*Vermont

 

*Statewide

3.20.09

 

*VT0403.06

 

This is the Vermont Rare Bird Alert for March 20, covering the period March
13 - 19, 2009.  

 

The birding highlights of the week include a FISH CROW, singled out amongst
1,000 roosting AMERICAN CROWS in South Burlington on 3/16, a MERLIN seen in
Middlebury on 3/15 and a very early OVENBIRD heard in Bridport at the base
of Snake Mt. on 3/15.

 

The first GREAT BLUE HERONS of the season arrived back in North Hartland,
Saxton's River and Shelburne this week.  

 

There were numerous TURKEY VULTURE sightings, including two large groups
roosting in Brattleboro (35) and Bristol (19).

 

Many SNOW GEESE were observed this week, with some of the larger flocks
occurring at Converse Bay (190), West Rutland (125) and Muddy Brook Marsh
(62). CANADA GOOSE sightings were abundant, the largest number (thousands)
reported on the West River near Brattleboro and off Grand Isle (1,100).

 

A lingering ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen at Dead Creek WMA on 3/18.  Two
PEREGRINE FALCONS were spotted flying over the West River in Brattleboro on
3/19.

 

There were 12 sightings of KILLDEER this week, the earliest occurring on
3/13 in Windham.  Several AMERICAN WOODCOCK were heard in Bridport on 3/15,
and additional sightings occurred later in the week in Danby, Middlebury,
East Monkton, Pownal, and at the base of Mt. Philo.

 

The last reported sighting of the NORTHERN HAWK OWL in Eden occurred on the
afternoon of 3/18.

 

NORTHERN FLICKERS returned to West Rutland and Middlebury this week.

 

Eight AMERICAN PIPITS were sighted on Grand Isle on 3/18.

 

BOHEMIAN WAXWING sightings were significantly fewer this week, with reported
sightings in Middlebury (66 on 3/13, 81 on 3/16) and Rutland (11 on 3/15).

 

Migrating FOX SPARROWS were spotted in Rutland (10 on 3/15) and at Lake
Pauline on 3/19.  There were many reports of SONG SPARROWS throughout
Vermont this week.  

 

COMMON REDPOLL numbers fell significantly, with sightings occurring in only
14 locations.  PINE SISKIN numbers, however, still remain high.  

 

A small flock of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS was seen feeding on white spruce
cones in Charlotte on 3/13.

 

This weekly Vermont birding report is a service of the Vermont Center for
Ecostudies (VCE).  VCE is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
understanding and conservation of birds and other wildlife.  With a reach
extending from northern New England through the Caribbean to South America,
our work in wildlife research and population monitoring unites people and
science for conservation.  Our offices are located in White River Junction.
Please visit VCE's web site at www.vtecostudies.org . 

 

Please report your sightings of rare or unusual birds to VCE, or email
reports to [log in to unmask]  Better yet, enter your sightings on
Vermont eBird at http://ebird.org/content/vt/.

 

Mary Holland

Chris Rimmer

Kent McFarland

Roz Renfrew

Vermont RBA Compilers,

Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE)

802-649-1431

 

 


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