Through the Window: June 2024

Eastern Phoebe pair at nest, woodcarving by Bob Spear
Eastern Phoebe pair at nest. This woodcarving by Bob Spear is on display in our Nesting Bird Gallery.

This is a strangely short list. We did limit feeding until late in the month due to nearby bear sightings. And I know we were more likely outside when looking at and for birds in June. (I mean, how can you resist June? Except for that weirdly horribly hot week.) Of course, it’s also possible the birds were very busy elsewhere. Because June!

 

 

June Bird List

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Annual Butterfly and Bug Walk

Young Entomologist

Experience Vermont’s butterflies and other insects up close!

Join Vermont Entomological Society naturalists and entomologists for an exploratory stroll on the Birds of Vermont Museum grounds.

Bring binoculars, magnifying glasses, and an insect net if you have one. Pack a lunch if you would like to picnic after the walk. Do bring your water bottle and dress for outdoors.

Free, suggested donation : $5-$10
Pre-registration is helpful but not required. Call the museum at 802-434-2167 or sign up online at https://sevendaystickets.com/events/annual-butterfly-and-bug-walk-7-6-2024.

Max: 20 people

If it is raining on the day of the walk, please call the Museum (802 434-2167) to see if we have rescheduled; rain date is Sunday, July 7).

Terrific for anyone interested in Vermont’s six-legged creatures.

Check out the Vermont Entomological Society site https://www.vermontinsects.org/ — gorgeous photos and information about the Society.

Small green butterfly with a few spots on wings, one blooming purple vetch plant.

Through the Window: May 2024

Black and WHite Warbler, photographed by Hans Nedde; copyright © 2024 and used with permission. A small bird with black and white patterned plumage and a narrow pointed black beak. It has a black cap, white brow line, and white belly, as well as black-and-white sides, flanks, wings. It is perched on a twig, and the background is a mottled pale white-gray-green (as if out of focus).
Black and White Warbler. Photo © by Hans Nedde and used with permission.

We had a surprise visitor one day in May! This little fellow confused the Black-capped Chickadee by pulling fibers from a hanging plant basket that the chickadees often use (for the same purpose).

Many thanks to our intern Hans for the photo. Read on for a really incredible bird list this month!

May Bird List

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Through the Window: February 2024

A young child in a multi-colored winter coat pours black oil seed into a tray.
A young volunteer fills a bird feeder.

One of the neat things about February is that both Feederwatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count happen that month. People come into the museum to watch from our windows (it’s usually warmer than outside) and to learn about birds from the carvings. (The birds don’t fly away! So helpful!)

What would you like to learn next about birds?

 

February Bird List

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Through the Window: December 2023

Wood carving of a Northern Cardinal by Bob Spear. The bird is perched on a bare, slightly branched log. Its body faces the viewer, but it is looking to the viewer's right. The carving is outside (for the photograph), and bare fall trees and leaf-covered ground can be seen in the background.
Northern Cardinal (male); wood carving by Bob Spear

December was a bit wet this year. We were fine (still watching how the streams flow around and under our various bridges, of course). People seemed to be enjoying staying in Gale’s Retreat, and we certainly have enjoyed our walks in the woods to check on it before and after the guests.

One heavy wet snowfall  took out more main branches from the crabapple tree. We’ll see how the Ruffed Grouse adapt to that.

December Bird List

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