LISTSERV - UV-BIRDERS Archives - LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU

Error - unable to initiate communication with LISTSERV (errno=10061, phase=CONNECT, target=127.0.0.1:2306). The server is probably not started. LISTSERV - UV-BIRDERS Archives - LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU

Norwich Bird Week wraps up this weekend with a series of events, two of which are morning field trips. Although the weather forecast is deteriorating, our assumption now is that both trips will take place. Stay tuned here and on the Norwich Bird Week Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/norwichbirdweek/ for updates.

On Saturday morning, we'll offer a trip along the Connecticut River. We'll start at Foley Park, meeting at 8 am in the Ledyard Bridge park-and-ride. Last Sunday, we had a very productive trip here, finding 46 species over a 2-hour leisurely walk. From there, for anyone with the time and inclination, we'll head north to check Pompy flats and either Kendal Station or Campbell Flats. The forecast looks like it will hold for Saturday morning, with light southerly winds overnight and only a chance of rain - potentially prime conditions for a migrant "fall out". I'm optimistic that we'll have an excellent morning, as this week's persistent northerly winds have kept many migrants dammed up to our south. The floodgates are about to open!

Our second planned outing is a bird banding demonstration at Campbell Flats from 8-10:30 am on Sunday. Banding is a proven avian research technique, in which small birds are harmlessly captured in fine nylon nets, fitted with uniquely-numbered leg bands, measured and weighed, their age and sex determined, and released. It is a fantastic way for anyone to experience the wonder of birds up close and to learn details of their biology and natural history. Jason Hill and I will have several mist nets set up along the river, and we'll gather at two picnic tables in the small clearing at the southeast of the recently-plowed corn field. Participants will have the chance to release any birds we band, with kids getting first priority. There will be signs directing people where to park along Campbell Flats Road. Carpooling is encouraged.

Here's the catch. Sunday's forecast calls for an 80% chance of rain. Rain and bird banding are incompatible. If it is raining steadily, even if lightly, we'll have to cancel, and that seems likely now. If it comes to that, we'll reschedule for next Sunday 5/21, same time and place. We'll make the final call by early afternoon on Saturday and announce it here and on our Facebook page.

Parents are more than welcome to bring your kids to either or both of these field trips. The pace will be unhurried, and the emphasis on ensuring that everyone sees birds we encounter. Bring binoculars if you have them, warm and waterproof outerwear (you can always leave it in your car), and waterproof shoes or boots. We hope for a good turnout both days, and an improved weather forecast!

Chris

________________________

Chris Rimmer
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
PO Box 420 | Norwich, Vermont 05055
802.649.1431 x202
http://vtecostudies.org/

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]

Error during command authentication.