Expert birder pwned by 4-year old

Guest story by our friend and expert birder, AW.

While the four-year old (L) picked and munched on fresh beans from the garden, I noticed some birds in a dead tree. Red-eyed Vireo, a young Eastern Phoebe, and wait! Oh! A warbler? A Wilson’s? That would be cool, a first in my yard.

Me: Hey L, there’s a really cool bird in the tree; I think it’s a Wilson’s Warbler. I’m going to go set up my scope to get a good look if you want to come look at it.

L: Okay, I’ll come.

Me: This could be a Wilson’s Warbler! It would be great to see one because they just pass through Vermont when migrating. We don’t get a chance to see them often. Continue reading “Expert birder pwned by 4-year old”

Early Birders’ Observations for June 29, 2014

Erin Talmage led the June 29, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk . Last Early Birders walk for the season. (Of course we will have more bird walks under other titles. This series will be back next spring, too. No worries!)

Enjoy our summary:

 BBirds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 Jun 29, 2014 7:00 AM - 9:20 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 2.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early Birders Walk led by Shirley Johnson.
 37 species
 
 Ruffed Grouse  1     heard drumming
 Northern Goshawk  1
 Broad-winged Hawk  1
 Mourning Dove  2
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  8
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Great Crested Flycatcher  1
 Red-eyed Vireo  4
 Blue Jay  8
 American Crow  2
 Common Raven  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  6
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 House Wren  2
 Winter Wren  3
 Veery  1
 Hermit Thrush  2
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin  2
 Gray Catbird  1
 Cedar Waxwing  2
 Ovenbird  9     3 recently fledged, calling incessantly from trees; crowns were dull; exhibited poor motor planning which led to determination they were fledglings.
 Common Yellowthroat  2
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Song Sparrow  2
 White-throated Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  2
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4
 Indigo Bunting  1     singing
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 Baltimore Oriole  2
 American Goldfinch  1
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18942056
 
 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join this walk series again next spring! We’ll start of the day with birders and birds, not to mention other woodland dwellers. 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 22, 2014

Shirley Johnson led the June 22, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk . Thirty-eight species this day!

Enjoy our week’s walk’s summary:

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 Jun 22, 2014 7:05 AM - 9:25 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 2.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early morning bird walk led by Shirley Johnson
 38 species
 
 Ruffed Grouse  1
 Mourning Dove  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  6     seen in various areas along the trails
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Northern Flicker  1
 Pileated Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Great Crested Flycatcher  1
 Blue-headed Vireo  0     monitored nest was unoccupied;  perhaps adults are off feeding
 Red-eyed Vireo  5
 Blue Jay  5
 American Crow  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  16     several families seen and heard along the trails
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 House Wren  2
 Winter Wren  1
 Veery  1
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin  3
 Gray Catbird  1
 Cedar Waxwing  2
 Ovenbird  4
 Louisiana Waterthrush  2
 Common Yellowthroat  1
 American Redstart  1
 Blackburnian Warbler  1
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  4     two adults seen carrying food, both dropped down into brushy area with the food so we assumed it where the nest is!
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Song Sparrow  1
 Dark-eyed Junco  1
 Scarlet Tanager  2
 Indigo Bunting  1
 Baltimore Oriole  1
 Purple Finch  1
 American Goldfinch  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18860273
 
 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Join us for the last one, Sunday the 29th 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 June 15, 2014

The June 15, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk split into two groups again. We love how popular this program series has been this year!

Here are their reports (and our apologies for the late posting):

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 Jun 15, 2014 7:00 AM - 9:45 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Group 1 traveled same route, east to west and led by Shirley Johnson
 28 species
 
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
 Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  3
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Blue-headed Vireo  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  2
 American Crow  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  5
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 White-breasted Nuthatch  1
 House Wren  1
 Winter Wren  1
 Hermit Thrush  1
 Wood Thrush  1
 Gray Catbird  1
 Ovenbird  5
 Louisiana Waterthrush  1
 Common Yellowthroat  4
 American Redstart  5
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  3
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Song Sparrow  2
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Indigo Bunting  2
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18793988
 

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
Jun 15, 2014 7:00 AM - 9:10 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:     overcast skies, quiet morning but great sightings of breeding behaviors! Group 2.
35 species

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     heard only
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1     The female sitting on nest did not move as we quietly walked around her
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Black-capped Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Wren  1
Winter Wren  1
Hermit Thrush  2
Wood Thrush  2
American Robin  3
Cedar Waxwing  5
Ovenbird  2
Louisiana Waterthrush  7     There has been LOWA nesting on the property in the past years and there has been discussion about the possibility of them nesting this year since the streams have had water in them consistently since spring.   On the western side of the trail, near a stream and above the pond, we came upon four fledged water thrushes actively moving and calling incessantly.  They moved consistently from tree to tree and there was no sign of an adult.  Later in the morning, on the eastern side of the trail, along a different stream, we found an adult LOWA carrying food.  There were at least 2 fledglings there as well, moving on the ground along the edge of the stream.  The fact that it was different streams, opposite sides of the property, about 100 yards apart, and behaviors were different, led us to believe there were two families seen.
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Scarlet Tanager  2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  4

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18793729

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 June 8, 2014

The June 8, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk enjoyed some extra amphibians that day.

Here’s their report (and our apologies for the late posting):

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 Jun 8, 2014 7:00 AM - 9:05 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Sumo-wrestling bull frogs at the pond...
 32 species
 
 Mourning Dove  3
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Great Crested Flycatcher  1
 Blue-headed Vireo  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  3
 Blue Jay  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  4
 Tufted Titmouse  2
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Brown Creeper  1
 House Wren  2
 Winter Wren  1
 Veery  1
 Hermit Thrush  3
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin  2
 Ovenbird  3
 Black-and-white Warbler  2
 American Redstart  4
 Blackburnian Warbler  2
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  4
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  3
 Chipping Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Indigo Bunting  1
 Brown-headed Cowbird  1
 American Goldfinch  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18725725
 
 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

Ongoing Events: Sundays for Fledglings

SUNDAYS FOR FLEDGLINGS: KIDS + BIRDS = FUN

More or less alternate Sundays, May 18 – October 31 •  2 – 3pm
(Next ones are June 15 and 29)

Welcome to the 2014 “Sundays for Fledglings” series. Come discover birds with us, from feathers to flying, from art to zoology.  Want to develop mad skillz in observation, research, and goofing around? Yes!  Earn Your Junior Birder Badge! If you already have one, we will help you become an even better birder, biologist, or artist!

Programs runs more or less alternating Sundays May – October. Keep an eye on the calendar for Monthly Themes, schedule changes, and more!

Perfect for kids aged 5-9 (siblings welcome).
Free with admission; donations welcome • Pre-registration is helpful and please check the schedule

Sundays for Fledglings: Kids + Birds = Fun!
Sundays for Fledglings: Kids + Birds = Fun!

Early Birders’ Observations for June 1, 2014

The June 1, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk was so well-attended that we split into two groups, travellign along two separate paths. Shirley Johnson led the one group, and Mae Mayville led the other. Mae also eBirded the results. Thank you!

Here’s their report (in two parts again this week):

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 Jun 1, 2014 7:05 AM - 9:10 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early morning bird walk: group 1.
 35 species
 
 Mallard  1
 Wild Turkey  1
 Mourning Dove  3
 Chimney Swift  1
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Red-eyed Vireo  6
 Blue Jay  4
 American Crow  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  6
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 House Wren  1
 Winter Wren  1
 Veery  3
 Hermit Thrush  2
 Wood Thrush  5
 American Robin  4
 Gray Catbird  1
 Cedar Waxwing  1
 Ovenbird  8
 Common Yellowthroat  1
 American Redstart  2
 Blackburnian Warbler  2
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  2
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  4
 Song Sparrow  2
 Scarlet Tanager  3
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
 Indigo Bunting  1
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18646066
 
 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT 
 Jun 1, 2014 7:05 AM - 9:20 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early morning walk: group 2. (Same route as group one, reverse direction.)
 36 species

 Mallard  1
 Wild Turkey  1
 Mourning Dove  2
 Chimney Swift  1
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  3
 Red-eyed Vireo  6
 Blue Jay  5
 American Crow  3
 Black-capped Chickadee  5
 Tufted Titmouse  2
 White-breasted Nuthatch  1
 Brown Creeper  2
 House Wren  1
 Winter Wren  3
 Veery  4
 Hermit Thrush  3
 Wood Thrush  2
 American Robin  5
 Gray Catbird  1
 Ovenbird  8
 Black-and-white Warbler  1
 Common Yellowthroat  3
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  3
 Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
 Black-throated Green Warbler  5
 Song Sparrow  2
 Dark-eyed Junco  2
 Scarlet Tanager  3 
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2 
 Indigo Bunting  1 
 Red-winged Blackbird  1
 Baltimore Oriole  1
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18646215
 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 18, 2014

The May 18, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk was led by our Board President Shirley Johnson led the walk, and Mae Mayville (another great volunteer and Board member) eBirded the results. Thank you!

Here’s their report (in two parts this week):

 Sherman Hollow Road, Chittenden, US-VT
 May 18, 2014 7:10 AM - 7:50 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 0.5 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Sunday Morning Bird Walk led by Shirley Johnson: Part 1
 20 species
 
 Mallard  1     Flying over
 Red-tailed Hawk  1
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Alder Flycatcher  1
 Least Flycatcher  1
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Great Crested Flycatcher  2
 Blue Jay  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  3
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 Gray Catbird  3
 Ovenbird  1
 Common Yellowthroat  3
 Yellow Warbler  1
 Song Sparrow  3
 Swamp Sparrow  1
 White-throated Sparrow  2
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Red-winged Blackbird  8
 American Goldfinch  4
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18444498
 
 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 May 18, 2014 7:50 AM - 9:20 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 0.5 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Sunday Morning Bird Walk led by Shirley Johnson: Part 2
 25 species
 
 Mourning Dove  2
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
 Merlin  1
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Great Crested Flycatcher  1
 Blue Jay  10
 Black-capped Chickadee  1
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 House Wren  2
 Winter Wren  1
 Wood Thrush  1
 American Robin  3
 Gray Catbird  2
 Ovenbird  3
 Common Yellowthroat  5
 Blackburnian Warbler  1
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  4
 Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
 Black-throated Green Warbler  1
 Song Sparrow  2
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
 Baltimore Oriole  5     One of which was completely orange, slightly lighter orange than a breading male, same size as breading male, same bill as male, but no black plumage.
 American Goldfinch  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18444595
 
 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 11, 2014

The May 11, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk was wonderfully attended today, with some new birders as well. Our Board President Shirley Johnson led the walk, and Mae Mayville (another great volunteer and Board member) eBirded the results. Thank you!

Here’s their report:

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 May 7, 2014 7:10 AM - 10:00 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.5 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early morning Bird walk led by Shirley Johnson
 28 species
 
 Broad-winged Hawk  1
 Mourning Dove  2
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
 Downy Woodpecker  3
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Phoebe  1
 Blue-headed Vireo  3
 Blue Jay  6
 Common Raven  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  12
 Tufted Titmouse  3
 White-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Winter Wren  1
 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
 Hermit Thrush  2
 Ovenbird  9
 Louisiana Waterthrush  1
 Black-and-white Warbler  2
 Common Yellowthroat  2
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
 Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Song Sparrow  2
 Northern Cardinal  3
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  4
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 Common Grackle  1
 American Goldfinch  4
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18332969
 
 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

We also spotted Ruby-throated hummingbirds and an Evening Grosbeak at the bird feeders while we were drinking our after-walk coffee and chatting about birding adventures near and far.

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 4, 2014

The May 4, 2014,  Early Birders Morning Walk came across a great selection of birds for the first walk of the season. Our Board President Shirley Johnson led the walk, and Mae Mayville (another great volunteer and Board member) eBirded the results. Thank you!

Here’s their report:

 Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 May 4, 2014 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.5 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Sunday morning bird walk led by Shirley Johnson on pond side of property.
 28 species
 
 Mallard  1
 Mourning Dove  2
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
 Downy Woodpecker  4
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Northern Flicker  2
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Blue-headed Vireo  1
 Blue Jay  3
 American Crow  1
 Common Raven  2
 Black-capped Chickadee  8
 Red-breasted Nuthatch  3
 White-breasted Nuthatch  1
 Winter Wren  3
 Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
 Hermit Thrush  2
 American Robin  5
 Ovenbird  1
 Black-and-white Warbler  1
 Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
 Black-throated Green Warbler  2
 Song Sparrow  2
 White-throated Sparrow  2
 Dark-eyed Junco  1
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Red-winged Blackbird  5
 American Goldfinch  12
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18211664
 
 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.

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