Braving a strong northwest wind blasting down Lake Champlain, and a wind chill that made the temperature seem much colder than the reported low 40s, a dozen intrepid birders, under the auspices of NH Audubon's Mascoma Chapter, journeyed last Saturday to Addison, VT's Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area to take in the spectacle of the annual fall snow goose migration. And a spectacle it was! The observers were treated to the sight of approximately 3500 snow geese spread across the refuge's fields, and on occasion, the awe inspiring sight of the flock rising en masse as if a great, upward spiraling, swirling white cloud. Despite the less than hospitable conditions, the outing was very productive with 47 species recorded. Among the highlights were a cackling goose that Spencer Hardy managed to pick out when the snow goose flock was aloft. Also seen were the seasonal field birds; horned larks, pipits and snow buntings, as well as a small (25) flock of migrating red-winged blackbirds and a pair of American tree sparrows. Waterfowl in addition to the snow geese included an overhead flock of Canada geese while at Brilyea Access were observed mallards, American Black ducks, green-winged teal, American wigeon (2) and a solitary northern shoveler. Raptors were present in limited number and variety Those recorded included a bald eagle, rough-legged hawks (4), red-tailed hawks (2) and northern harrier (2). Links to the complete eBird reports are below. http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20440576 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20440573 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20440557 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20440562 Thanks to Pip Richens, George Clark and Spencer Hardy for leading the outing, and thanks to Spencer for keeping the counts. Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire 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] ---------------------------------------------------------------- Web based archives and subscription management are available at: http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/uv-birders.html ****************************************************************