Under overcast skies with occasional light snowfall and temperatures  
below freezing, 15 observers participated today by Wilder Dam on the  
Connecticut River in an Eagle Watch arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of  
New Hampshire Audubon. Although only 9 bird species were found, there  
was much of interest to be seen as indicated in the following list.

Common Merganser: 4 males and a female were swimming and diving in the  
river. At one time a few of the males were out of the water up on top  
of the ice where their brightly colored feet were visible.

Bald Eagle: At least 2 adults were seen. Sightings were on both the NH  
and VT sides of the river. One adult was seen carrying a stick towards  
the VT side of the river. When at times perched at a distance in pine  
trees along the river, these birds with their white heads and white  
tails were sometimes difficult to spot among the numerous small  
patches of white snow suspended up in the trees.

Red-tailed Hawk: flew over the river and landed in a tree on the  
Vermont side where it was mobbed with aerial swoops by a few crows.

Rock Pigeons: At least 14. Perched at times on the large building at  
the dam and on top of the highest metal electric tower.

Blue Jay: calling occasionally.

American Crow: at least 20.

Eastern Bluebird: a flock at least 5 seen on the NH side of the river  
flying back and forth from bushes down to ice-bordered open water  
where they could not be well seen behind the ice but were presumed to  
be drinking.

Snow Bunting: near the end of our observation time a flock of about 20  
flew by, circled around downstream from the dam, and then continued on  
downstream without ever landing.

House Finch: 2 flew over towards the VT side of the river.

Also, again near the end of our observation time, a mink was moving  
over ice near the outlet of the dam and going into the water around  
the outlet. A small white patch on the chin was notable in contrast to  
the prevailing dark coloration of the fur.. Its tail seemed  
unexpectedly short as though it might have been injured.

George Clark
Norwich, VT

George Clark
Norwich, VT

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