Marianne and I spent a morning at the Windsor Prison Fields, arriving 
at around 7:30 and departing around 11:30.  Some highlights:

Bobolinks - 50 or more.  It was almost a din when we arrived.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Roughed Grouse
Least, Alder, and Willow Flycatchers
Am Kestrel
Indigo Buntings - 2
Swamp, Field, Chipping, Song, and Savannah Sparrows
Am. Redstart
Co Yellowthroat
Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Yellow, Black and White, 
and Magnolia Warblers
Ovenbird
Blue-winged Warblers - 3 seen, plus two more heard
Many other species - we had 53  in all.

It was interesting that all we saw were Blue-winged Warblers.  In 
years past, we have seen B-W/G-W hybrids.  We tried a tape of a 
Golden-winged Warblerat at one location but only a Blue-winged 
Warbler responded.  In fact, it responded very aggressively.  When we 
then played a Blue-winged Warbler recording, we got very little 
response from the bird.  It seems that the BWs were keying on the 
GWs.  This doesn't bode well for the Golden-winged Warbler.

The Blue-wings we sighted were at the intersection of the prison road 
(SESCF sign) near the wells (1) and along the eastern edge of the 
field to the east of the field with the wells in it (2).

We also had a report of a Grasshopper Sparrow from the eastern edge 
of the well field.  They are reported to be active around 6:30 - 7:30 
PM.  We went over again Monday evening but the wind was too high. 
None of the sparrows were calling.  There has also been a report of 
an American Bittern in the low area to the west of the pump field.

The status of these fields is no longer as uncertain as it was the 
last few years.  However, the more birders that visit this area, the 
better chance that it will remain a wonderful area of habitat.  To 
reach it, take Rt. 5 to Windsor.  At the light in the middle of town, 
head west towards the hospital.  Drive past the hospital entrance and 
continue under the interstate.  The road turns to gravel.  After 
passing a farm on a crest of a hill, start birding from your car. 
The fields to the left (private property) have many Bobolinks. Watch 
on your right for Marton Road.  Go up the steep hill and start 
birding again when the fields open up to your right.  This is where 
we heard the first of the BW Warblers.

Michael
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Marianne & Michael Walsh
Weathersfield, VT

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