At seven o'clock on Saturday morning, August 19th, 23 birders gathered on
the Norwich, Vermont side of the Ledyard Bridge to commence a birding
expedition in search of early arriving, fall migrants. Weather conditions
were favorable with partly cloudy skies and the temperature ranging from 64
degrees at the outset to the low the low 70s when the outing concluded
around 10:00 a.m.

A total of 40 species was recorded over the time afield. Highlights
included a male bufflehead in transitional plumage seen in the waters below
the Ledyard bridge. At Campbell Flats, the participants enjoyed fine views
of the continuing little blue heron as it obligingly remained perched for
almost 45 minutres in a dead tree adjacent to the beaver dam. Also at
Campbell Flats was a pair of solitary sandpipers foraging in the flooded
meadow.

Warbler sightings were scant. Just four species were recorded during the
party's four stops, including one yellow warbler, a common yellowthroat,
two black and whites and four American redstarts.

Among other songbirds, the group was treated to the engaging sight of two
adult rose-breasted grosbeaks feeding their two, newly fledged youngsters.
A total of eight Baltimore orioles were seen over the course of the
morning. Also seen was a flock of 35+/- flying mourning doves at
Ompompanoosuc Flats.

Waterfowl diversity was slight. Mallards were numerous with 75+/- seen
during the trip. A few wood ducks were recorded. At Campbell Flats four
Canada geese were seen, the only ones observed on the day.

A tip of the hat to Jenn Megyesi whose evocative photos add a striking
visual component to the the eBird lists. Thanks to trip co-leaders George
Clark, Ed Hack and Blake Allison and thanks to Blake for serving as
recorder.

Complete lists of the day's observations can be viewed on eBird by clicking
on the links below.

Ledyard Bridge/Foley Park Area
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38730584

Ompompanoosuc Flats
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38731000

Kendall Station
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38731247

Campbell Flats Rd.
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38731474


-- 
Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon


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