Fifty species were recorded on the home property between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox. No "lifers" were added. Mostly, it was the "usual suspects." Perhaps the most out of the ordinary appearance was one that most birders would not think it so. The "interloper?" It was a European starling that showed up on July 5. Starlings rarely occur here. We are situated in a combination of fields and hardwood/conifer habitat at 900 feet above sea level. Starlings that appear in Lyme tend to be at lower altitudes and near agricultural activity. One visiting here is a very rare occurrence. In that same vein of the common being unusual, a house sparrow has never been recorded here.
Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3322