*Vermont *Statewide 12.19.08 *VT0403.06 This is the Vermont Rare Bird Alert for December 19, covering the period December 12 - 18, 2008. The birding highlights of the week include an AMERICAN WOODCOCK in Manchester on 12/12 and a SNOWY OWL at the Burlington Waterfront last sighted and reported on 12/17. Two NORTHERN PINTAILS were seen off Grand Isle on 12/14. A WOOD DUCK was spotted in Manchester on 12/18. A PEREGRINE FALCON was sighted in Shoreham on 12/14 and in Brandon on 12/19. A SHORT-EARED OWL was observed in Bridport on 12/14. A BELTED KINGFISHER was spotted in Pownal on 12/12 and at Button Bay on 12/16. NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen in Whiting, Berkshire, Randolph Center and Brattleboro this week. Two BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen in Morrisville on 12/13 and many CEDAR WAXWINGS were spotted throughout the state. Several CHIPPING SPARROWS were seen in Brattleboro this week, with five observed on 12/18. PINE GROSBEAKS were sighted in three locations this week: 7 in Enosburgh Town Forest on 12/12, 4 on 12/13; 3 in South Starksboro on 12/19 and 10 in Burlington on 12/13. A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen in Waltham on 12/13. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were spotted in Wallingford (1 on 12/12), Middlebury (65 on 12/14 CBC) and Grand Isle (4 on 12/14). COMMON REDPOLLS were seen in Rutland Town (3 on 12/12), Brattleboro (1 on 12/12) and Stratton (1 on 12/18). There were many PINE SISKIN sightings this week throughout Vermont, the largest flocks being in Saxton's River (60), West Rutland (60) and Bristol (40 to 50). 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 **************************************************************** 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] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Web based archives and subscription management are available at: http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/uv-birders.html ****************************************************************