Give a Hoot, Get a Hoot! Donate $10 and

Give a Hoot, Get a Hoot! Donate $10 and we can thank you with a handmade owl.

Crocheted Owls by Intern Elizabeth Mitchell Spinney
Crocheted Owls by Intern Elizabeth Mitchell Spinney

Come on into the Museum to pick your own and donate! Call us if you’re far away; we shipped some to Alaska (for the donation plus postage)!  (802) 434-2167.

Through the Window: June 2013 with length

Happy summer. Goodness what a lot of rain this year. Saw some birds anyway. Bold ones are those we didn’t see last month!

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Common Yellowthroat
  • Blue Jay
  • Hair Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Common Grackle
  • Brown-headed Cowbird
  • Northern Oriole  (Ed. note: this is an old name for Baltimore Oriole; it hybridizes with the Bullock’s in some places in its range, and for a time, both species were called Northern Oriole. See http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/baltimore_oriole/lifehistory)
  • Starling
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Mourning Dove
  • Northern Cardinal
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Wild Turkey
  • American Goldfinch
  • Song Sparrow
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • Purple Finch
  • American Crow (3 on 6/11)
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch
  • Cooper’s Hawk
  • Evening Grosbeak
  • Indigo Bunting

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 to make it more difficult for birds to see the watchers. We have chairs and binoculars to try there, 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 other food choices. You can sometimes see what we see via our webcam.

Flash Flooding at the Museum

Many of you may already know about the destructive weather in the Huntington area which caused substantial damage to many homes and habitats on July 3rd.

The good news is that the Birds of Vermont Museum’s buildings and collection were untouched.

Unfortunately, the torrential downpours last Wednesday afternoon, July 3rd, turned the normally serene streams through the property converged to create a roiling fury as the water rushed to the roadway. Sherman Hollow Road disappeared beneath a wide swath of water which tore into the runoff basin and over the paths to the Museum entrance and the bridge below. Three staff members, two children, and Bob Spear himself watched from the entrance doors as the flash flood sent one culvert down the surging rapids, caused trees to slide off their banks, and tumbled rocks together in thunderous chaos. Sherman Hollow Road was covered and breached by the water in several places, so it was well after closing time when we were permitted to walk to Main Road and meet our family and friends—leaving our cars behind until the roads were passable. (We have an online album if you’d like to see more: Flood 2013)

Please help us recover: donate if you can

Despite plans to close the Museum for a day or two while Sherman Hollow Road could be repaired, and an alternate route from the parking lot to the entrance could be designated, the visitors came anyway! The Museum has become a favorite destination for friends hosting out of town guests and nature-lovers alike. Even a flash flood couldn’t keep them away on a holiday week and for this we are grateful … we’d rather have a flood of people any day!

However, the truth is: the Museum faces a number of clean-up and repair challenges, from tree removal, stream bank restoration, electrical rewiring, new Museum access design and construction, and restoration of affected walking/birding trails. More needs will surely arise as the layers of debris and mud are scraped away.

In order to recover, the Museum requires funds for services which will address these challenges. We are looking at possible state and federal sources, along with private foundation support. We are are also making an appeal for financial contributions from our members and our community to help the Museum provide our visitors with attractive, accessible, and safe grounds for their visits to this unusual and inspiring institution.

Whether you have have $5 or $5000, all of it is helpful (and tax-deductible to the extent the laws allow).  We also have volunteer opportunities if you have time or if you prefer, and we’re open for visits and programs too! If you can, please pass the word along. Thank you!

      

We have enabled online donations through JustGiveNetwork For Good, and PayPal (use your favorite). Checks and donations by telephone/credit card are always welcome. Please follow us online (blog or facebook or twitter or google-plus) for more information and photos. And please help. At the moment, everything will go into our “Rainy Day Fund” but we will keep you posted with clearer or more specific projects and allocations.

Thank you so much.

Bob, Erin, Allison and Kir

Early Birders’ Observations for June 30

The June 30th Early Birders Morning Walk was the last of the season. Thanks to Shirley Johnson, who led the walk, and Mae Mayville, who eBirded the results.No more walks in this series this year, although our trails are open sunrise to sunset, and we’re working on some additional field trips as well. Check our calendar!

Here’s their report:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 Jun 30, 2013 7:15 AM - 9:30 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 2.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early morning bird walk led by Shirley Johnson.
 34 species
 
 Turkey Vulture  1     over museum
 Mourning Dove  4
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
 Downy Woodpecker  1
 Pileated Woodpecker  1
 Eastern Wood-Pewee  6
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Great Crested Flycatcher  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  2
 Blue Jay  7
 American Crow  3
 Black-capped Chickadee  6
 Tufted Titmouse  1
 Red-breasted Nuthatch  2
 Brown Creeper  2
 Winter Wren  3
 Veery  2
 Hermit Thrush  3
 Wood Thrush  2
 American Robin  2
 Cedar Waxwing  4
 Ovenbird  5
 Common Yellowthroat  2
 Blackburnian Warbler  4
 Chestnut-sided Warbler  3
 Pine Warbler  4
 Song Sparrow  3
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Northern Cardinal  1
 Indigo Bunting  1
 Red-winged Blackbird  2
 Common Grackle  4
 American Goldfinch  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14536890

 

Early Birders’ Observations for June 23

The June 23rd Early Birders Morning Walk focused on birding by ear a bit more than usual—sometimes the birds (and habitats) are just like that! It was very well attended as well. Once again, 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
Jun 23, 2013 7:20 AM - 9:10 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:     Early morning bird walk led by Shirley Johnson
37 species

Mourning Dove  2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  4
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Blue-headed Vireo  2
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  2
Common Raven  1
Black-capped Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  1
Winter Wren  2
Veery  2
Hermit Thrush  2
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  X
Ovenbird  4
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Blackburnian Warbler  1
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  2
Northern Cardinal  2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14482501

Join us for one last early morning ramble on June 30! 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

Early Birders’ Observations for June 16

The June 16th Early Birders Morning Walk walk left the Museum about 7 am. led by our amazing Shirley Johnson. A great group of friendly birders! They were out until almost 10, because it was such a lovely day. Here’s their list:

  • Mourning Dove
  • Barred Owl
  • Chimney Swift
  • Ruby-throated Hmmingbird
  • Yellow-bellied Sapasucker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Northern Flicker
  • Eastern Wood Pewee
  • Least Flycatcher
  • Eastern Phoebe
  • Great-crested Flycatcher
  • Red-eyed Vireo
  • Blue Jay
  • American Crow
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Brown Creeper
  • Winter Wren
  • American Robin
  • Veery
  • Hermit Thrush
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler
  • Blackburnian Warbler
  • Black-throated Green Warbler
  • Pine Warbler
  • Common Yellow-throat
  • Scarlet Tanager
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Indigo Bunting
  • Song Sparrow
  • White-throated Sparrow
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Common Grackle
  • Baltimore Oriole
  • American Goldfinch

 

Join us next time, for an early morning ramble! We’re out in the Birds of Vermont Museum‘s forest and meadows every Sunday from May 12 through June 30. 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

Early Birders’ Observations for June 9

The June 9th Early Birders Morning Walk walk left the Museum about 7 am. led by Shirley Johnson. I was out of town, but she left me a lovely long list to share with you. I’m quite envious!

  • Wood Duck
  • Wild Turkey
  • Mourning Dove
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Great-crested Flycatcher
  • Eastern Phoebe
  • Blue-Headed Vireo
  • Red-eyed Vireo
  • Blue Jay
  • American Crow
  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • House Wren
  • Winter Wren
  • Veery
  • American Robin
  • Gray Catbird
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler
  • Black-throated Blue Warbler
  • Black-throated Green Warbler
  • Pine Warbler
  • American Redstart
  • Common Yellowthroat
  • Ovenbird
  • Scarlet Tanager
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • Indigo Bunting
  • Song Sparrow
  • White-throated Sparrow
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Common Grackle
  • Brown-headed Cowbird

Her note adds: Really great views of Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos to compare. Great views of Indigo Bunting, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Veery, and Great-crested Flycatcher.

Join us next time, for an early morning ramble! We’re out in the Birds of Vermont Museum‘s forest and meadows every Sunday from May 12 through June 30. 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! Come to several walks to hear the changes in who calls and when!

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

Early Birders’ Observations for June 2

Our Executive Director, Erin Talmage, led the Early Birders Morning Walk walk on Sunday June 2. Why, yes, we are a wee bit behind in posting these lists. Just a bit.

We had both new and experienced birders along this morning, a beautiful sunny day rising after a rainy night, so lots of dew and a smattering of fog. Our notes suggest we didn’t all see and hear exactly the same birds, but here’s what we were pretty sure about.

  • Great-crested Flycatcher
  • Wild Turkey
  • Veery
  • Black-capped Chicakdee
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler
  • Blue-headed Vireo
  • Red-Eyed Vireo
  • Ovenbird
  • Black-throated Green Warbler
  • American Robin
  • American Goldfinch
  • Winter Wren
  • Common Yellowthroat
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Blue Jay
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
  • Scarlet Tanager
  • Northern Cardinal
  • Eastern Phoebe
  • American Crow
  • Mourning Dove
  • Duck spp (some discussion arose as to whether it was a Wood Duck or Mallard. Both were known to frequent the spot; our youngest birder—age 4—was sure it was Wood Duck and related some field marks, but older birders were less confident, and most had only caught a glimpse as it flew away.)
  • Common Grackle
  • Nest of Baltimore Oriole

Join us next time, for an early morning ramble! We’re out in the Birds of Vermont Museum‘s forest and meadows every Sunday from May 12 through June 30. 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! Come to several walks to hear the changes in who calls and when!

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

Early Birders’ Observations for May 26

Shirley led our Early Birder Morning Walk walk on Sunday May 26. One of  our volunteers also posted the list on eBird and emailed it to us. Have you used eBird yet? You can list and generate reports of what you’ve seen there, and the data contributes to a long-running, large citizen science project. Our emailed report looks something like this:

Birds of Vermont Museum, Chittenden, US-VT
 May 26, 2013 7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
 Protocol: Traveling
 1.0 kilometer(s)
 Comments:     Early morning walk led by Shirley Johnson. Cold and rainy!
 23 species (+1 other taxa)
 
 Wild Turkey  1
 Mourning Dove  2
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird  2
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
 Downy Woodpecker  2
 Hairy Woodpecker  1
 Empidonax sp.  1
 Eastern Phoebe  2
 Red-eyed Vireo  1
 Blue Jay  5
 American Crow  1
 Black-capped Chickadee  1
 American Robin  1
 Ovenbird  2
 Common Yellowthroat  1
 Song Sparrow  1
 Scarlet Tanager  1
 Rose-breasted Grosbeak  2
 Red-winged Blackbird  3
 Common Grackle  2
 Brown-headed Cowbird  1
 Baltimore Oriole  2
 American Goldfinch  2
 Evening Grosbeak  2
 
 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14245937 
 This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Birders were out from 7:15 through 8:15 a.m., as it was very chilly and damp.  Another birder’s list records both Least and Great-crested Flycatchesr (instead of Empidonax spp.), which may have been a combination of luck, songs heard, or different birding experience.

Join us next time, for an early morning ramble in the Birds of Vermont Museum‘s forest and meadows every Sunday from May 12 through June 30. 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! Come to several walks to hear the changes in who calls and when!

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