Today (Nov. 5) under cloudy and relatively damp conditions including  
some rain and drizzle, Ed Hack and I looked for birds in the eastern  
parts of Norwich. Highlights from Norwich today included seven species  
of waterfowl (Anatidae) and other birds mentioned below.

Small numbers of Canada Geese were present in a few sites including a  
field on the west side of Route 5 South, roughly across the highway  
from the Norwich Farmers Market.

Wood Ducks were in a few locations including one individual at Foley  
Park and others further north along the Connecticut River.

Mallards were in scattered locations including pools within farm  
fields along both Hogback and Campbell Flats Roads.

At Foley Park two male Ring-necked Ducks were seen on the New  
Hampshire side of the Connecticut River.

A female Black Scoter was in the Connecticut River (New Hampshire  
waters) near the mouth of the Ompompanoosuc River. At least in recent  
years, this species has not been commonly reported from the  
Connecticut River adjacent to Norwich.

A total of a few dozen Hooded Mergansers were found from several  
locations, including 19 individuals seen from Foley Park. A female  
Common Merganser was at Pompy.

While on Kendall Station Road, we watched an adult Bald Eagle fly  
downstream over the Connecticut River and then perch in a tree on the  
New Hampshire side.

At least 40 European Starlings along Hogback Road constituted the  
largest flock of that species found today.

American Tree Sparrows were in a few locations including Pompy and  
here in the backyard in Norwich village.

A flock of five Fox Sparrows this morning in the backyard here in  
Norwich village were the first members of that species to be found in  
this location during the present fall season.

A few White-throated Sparrows continue to visit here in the backyard.  
This afternoon, at least one of them was singing, although the song  
was not of a quality which might be expected from a spring bird.

Two male Red-winged Blackbirds were near Pompy Farms and another at a  
feeder along Kendall Station Road. A Common Grackle was also present  
at the same feeder along Kendall Station Road.

This morning, six Pine Siskins and one Evening Grosbeak were in the  
backyard here in Norwich village.

George

George Clark
Norwich, VT

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