As Jeff MacQueen reported earlier today from Orford, the first snowfall of the season led to a flurry of bird activity around the feeders. Here in the backyard in Norwich (VT) village, the most unusual among 18 species today was a Hermit Thrush perched in a crab apple tree and seen just before an American Robin in the same tree. Other notable species included a continuing male Red-bellied Woodpecker, at least 9 Blue Jays, both species of nuthatches, 2 American Tree Sparrows, and at least 12 juncos. For a brief time in the latter part of the afternoon, bird activity was nearly nil while an adult Cooper’s Hawk visited.

One unusual event today involved a junco landing on the top of the suet feeder where a female Hairy Woodpecker was feeding below. The woodpecker promptly climbed up the mesh-sided feeder and delivered a sharp peck directed at the junco which immediately flew away.

More on today’s observations is at http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist?subID=S26515207

George Clark
Norwich, VT

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