A Tues-Wed field trip on Stratton Mt. kicked off the VINS Bicknell's 
Thrush research season.  Weather was perfect, black flies largely 
absent, and avian activity strong.  Most, but not all, residents 
appeared to be back.  However, only 2 Winter Wrens were singing, 
Blackpoll Warbler numbers were thin, and no Yellow-bellied 
Flycatchers were heard.  Highlights included:

Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- 1 singing
Bicknell's Thrush -- 5 birds heard calling (no songs), 6 mist-netted
Swainson's Thrush -- 4 heard calling (no songs), 6 mist-netted
Magnolia Warbler -- >10 males singing
Lincoln's Sparrow -- 3 singing males, 2 birds mist-netted
Rose-breasted Grosbeak -- 1 singing male, unusual at high elevations
Purple Finch -- >12 males singing, more abundant than we have ever seen them
White-winged Crossbill -- several pairs seen and heard.  Two males 
mist-netted, one in breeding condition

Chris

*************************************
Chris Rimmer
Conservation Biology Dept.
Vermont Institute of Natural Science
6565 Woodstock Road
P.O. Box 1281
Quechee, VT 05059
802-359-5001 ext. 230
www.vinsweb.org/cbd/index.html

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