Through the Window: September 2015

Fall approached…and arrived. And off went some birds. Thanks to the critter cam we heard some birds that we couldn’t see. Looking forward to the big list coming up for the Big Sit! in just over a week.

Bold indicates those we didn’t see last month.

  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Blue Jay
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • American Goldfinch
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Mourning Dove
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird (9/14: 2 skirmishing on cedars. Juveniles or females. No adult males recorded this month.)
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Black-throated Blue Warbler (9/6/15 and 9/13/15)
  • Eastern Phoebe (at the front of the Museum)
  • Song Sparrow (across the road)
  • other Sparrow spp.
  • White-throated Sparrow
  • Wild Turkey
  • Barred Owl (heard on the critter cam)
  • American Crow (heard from the front doorway)

We saw a few green frogs in our tiny little pond by the feeder. We also delighted in seeing a White-tailed Deer eating some crab apples near the treehouse, as well as Red Squirrels, a Gray Squirrel, and Eastern Chipmunks under the feeders. Nocturnal ones included raccoons, mice, and again a cat (watching that night-time video is what let us notice the Barred Owl).

Come see for yourself! We’re open every day from 10am until 4pm, through October 31. From museum exhibits to relaxing in our accessible treehouse to observing the long-awaited progress on the stream restoration and bridge phase of #BridgesToBirds. There’s always some wild thing to learn from or about. Call, tweet, email or drop by: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

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.

Through the Window: August 2015

We had a critter cam, sensitive to motion, installed this month. It’s been such a treat to see some of the larger birds at times when we are not at the Museum! It’s also possible that more species were seen—especially by visitors—but not recorded on the noteboard.

Bold indicates those we didn’t see last month.

  • American Goldfinch
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • Mourning Dove
  • Blue Jay
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Wild Turkey (2 juveniles! And more seen after hours with our new critter cam!)
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk (juvenile?)
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • Song Sparrow (and a juvenile on 8/10/2015)
  • Common Grackle
  • Purple Finch
  • Northern Oriole
  • Gray Catbird
  • Hawk spp.
  • Mourning Warbler (8/8, in front of Museum; the same or other warbkler spp seen in feeder area but not identified, ~8/16)
  • American Crow (seen only on the critter cam! They cam every morning around 6 am for several days)

Diurnal mammals included Woodchuck, Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, and Eastern Chipmunks. Nocturnal ones included raccoons, mice, and once a cat.

Two raccoons, some moths, and a glowing strand of bee balm (we think)
Two raccoons, some moths, and a glowing strand of bee balm (we think)

We caught a strange glimpse of a katydid too, looking surprisingly like a mythical creature

Come see for yourself! We’re open every day from 10am until 4pm, through October 31. From museum exhibits to relaxing in our accessible treehouse to a short stroll to the bond: catch some glimpses of maturing fledglings, juveniles and adults as they prepare to migrate or find fall and winter roosting sites. There’s always some wild thing to learn from or about. Come by or get in touch: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

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.

Through the Window: July 2015

To our great surprise, we didn’t see Chickadees. We must have been very busy, or they were, or both. However, we did luck out with the hawks this month. Bold indicates those we didn’t see last month.

  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Common Grackle
  • Blue Jay
  • Mourning Dove
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  •  Hairy Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • American Goldfinch
  • Gray Catbird
  • Evening Grosbeak
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch juvenile? (just caught a glimpse)
  • Purple Finch
  • American Robin
  • Red-tailed Hawk (adult and juvenile!)
  • Northern Flicker
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk (taking a chipmunk on 26 July)

Mammal friends were voracious, possibly out-competing the elusive and longer-legged Wild Turkeys to the scattered corn. Gee, thanks, you Woodchuck, Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, and Eastern Chipmunks!

We’re open every day from 10am until 4pm, through October 31. Visit frequently for birds (indoors and out, wooden and wild), trails, treehouse, pond … and restfulness, relaxation, inspiration and new things to learn.  Questions? Let us know: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

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.

Through the Window: June 2015

A mellow month, with most of the species busy nesting and feeding nestlings, so not quite as many as last month. A few juveniles by the end of June though!

  • Hairy Woodpecker (feeding young 6/27)
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Mourning Dove
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female, male, juvenile 6/30)
  • Blue Jay
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Common Grackle (feeding young 6/27)
  • Gray Catbird
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • American Robin
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • American Crow
  • Northern Cardinal
  • American Goldfinch
  • House Finch (6/10)
  • Merlin (6/21)
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • Black-capped Chickadee

Mammal friends were sometimes even more obvious: Eastern Cottontail rabbit (2 on 6/2), Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, Woodchucks. Other winged notables included Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly and Clearwing Sphinx Moth (on the azalea).

We’re open daily! Doors open at 10am until 4pm, every day through October 31. Come often for birds (indoors and out, wooden and wild), trails, treehouse, pond … and restfulness, relaxation, inspiration and new things to learn.   Questions? Let us know: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

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.

Through the Window: May 2015

Thirty species for our first month of the Open Season! (Bold text indicates the species we did not see in March (your blogger has misplaced the April list, how embarrassing!)

  • American Goldfinch
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5/2)
  • Brown-headed Cowbird (5/2)
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Eastern Phoebe (out by the front door, not the viewing window)
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • Mourning Dove
  • Blue Jay
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Evening Grosbeak (female and male 5/3)
  • Chipping Sparrow
  • Song Sparrow (5/3)
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Wild Turkey
  • Common Grackle
  • White-throated Sparrow
  • American Crow
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker
  • American Robin
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5/8)
  • Brown Thrasher (5/8)
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Baltimore/Northern Oriole
  • Gray Catbird (5/21)
  • European Starling (5/25)
  • Purple Finch

We are of course charmed by mammals, too. These included Eastern Cottontail rabbit (5/31), Red Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, Woodchuck. A few others of delightful note: Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (5/17), Wood Frog Tadpoles (5/8), Spotted Salamander Egg Masses (5/1).

We’re open daily for the spring/summer/fall! Doors open at 10am until 4pm, every day through October 31. Drop in ! Come several times! Whether you’re working on bird ID skills, want to explore example of the woodcarvers’ art, getting intrigued by birds in art, or seeking citizen science opportunities for yourself or a child, we can help! Call or email to set up your time to visit: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

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.

Through the Window: April 2015

New “friends” and old all to be seen! Bold text indicates the species we did not see last month.

  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Blue Jay
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Mourning Dove
  • Common Redpoll
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Northern Cardinal (males and female)
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • American Crow (3 on 4/14)
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Wild Turkey
  • American Robin
  • Song Sparrow
  • Eastern Phoebe
  • Broad-winged Hawk (parking lot 4/25)
  • Dark-Eyed Junco
  • Chipping Sparrow
  • American Goldfinch
  • Ruffed Grouse (heard from parking lot 4/24)
  • Common Grackle (4/26)

Also of note! Wood frogs! 4/17 and egg masses 4/28
Eastern Cottontail 4/26
Eastern Chipmunk, Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel
Woodchuck

We’re open daily from May 1 (today!) through October 31. drop in any day between 10am and 4pm! Let us share bird ID skills, woodcarvers’ art, birds in art, and citizen science opportunities with you! If you have questions, call (802) 434-2167, email museum@birdsofvermont.org or post to us on Facebook or Twitter.

 

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.

Through the Window: March 2015

“The birds are back in town, the birds are back in to-o-o-ow-own!”♪ ♫
Yes, yes, some have been here all along. And there’s still snow. And icy spots. And mud. (O mud! Ah, Vermont in early spring….) (Bold text indicates the species we did not see last month.)

  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Blue Jay
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • American Raven (March 1)
  • Dark-Eyed Junco
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Common Redpoll
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Pine Siskin
  • American Robin (March 10)
  • Mourning Dove
  • Red-winged Blackbird (March 22)
  • Northern Goshawk (March 20, male, 12:20 pm)
  • American Crow (March 24)

Not only the usual Gray and Red squirrels hung around, and the Ermine made another appearance, but the Eastern Chipmunks are awake again!

Isn’t it amazing how even through much the same things happen every year, we feel such celebratory joy when it comes around again?

We’re open by appointment from now until April 30—as well as having a Volunteer Work PArty on April 11, an Eastern Bluebird Felting Class on April 19, and a Bird Monitoring walk on April 25. You are always welcome; just call or email to schedule a visit. Whether you’re working on bird ID skills, want to explore example of the woodcarvers’ art, getting intrigued by birds in art, or seeking citizen science opportunities for yourself or a child, we can help! Call or email to set up your time to visit: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

 

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.

Through the Window: February 2015

Not quite as quiet as January, and a special mammal neighbor too! (Bold text indicates the species we did not see last month.)

  • Blue Jay
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Mourning Dove
  • Cooper’s Hawk (2/3, flushed from the row of cedars)
  • American Crow
  • Pileated Woodpecker (on a tree)
  • Common Redpoll (2 on 2/11)
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker (2/11, 2/14)
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch (2/17)
  • Dark-eyed Junco

Not only Gray and Red squirrels this month, but an Ermine too!

We’re open by appointment from now until April 30. You are always welcome; just call or email to schedule a visit. Whether you’re working on bird ID skills, want to explore example of the woodcarvers’ art, learning about winter bird feeding, or seeking citizen science opportunities for yourself or a child, we can help! Call or email to set up your time to visit: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

 

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.

Through the Window: January 2015

It’s pretty quiet around here…  Bold text indicates the species we did not see last month.

  • Blue Jay
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • Mourning Dove
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker (1/20 on Suet)
  • Northern Cardinal (female on swinging seed tray)

Just the usual suspects for mammals: Gray and red squirrels

We’re open by appointment from now until April 30. You are always welcome, just call or email to schedule a visit. Whether you’re working on bird ID skills, want to explore example of the woodcarvers’ art, learning about winter bird feeding, or seeking citizen science opportunities for yourself or a child, we can help! Call or email to set up your time to visit: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

 

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.

Through the Window: December 2014

Happy New Year! Bird sightings are slowing down around here now for various reasons (season, opportunity,…).  Bold text indicates the species we did not see last month.

  • Blue Jay
  • Mourning Dove
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker (in various trees nearby)
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Wild Turkey (22 on 12/2)
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker (female 12/6)

I seem to have misplaced the mammal notes. Guess you’ll just have to come look for them yourself!

We’re open by appointment from now until April 30. You are always welcome, just call or email to schedule a visit. Whether you’re working on bird ID skills, want to explore example of the woodcarvers’ art, learning about winter bird feeding, or seeking citizen science opportunities for yourself or kid, we can help! Call or email to set up your time to visit: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org.

 

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.