Still semi-closed (visitors welcome! But please call a few days in advance to make an appointment), we don’t have as many people watching our feeders. That and winter, and not surprisingly, the list is slightly short.
Mourning Dove, carved and painted by Bob Spear, completed in 1982. Photograph by Erin Talmage.
The Ruffed Grouse was an odd sighting. We noticed a grouse corpse on 1/14, after an extremely cold night and continued shallow snow. This death was probably due to cold although there may have been other factors. One of more red squirrels worked on the body for several days, and eventually it vanished but for some feathers.
On 1/27, though, we also saw a grouse strutting under one of the crab apple trees. Mate? Flock member?
We saw several red squirrels and gray squirrels, and learned about black squirrels as well when WCAX staff dropped by to film some shots for a story.
Are you ready to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb 17-20? We are! Come to a presentation about the Museum and Winter Bird Feeder in South Burlington on Feb 15th. Then stop by on Saturday the 18th for tips, company, and a warm window to watch through! Details on our events page.
Now we’re semi-closed (visitors welcome! But please call a few days in advance to make an appointment), we don’t have as many people watching our feeders.Blue Jay, carved by Bob Spear (photograph by Erin Talmage)Wonder which species might’ve come by and not been noticed…
Black-capped chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Dark-eyed Junco
Blue Jay
Hairy Woodpecker
Mourning Dove
Downy woodpecker
American goldfinch (winter plumage)
Northern Cardinal
Ruffed grouse
Pileated woodpecker (swooping over parking lot, calling on 12/27, the 2nd visit)
Purple Finch (12/28)
Naturally, we also saw the usual cluster of red squirrels and gray squirrels.
Looking forward to National Bird Day on January 5th! And keep track of our more formally collected data: we contribute to Feeder Watch.
What we noted on the white board by the viewing window.
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Downy Woodpecker
Dark-eyed Junco
Black-capped chickadee
American Goldfinch
Tufted Titmouse
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
Ruffed Grouse
Not so many this month. It was often sunny, but as we were closed except for appointments/scheduled visitors, there were also fewer humans watching out for birds. In addition, the sunny days could’ve allowed the birds to easily feed elsewhere. And with that owl watching off and on, that might’ve been very practical!
On Sunday, October 9, the Museum hosted the Loonaticsand their Big Sit! circle. Thanks to all the volunteers who Shared the watch! Several people contributed excellent (and warm!) food to keep us going.
Early Bird Morning Walks, May 15 - Jun 12, 2011, 7 a.m.
Join us for an early morning ramble in the Birds of Vermont Museum forest and meadows. Share your sightings, practice identifying birds by ear, or learn from other birders. Enjoy the start of the day with us, birds, and other woodland inhabitants.
Walks are led by experienced birders familiar with Vermont birds.
Finish the walk with bird-friendly “birds and Beans” coffee inside the Museum.
Bring binoculars and good walking shoes, rain gear if needed. Park at 900 Sherman Hollow Road, in the Museum parking lot.
Sundays, May 15 – June 12, 7:00am – 8:15am
Outdoors on Museum property
Appropriate for adults and older children
Free, donations welcome.
