It’s been a pleasant early summer month at the Birds of Vermont Museum. We’re continuing our Early Birder Morning Walks on Sundays, and had a new walk offered: “Tree IDs for Birders”. We even had a booksigning and a carving class!
Even though we’ve cut back on our feeding, we have still been able to enjoy spotting birds through our windows (and doors) at the Museum.
June Bird List
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- American Goldfinch
- Eastern Phoebe
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- Great-crested Flycatcher
- Mourning Dove
- Winter Wren — vocalizing along stream
- Red-eyed Vireo — vocalizing above stream
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Northern Cardinal — pair in lilac
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Common Grackle
We’ve also seen Clearwing Sphinx Moth at the azalea.
(Bold items in this list are those species not recorded in May 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 turkeys, 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
Care to observe with us? 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.