Today Ed Hack and I birded in Springfield and Weathersfield, VT,  
principally close to the North Springfield Reservoir, including both  
east and west sides of the reservoir. Water levels were notably higher  
than on a July 22 visit in that vicinity. At one point today we made  
an accelerated retreat for perhaps a quarter mile on foot, going away  
from the shores of the reservoir as a thunderstorm went by.

Among more than 50 bird species found, some highlights included:
16 Wood Ducks,
a flock of Wild Turkeys including 3 hens and young of 3 different body  
sizes representing 3 broods together in a single flock,
an immature Double-crested Cormorant perched along the edge of a cove  
at Hoyt's Landing,
numerous Great Blue Herons,
at least one (and perhaps a total of 2) Great Egret(s) with  
brilliantly white feathering (how can they stay so clean-looking when  
foraging in murky waters?),
a Green Heron,
19 Killdeer in one flock,
at least 6 Spotted Sandpipers,
at least 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper,
about 15 Least Sandpipers,
a calling Black-billed Cuckoo,
a vocalizing Willow Flycatcher, and several calling Alder Flycatchers,
and song from a Warbling Vireo, as well as from a Red-eyed Vireo,

Eastern Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings and American Goldfinches were  
encountered repeatedly.
Only 3 species of warblers were seen: Yellow, Black-and-white, and  
Common Yellowthroat.. Swamp Sparrows were singing in a few locations.  
A brightly colored, but silent, mature male Purple Finch was present  
by the pond just south of the building formerly housing the  
Weathersfield Elementary School.

George Clark
Norwich, VT