Through the Window: June 2016

June is when almost everyone is busy with nests, eggs, and sometimes already fledglings. We get busy too.

  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Common Grackle
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • American Crow
  • Mourning Dove
  • Blue Jay
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • Wild Turkey
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • American Goldfinch 
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Kingfisher
  • Turkey Vulture (2 seen through gap of trees, over the roof of Museum 06/14/2016)
  • Catbird

Bold indicates those we didn’t see last month. The surprising gap here is the Black-capped chickadee; it is likely around but the those writing on the board happened to not see it.

For more precise records, you can also see eBird data for recent years at the Museum.

As always, other critters visited. The Hummingbird-mimic, the Clearwing Sphinx Moth, was spotted on June 7. We note again Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, and Eastern Chipmunks. The Woodchuck (a.k.a. Groundhog) is still around. Our night-time cam suggests we also have mice and young rabbits, but the image is too indistinct to be sure (the eyes glow and move in delightfully eerie ways, however). We did record a chewed head of a rabbit under a picnic table, so we can be sure of at least one predator species as well.

All observers can add their sightings to our whiteboard list! The viewing window is open daily May 1- October 31, except for the July 4th Holiday. Visit between 10am and 4pm. For extra happenings, check out our events page. You can see that we start with birds but don’t stop there!  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too, for even more comments, links, and observations!

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, bear-resistant 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.

Early Birders’ Observations for June 26, 2016

Michelle Patenaude led the June 26th Early Birders Morning Walk as well. The walks this year have been so well-attended! It’s been wonderful to welcome birders, old and new, to the Museum.

Here’s the report:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 Jun 26, 2016 7:05 AM - 9:25 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 2.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Michele Patenaude
 34 species
 
 Mallard  1
 Mourning Dove  2
 Barred Owl  1
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  7     observed adult at nest with young in it
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Great Crested Flycatcher  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  2
 Blue Jay  5
 Black-capped Chickadee  6
 White-breasted Nuthatch  5
 Winter Wren  1
 Hermit Thrush  2
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin  2
 Gray Catbird  1
 Ovenbird  11
 Black-and-white Warbler  1
 Common Yellowthroat  5
 Blackburnian Warbler  1
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  3
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
 Pine Warbler  1
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Dark-eyed Junco  1
 White-throated Sparrow  1
 Song Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 Common Grackle  2
 American Goldfinch  2
 
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30398032
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join usnext year, in May and June, for the next series of early morning walks. Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot. Of course, we hope to see you long before then! There’s so much more to see and do here at the Museum, after all.

Early Birders’ Observations for June 19, 2016

Michelle Patenaude continues her volunteering, by leading the June 19th Early Birders Morning Walk also. Thank you, Michelle, for your consistent and so-welcome effort!

Here’s the report:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 Jun 19, 2016 7:10 AM - 10:15 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.5 mile(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Michele Patenaude.
 39 species
 
 Turkey Vulture  1
 Mourning Dove  1
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2     2 males displaying
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
 Downy Woodpecker  3
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Pileated Woodpecker  3     observed adult female putting her head 
                            into a nesting hole, feeding 2 young
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Great Crested Flycatcher  1
 Red-eyed Vireo  4
 Blue Jay  7
 Black-capped Chickadee  8
 Tufted Titmouse  3
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Brown Creeper  1
 House Wren  1
 Winter Wren  4
 Hermit Thrush  2
 Wood Thrush  2
 American Robin  3
 Gray Catbird  2
 Cedar Waxwing  1
 Ovenbird  18
 Black-and-white Warbler  2
 Common Yellowthroat  2
 Blackburnian Warbler  2
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  4
 Black-throated Green Warbler  4
 Dark-eyed Junco  1
 Song Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  1     heard repeatedly, observed by entire group
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Indigo Bunting  1
 Red-winged Blackbird  1
 Common Grackle  1
 Brown-headed Cowbird  1
 American Goldfinch  2
 
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30299602
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for the next one or more, every Sunday through the end of June. Begin your day with friends, birds, and more. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org

Early Birders’ Observations for June 12, 2016

Michelle Patenaude led the June 12th Early Birders Morning Walk also. The walk so so popular today that they split into tow groups, and reunited later at the viewing window for coffee, conversation, and more birdwatching.

Here’s the report:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 Jun 12, 2016 7:05 AM - 9:05 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 3.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Michele Patenaude
 31 species
 
 Wood Duck  1     Flying over
 Mourning Dove  1
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Great Crested Flycatcher  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  3
 Blue Jay  3
 American Crow  1
 Common Raven  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  4
 Tufted Titmouse  3
 White-breasted Nuthatch  1
 Winter Wren  2
 Veery  1
 Hermit Thrush  1
 American Robin  1
 Cedar Waxwing  2
 Ovenbird  14
 Black-and-white Warbler  2
 Common Yellowthroat  2
 Blackburnian Warbler  1
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
 Blackpoll Warbler  1
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  4
 Song Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Common Grackle  3
 American Goldfinch  3
 
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S30189837
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for the next one or more, every Sunday through the end of June. Begin your day with friends, birds, and more. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org

Early Birders’ Observations for June 5, 2016

Michelle Patenaude led the June 5  Early Birders Morning Walk. The walk so so popular today that they split into tow groups, and reunited later at the viewing window for coffee, conversation, and more birdwatching.

Here’s the report:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 Jun 5, 2016 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 0.5 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Michele Patenaude- split into two groups who walked different directions but covered part of the same area.
 30 species

 Turkey Vulture  2
 Mourning Dove  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Great Crested Flycatcher  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  1
 Blue Jay  1
 American Crow  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  3
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Veery  2
 Hermit Thrush  1
 American Robin  2
 Cedar Waxwing  2
 Ovenbird  1
 Louisiana Waterthrush  1
 Nashville Warbler  1
 Common Yellowthroat  3
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
 Song Sparrow  2
 Scarlet Tanager  2
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Indigo Bunting  2
 Common Grackle  2
 Baltimore Oriole  1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S30084511
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for the next one or more, every Sunday through the end of June. Begin your day with friends, birds, and more. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org

Through the Window: May 2016

Twenty-nine species noticed and recorded on our informal Viewing Window white board in May (and can you believe it’s already June?).

Female Goldfinch, carved by Bob Spear, photographed by A. Galvin for the Museum
Female Goldfinch, carved by Bob Spear, photographed by A. Galvin for the Museum


  • American Goldfinch 
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Blue Jay
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Mourning Dove
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Common Grackle
  • American Crow 
  • Purple Finch
  • Wild Turkey
  • European Starling
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • White-throated Sparrow
  • Ruffed Grouse (in the crabapple tree, again!)
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • White-crowned Sparrow
  • Chipping Sparrow
  • Catbird (5/10, probably FOY)
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5/12/16, FOY)
  • Veery (5/14/16, heard, FOY)
  • Great-crested Flycatcher (5/21/16, FOY)
  • Song Sparrow
  • Baltimore Oriole (2 males, 5/24/16, FOY)

Bold indicates those we didn’t see last month. For more precise records, you can also see eBird data for recent years at the Museum.

Yet more critters: Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, and Eastern Chipmunks, as usual. We noted also a Tiger Swallowtail on May 25, and a Woodchuck (a.k.a. Groundhog) on May 31.

Come and see what we see…or write it down in case we didn’t. The viewing window is open as the Museum is: daily May 1- October 31, except for the July 4th Holiday. Visit between 10am and 4pm, or come early on Sundays this month for Early Birder walks. Details are on our events page. You can see from that that we start with birds but don’t stop there.  Follow us on Facebook, where we are often more quick to let you know what’s happening. We’ve just started using Instagram too, because more photos are more fun.

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, bear-resistant 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.

Early Birders’ Observations for May 29, 2016

Erin Talmage, the Museum’s Executive Director, lead the May 29th  Early Birders Morning Walk. Thank you!

Here’s the report:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 May 29, 2016 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 2.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Erin Talmage
 26 species

 Mourning Dove  2
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Pileated Woodpecker  1
 Blue-headed Vireo  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  6
 Blue Jay  3
 Black-capped Chickadee  2
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 Brown Creeper  2
 Veery  1
 Hermit Thrush  2
 American Robin  1
 Gray Catbird  2
 Ovenbird  8
 Louisiana Waterthrush  2
 Black-and-white Warbler  1
 Common Yellowthroat  3
 American Redstart  1
 Blackburnian Warbler  2
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Song Sparrow  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Brown-headed Cowbird  1
 American Goldfinch  1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29967223
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for the next one or more, every Sunday through the end of June. Enjoy the start of the day with us, birds, and other woodland inhabitants. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org

Early Birders’ Observations for May 22, 2016

The May 22  Early Birders Morning Walk was led by our own Mae Mayville, member of the Board, excellent baker, and terrific eBirder. Thank you!

Here’s the report:

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 May 22, 2016 7:00 AM - 9:05 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Mae Mayville
 35 species
 
 Ruffed Grouse  1     Heard
 Wild Turkey  1
 Mourning Dove  3
 Barred Owl  1     Heard
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  6     1 near the museum, 2 near the pond, 3 in the woods.
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Blue-headed Vireo  3     Observed 2 foraging near ground
 Red-eyed Vireo  3
 Blue Jay  6
 American Crow  3
 Common Raven  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  8
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Veery  2
 Hermit Thrush  1
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin  2
 Gray Catbird  3
 European Starling  2
 Ovenbird  8
 Common Yellowthroat  4
 Magnolia Warbler  1     Observed by entire group
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  1     Observed foraging on ground near stream
 Dark-eyed Junco  1
 White-throated Sparrow  1
 Song Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Northern Cardinal  2
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Common Grackle  1
 American Goldfinch  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29832773
 
 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for the next one or more, every Sunday through the end of June. Enjoy the start of the day with us, birds, and other woodland inhabitants. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org

Early Birders’ Observations for May 15, 2016

The Early Birders Morning Walk results are in two parts today, first from the walk  and then from viewing from indoors. Thank you so much to Shirley John and Mae Mayville, for leading today!

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 May 15, 2016 7:10 AM - 9:55 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.5 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Shirley Johnson and Mae Mayville
 31 species

 Red-tailed Hawk  1
 Mourning Dove  3
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  7     2 near parking lot; 
                                 2 as we entered the woods;  
                                 1 along woods trail;  
                                 2 interacting on edge of woods on other side of the pond
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Blue-headed Vireo  1
 Red-eyed Vireo  2
 Blue Jay  10
 American Crow  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  8
 Tufted Titmouse  2
 Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
 White-breasted Nuthatch  1
 Veery  1     Heard
 Hermit Thrush  1     Long looks; seen by everyone in the group; singing
 Wood Thrush  1     Long looks; seen by everyone in the group.
 American Robin  5
 Gray Catbird  1
 European Starling  1
 Ovenbird  4
 Louisiana Waterthrush  1     Heard at treehouse
 Common Yellowthroat  2
 Northern Parula  1
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
 Pine Warbler  3
 Black-throated Green Warbler  1     Heard
 Song Sparrow  1
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  5
 Baltimore Oriole  1     Observed by entire group
 American Goldfinch  3

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29673886
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 May 15, 2016 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
 Protocol: Stationary
 Comments:     Observed at Viewing Window after the Early Birders Walk
 14 species

 Mourning Dove  3
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Hairy Woodpecker  2
 Blue Jay  6
 Black-capped Chickadee  3
 Tufted Titmouse  2
 European Starling  1 
 Song Sparrow  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  7
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 Common Grackle  3
 Brown-headed Cowbird  3
 Purple Finch  2
 American Goldfinch  3

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29676426
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for one or more of of our next walks, Sundays in May and June. Welcome the day with birders, birds, and other woodland inhabitants. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org

Early Birders’ Observations for May 8, 2016

The Early Birders Morning Walk results are in two parts today, first from the walk (thanks to M. Patenaude!) and then from coffee klatch and viewing from indoors. What a delight it is to have so many birds around and about.

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 May 8, 2016 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Michele Patenaude
 23 species
 
 Ruffed Grouse  1
 Cooper's Hawk  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  3
 Downy Woodpecker  4
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Northern Flicker  1
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  1
 Blue Jay  5
 American Crow  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  11
 Tufted Titmouse  3
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
 American Robin  1
 Ovenbird  6
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
 Pine Warbler  2
 White-throated Sparrow  4
 Song Sparrow  3
 Northern Cardinal  2
 Red-winged Blackbird  1
 American Goldfinch  3
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29482149
 
 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)


Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, Vermont, US
 May 8, 2016 8:45 AM - 10:45 AM
 Protocol: Stationary
 Comments:     Feeder window birds following the bird walk
 21 species

 Mourning Dove  3
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Hairy Woodpecker  2
 Blue Jay  6
 American Crow  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  3
 Tufted Titmouse  2
 American Robin  1
 European Starling  2
 Chipping Sparrow  2
 Dark-eyed Junco  1
 White-crowned Sparrow  1
 White-throated Sparrow  1
 Song Sparrow  1
 Northern Cardinal  2
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4
 Red-winged Blackbird  8
 Common Grackle  2
 Brown-headed Cowbird  3
 Purple Finch  2
 American Goldfinch  14

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29484299

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for one or more of these, Sundays in May and June. Greet the day with birders, birds, and other woodland inhabitants. Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds—and we welcome additional possible leaders. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering.

Finish the walk with bird-friendly coffee at the viewing window inside the Museum.

Bring binoculars and good walking shoes. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.

Best for adults and older children • Free, donations welcome.
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call 802 434-2167 or email museum@birdsofvermont.org