The rain held off and even some blue sky could be seen at times  
despite a prevailing overcast during this morning's bird walk held by  
the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon at Bedell Bridge State  
Park in Haverhill, NH. Four participants enjoyed seeing hundreds of  
birds representing a total of 34 species viewed against a background  
of colorful fall foliage. The two new cul de sac trails, one with a  
viewing platform, all added over the summer with a private gift,  
substantially increase access to the wetlands and surrounding trees  
and shrubby tangles at this site. The last of the surrounding big  
fields of corn was being harvested this morning. Some avian highlights  
follow.

An estimated 350 American Robins and 140 Yellow-rumped Warblers were  
the numerically dominent species flying about. Many robins were flying  
southward in loose flocks. An estimated 30 Cedar Waxwings and 80  
American Goldfinches were also moving around. About 60 Canada Geese  
were seen but did not linger in the area while hunting with decoys was  
underway in a nearby harvested corn field. Other waterfowl species  
included Wood Ducks and Mallards. Two Turkey Vultures and an adult Red- 
tailed Hawk were sighted. Other birds of special interest included 2  
Great Blue Herons, a Belted Kingfisher, 5 species of woodpeckers, an  
Eastern Phoebe, a Brown Creeper, an Ovenbird, 3 Common Yellowthroats,  
a Magnolia Warbler. Song, Swamp, and White-throated Sparrows, a couple  
of Rusty Blackbirds, 9 Common Grackles, and 2 Purple Finches.

Special thanks to Blake Allison for compiling the sightings and  
preparing the more detailed eBird report which can viewed at
http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist?subID=S20026291

George Clark
Norwich, VT

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