSH, TURKEY VULTURE, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, NORTHERN FLICKER, GRAY CATBIRD, SAVANNAH SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED 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
Zeke Cornell and I birded southeast NH and the coast today. As already posted by Zeke, we had a beautiful, very white Snowy Owl at Hampton Beach State Park, on the roof of one of the adjacent houses. There was also a flock of 31 Snow Buntings. Although we found the expected winter waterfowl on the coast, numbers were low except for the continuing huge flock of Black Scoters and Common Edier at the mouth of Hampton Harbor. Here are some of the other highlights of the day.
Northern Shrike immature - South Road, East Kingston, in the farm fields south of the elementary school
Red-shouldered Hawk adult - Rt. 107/108, East Kingston by 14 Main St.
American Wigeon - 1 at Powwow Pond, Kingston with 10 Hooded Margansers, 6 Common Mergansers, and an assortment of Mallards, blacks, and Canada Geese
Chipping Sparrow - 1 on Giles Rd. at Rt. 108, Kingston and a Red-winged Blackbird
Black Guillemot - 1 at Concord Pt., Rye
Purple Sandpiper - 4 at Bicentennial Park, Hampton
Common Grackles - at least 100 at Great Bay Farm, Newington with 50+ Red-winged Blackbirds
Red-winged Blackbirds - 2 at Clair’s Landing at Lake Massabesic, Auburn
This morning at Pickering Ponds, there was a Hermit Thrush in a shrub next to the Cocheco River which was shortly joined by a catbird; 2 "half-hardies" in one bush. Two Golden-crowned Kinglets were nice also. Dan Hubbard, Rochester
Date: 2/23/19 1:26 pm From: 'Andrea' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Dickcissel, Bohemian Waxwing and Turkey Vulture
We took a drive around Laconia looking for birds.
Lots of open water in the river, so there were hundreds of Mallards, with some Black Ducks, Hooded and Common Mergansers, and some Common Goldeneyes.
We found a first winter female Dickcissel with a small flock of House Sparrows in bushes at the intersection of Fair St and Winnisquam Ave. They flew from there, across the river to Water Street.
And we saw one Bohemian Waxwing with about 7 Cedar Waxwings at the corner of River St and Arch St.
On the way home, we had a Turkey Vulture flew over us along Rt 107 in Gilmanton.
Pickering Ponds1545 today
One Turkey Vulture circling very high overthe dump piles, beyond workable lens distance.
It worked up and dow amongst the usual cloud of gulls and flewout of its gyre to the East.
Steve Lauermann
Date: 2/22/19 5:41 am From: Ken Klapper <kklapper...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sandwich raptors & redpolls
There was an adult goshawk at the NH Audubon Thompson Wildlife Refuge this morning, plus about 17 redpolls. The previous day, a Barred Owl was hanging around the area. Yesterday afternoon a sub-adult Bald Eagle flew north over the Bearcamp Rivet Drainage along Bearcamp Pond Rd.
