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 emailmuseum@birdsofvermont.org
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 emailmuseum@birdsofvermont.org
Other neighbors:: OH! Those squirrels! Red, Gray and Eastern Chipmunks, as usual. We’ve also heard and seen Wood Frogs(as early as 4/1, “quacking” 4/12).
You too can watch from our window! We are open daily now (May 1- October 31, except for the July 4th Holiday). Drop in between 10am and 4pm, or come early on Sundays in May and June for bird walks. Details are on our events page. Enjoy our new art exhibit! Bring kids, grandparents, neighbors and friends. Oh, and did we mention we have a new bridge! It’s UP! You can walk on it! More details in future blog posts, or follow us on Facebook, where we are often more quick to let you know what’s happening.
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.
A nice month for accidental sightings of the larger birds as we come into or out of work. Snow depth is paltry (and for some us, that’s depressing, infuriating, or just plain inhospitably dangerous, if, say, you are a grouse). We have both the up-on-a-post feeders and ground feeding areas, one of which is just outside the office windows. It’s such a treat to look over and catch sight of a junco or a chickadee right there, not four feet away.
Black-capped Chickadee
Dark-eyed Junco
Tufted Titmouse
American Goldfinch
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Hairy Woodpecker
Purple Finch
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
American Crow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Wild Turkey(more than 3 observed walking along the road, southeast across the culvert, into the bird sanctuary field, January 19)
Common Raven(flying over Museum and Treehouse, January 31)
We also observed Red Squirrels, and Gray Squirrels. Wow are those Gray Squirrels numerous. We’ve consistently been seeing 6-12 or them, and at least 13 on January 17!
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.
A little drama, as we waited for snow to finally appear:
Barred Owl with Ruffed Grouse kill. Photo by Allison Gergely for the Birds of Vermont Museum, 10 December 2015 . The birds are near the small pond in the feeder area, and visible through a conference room window.
Barred Owl (on December 10, the Barred Owl killed a Ruffed Grouse then dragged it down the hill. It was a little bit difficult for the owl!)
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Hairy Woodpecker
Mourning Dove (more than 11 on December 10)
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Cardinal
Dark-eyed Junco
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruffed Grouse
American Robin(on and under the crabapple, December 8)
We also observed Red Squirrels, and Gray Squirrels—generally about 3-5 of the Red ones and about 6 or so of the Gray. Some small malls were caught on our nightcam, but we couldn’t identify them positively—the resolution was a little low. We suspect they were Eastern Cottontails, based on size, behavior, and overall hazy shape.
You too can watch from our window! Call, tweet, phone (802) 434-2167, or email museum@birdsofvermont.org to schedule your visit.
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.
Barred Owl in Feeder Area, November 20 or so. Taken with an iPhone through hand-held binoculars.
Mourning Dove
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Hairy Woodpecker
Dark-eyed Junco
Black-capped Chickadee
Downy Woodpecker
Barred Owl(during UVM’s NR1 class field trip, even! Also November 28)
American Goldfinch
Ruffed Grouse (2 seen and heard early in November. One was found dead near our viewing window on November 15th—a predator, interrupted? A collision? [Although we have netting over the windows to reduce the chances of that.] A grouse was seen in the crabapple tree November 24. This could be the other member of the pair?)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Cardinal
Wild Turkey
Buteo spp., possible juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (tail not clearly chestnut)
We also observed Eastern Chipmunks, Red Squirrels, and Gray Squirrels. Didn’t spot the the Raccoons on our nighttime cam. We did hear far-off coyotes while feeding birds or listening to some webcam videos.
Want to watch from our window? Schedule a visit! Call, tweet, phone (802) 434-2167, or email museum@birdsofvermont.org. (Other windows let you observe what’s happening around the new boxes on the hedge or admire the growth of cover crops along the restabilized stream bed (part of the stream restoration and bridge phase of #BridgesToBirds).
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.
Wow, in this last month of our open-daily season, we recorded some unusual birds! Are they here for the winter? Just passing through? And for some of the common ones, where were they last month?
Ruffed Grouse(10/20 in the crabapple tree and 10/26 2 walking along the feeding zone perimeter and in the crabapple)
Northern Cardinal (10/24 m & f, just male on 10/27)
Purple finch(10/30)
We also observed Eastern Chipmunks, Red Squirrels, and Gray Squirrels, as well several visits from Raccoons on our nighttime cam.
* Aside: We’re going to do some extensive trimming and pruning on the cedar hedge. It was deeply damaged by ice and snow earlier this year, and we’re removing much of the dead wood. Other changes include roost, wintering, and nest boxes (for birds and insect pollinators) and new plantings in the spring as well. Thanks to Volunteer EP for his help with this!
Come see for yourself! Call, tweet, email or schedule a visit by phone: (802) 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org. 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.
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.
What is your favorite bird? Perhaps there can be no answer. Birding is a passion, encompassing all species, with opportunities to appreciate many behaviors and much beauty. Hearing the flute-like song of a Veery is enchanting. Seeing Northern Flicker heads (with Michael Nesmith sideburns) protrude from a nesting cavity before daring to fledge surely seems comical. Witnessing a Merlin grab fast food on the fly is definitely shocking. These are only a few of the simple pleasures we chance to experience, and I myself don’t rank levels of joy in birding. Until now.
This lost loon I helped to rescue, referred to as “Little Guy,” has trumped all birding experiences for me. This bird will forever be my all-time favorite. But before you read any further, it’s time to let go of this name,” Little Guy.” Attaching a name to a wild animal connotes pet-status, or ownership. At the time of the rescue however, it seemed fitting to call this orphan by an endearing name, as a way to express the significance of the loon’s ordeal. At Avian Haven, the chick has been designated by a more formal moniker: COLO 1740 Brighton VT. I will now refer to the loon as Colo.
Colo has literally outgrown the name, “Little Guy.” All traces of natal down are gone and the bird now sports sleek and crisp feathers in the first set of adult plumage. SPLENDID BEAUTY! When glancing at the updated pictures sent from Avian Haven, it’s hard to believe we are seeing the same loon. Please excuse the Grandma-like cliché, but: “They grow up so fast!”
Here is a recent email from Diane Winn of Avian Haven from September 7th:
She is quite the little pistol – as you can see, she still has some downy fuzz on her head, but she’s now quite waterproof and has become an accomplished diver. She’s in the company of another young loon with eye damage caused by an eagle grab; the prognosis for that one remains uncertain, but meanwhile, they are good companions. They share our large pool, and each day, we take them to a pond on the property for outdoor “enrichment sessions.”
And from a post of Facebook on September 10:
She is currently devouring about 25 capelin a day and is so excited about them that she practically jumps out of the pool when she sees us coming!
After the loon parents lost this chick, it has taken more than one village to raise it. The bird’s promising future is the result of a chain of actions spanning from Vermont to Maine. Visiting the North East Kingdom from Huntington, Vermont, I was lucky to have found Colo. VCE’s Loon Conservation Biologist Eric Hanson provided essential skills to best care for the loon. Eric passed the baton off by delivering Colo to rehabber Kappy Sprenger in Bridgton, Maine. Next, Kappy linked the responsibility from Eric to Avian Haven Directors, Marc Payne and Diane Winn. With their dedicated staff in Freedom, Maine, Colo’s return to a free and wild life (as an uncommon loon) has been ensured after six weeks of nurturing care. May this wandering chick from Brighton, Vermont, have a bright future and a long, long life.
A final Facebook post from Avian Haven on September 29 lets us all say farewell:
Young Common Loon, released in Penobscot Bay on September 28, swam off with barely a glance back and explored the release cove extensively. We saw her take many long dives, surfacing from one with what looked like a clam in her beak. From another, she came up with a crab. Evidently she was enjoying a more varied menu than had been available at Avian Haven!
To end this blog series, which includes a progress report, I’ll share a poem I wrote years ago as a tribute to a beloved young friend.
The Loon
In beautiful, breeding plumage
Your devoted parents
Create you,
And from the moment of your being
They will remain
Committed to you,
Precious egg,
While you grow into yourself.
This precarious nest
In which you lay
On the edge of the shore
Clings with prayers of no flooding storms
That may cause hopes to drown.
For this is where you must be
While becoming you
Finding your place in the world.
Your loving parents
Are there for you always
Although you can only ride
Protected on their strong backs for a little while
Before you must fend for yourself,
Take the plunge,
Trust your wings,
And
Navigate by the stars.
Your heavy bones
Allow you to dive
Deep to the bottom of dark waters
Where you eventually find nourishment
But also the poisons
Of broken lures
Left unintentionally for you
Vulnerable in your innocence.
And one day, Autumn will be upon you
And instinct will have spoken.
And now you’ll know
You cannot stay
On this pond or in this place.
It’s time to migrate
To places unknown.
So, lift off this pond you call home
And pray that the water way
Is long enough
For you to gather the momentum
To lift up,
High,
And
Safely,
To the next adventure ahead.
And know….
I will always hear
Your beautiful song
Calling late in the night
Reaching out to me
Far in the distance.
I hear you and love you
Because distance
Never means you’re forgotten
And love never ends
But travels through time
No matter how far
Or long
Or difficult the journey.
Thank you for following this poster-child wayward loon’s story and please support wildlife programs in whatever way possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
