Despite changing from regular feeding to a restricted type and amount (see below for why), we still enjoying observing birds through our window. Something about just sitting, watching, maybe taking notes or doing Feederwatch… this helped us get through a wicked bad mud season and a few April snowfalls.
And as we post this, we’re well into another migration season! Check out BirdCast for nighttime forecasts of what’s moving where.
April Bird List
- Mourning Dove
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- American Goldfinch
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Dark-eyed Junco
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Tufted Titmouse
- American Crow
- Pine Siskin
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Northern Cardinal
- Fox Sparrow
- Song Sparrow
- Common Grackle
- Blue Jay
- Eastern Phoebe
- Purple Finch
(Bold items in this list are those species not recorded in March 2022.)
Changes in the Feeders
We are restricting feeding due to avian influenza being present in the state. While we don’t see domestic fowl at our feeders, we do sometimes see wild turkets, hawks or falcons, and sometimes have waterfowl on the nearby pond. We are using only sunflower chips, which are eaten quickly, thus reducing time birds spend at the feeder and leaving less waste for the squirrels.
A few relevant links:
Avian Influenza Wildlife Health Bulletin from VT Fish and Wildlife Department: https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/living-with-wildlife/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza-wildlife-health-bulletin
USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Vermont from VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/agency-agriculture-food-markets-news/usda-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-vermont
Avian flu has been detected in Vermont. Here’s how to protect your flock from VPR: https://www.vpr.org/vpr-news/2022-04-12/avian-flu-has-been-detected-in-vermont-heres-how-to-protect-your-flock
Also seen: Not-birds
Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, Wood Frogs, Woodchuck
Care to observe with us? Opening Day is May 1 (visit during regular hours: 10-4 Wednesday – Sunday). Or register for one of our upcoming events. 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.