Cloudy conditions and the threat of rain did not deter a dozen birders from setting out early Friday morning along the Mink Brook Nature Preserve's River Trail "in search of early arriving spring migrants.

This was the first time in recent memory that the Mascoma Chapter has hosted a walk at Mink Brook. Historically, "Feathered Friday's" have been held at Union Village Dam Park in Thetford, but a venue change was necessitated by last July 1st's major rain event that did significant damage to Buzzell Bridge Road blocking off our access to the park's "Mystery Trail" section.

Waterfowl sightings included Canada goose (10), wood duck (4), mallard (7) and common merganser (9). A pleasant surprise was the presence of three shorebird species including solitary sandpiper (2), greater yellowlegs (3) and lesser yellowlegs (3).

The sighting of five warbler species offered a tantalizing taste of things to come. They included ovenbird (3), black and white (3), common yellowthroat (1), yellow-rumped warbler (14) and black-throated-green (1). An additional two species, palm warbler (1) and black-throated-blue (1), were seen by members of the party who stayed out after the event's official conclusion.

A complete list of the day's observations can be found on eBird using the following link: https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45294569

Thanks to Blake Allison for leading and compiling the eBird list."

Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon

To post messages, send e-mail to: [log in to unmask] Set your e-mail application to PLAIN TEXT ONLY to post messages. To contact the list owner: [log in to unmask] To unsubscribe: E-mail this command to [log in to unmask] UNSUBSCRIBE UV-Birders To change your e-mail address: E-mail this command from your old address to: [log in to unmask] CHANGE UV-Birders [new e-mail address]