Surprise! Surprise! A gloriously bright, clear morning with only a slight chill at the start, no rain and a moderate temperature range from 46 to 59 degrees. The birds apparently appreciated the change as much as the sixteen birders who came out for the second in the Mascoma Chapter's May series of "Feathered Fridays" at Union Village Dam Park (UVDP). A very respectable 43 species were tallied. 
A clear highlight was a dazzling, male, Cape May warbler in full and brilliant breeding plumage. He was one of ten warbler species recorded on the walk. First of season UVDP warbler sightings included a black-throated-green, one black and white and five chestnut-sided warblers. At the Mystery Trail wetland, an American bittern was seen as well as two least fly catchers, a barn swallow and seven tree swallows. Also recorded were two swamp sparrows. It was thought a Baltimore oriole  was heard in the area, but it stopped vocalizing and could not be located to confirm its identity.
Among the thrush family three veeries and two hermit thrushes were seen or heard. Other highlights included a singing brown creeper, two belted kingfishers and two drumming roughed grouse.
There was no shortage of spectacle either. A purposely, flying broad-winged hawk was sighted with a snake dangling from its beak and two crows noisily and aggressively chased a common raven out of their territory.
Thanks to Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee members George Clark and Blake Allison for co-hosting the outing, and thanks to Blake for recording. A complete list of the days observations can be found by clicking on the following eBird link: http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S36784621 
Please join us for the next "Feathered Friday" event at Union Village Dam Park on Friday, May 19 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Please join us. Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon


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