Through the Window: February 2021

Short-eared Owl woodcarving by Bob Spear.
Short-eared Owl woodcarving by Bob Spear.

Aside from about a gazillion redpolls (I’m sure that’s a technical measure), not too much unusual for winter birds at the Museum this month. Our list is below!

There have been quite a few sightings of other owls in the Champlain Basin, however! Did you see any? Did you observe a Short-eared Owl in the wild?

If you are observing an unusual species (or a common one, for that matter), remember to be gentle out there. Avoid stressing the bird (this usually means stay further back than you want, and quieter). Please abide by all property restrictions: some owners and managers have restrictions for visitors; other welcome birders.

Seen from our Windows in February

  • Black-capped chickadee
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Common Redpoll (OK, not a gazillion, but MP recorded 75 )
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Mourning Dove
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Blue Jay
  • Northern Cardinal

(Bold items in this list are those species not recorded in January 2021)

A couple of snow falls interrupted our volunteer bird observers, but of course we saw Gray Squirrels and Red Squirrels. If you’re curious, here are the observations reported to eBird from here.


For special events, look at the upcoming events listed on our events page. RSVP and see you soon!

Volunteers, we always have opportunities for you!

If you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram, you’ll find us talking about bird news, sharing photos, suggesting events, and more. Check us out!

The “Through the Window” series is an informal record of observations made by staff, volunteers, and visitors. Anyone at the Museum may add to this list. Observations are usually through our viewing window: a large window with a film covering that helps hide watchers from the birds. We have chairs and binoculars to try, a white board, and many identification guides. Outdoors, several feeders are attached on a single, 8′ steel pole. A small pond, flowers and water plants, shrubs and trees add cover and (seasonally) other food choices . You can sometimes see what we see via our webcam.

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