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Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon

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Upper Valley, NH
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Summer 2018 Events Calendar

Upcoming Birding Outings

Norwich Birdwalk – Early Fall Migrants

Saturday, August 18

7:00 am – 9:30 am

We’ll gather at The Ledyard Bridge on the Connecticut River’s Vermont side to see what waterfowl and land birds might be passing through as they begin their journey south to their wintering grounds. Starting at Foley Park located at the bridge, we’ll carpool north along US Rt. 5. Likely stops include the Ompompanoosuc River Outflow, “Pompy” Flats, Kendall Station and Campbell Flats.

The trip is free and open to the public and is to be led by Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee member George Clark. All skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes as you prefer. The walking at the various stopping points is level and mostly paved. Wear comfortable shoes. It is advised to bring water and sun screen.

Recent Bird Watching Events

Birding River Road – Hanover to Lyme

Saturday, July 28

Less than three hours before the start of this morning's bird walk in Hanover and Lyme, a noisy thunderstorm was still in progress in the region. However, by the time the bird walk began, a predicted "dry slot" had arrived, and the rain had stopped. No rain fell during the bird walk, but water drops were falling off overhead trees and the vegetation under foot was very wet on a humid morning.

On this trip, arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon, ten observers found more than 55 bird species with coverage along NH Route 10 in Hanover and along River Road in Hanover and Lyme. Among numerous highlights were a Pied-billed Grebe, 46 Turkey Vultures by an East Thetford (VT) roosting area, an adult Bald Eagle, a Wild Turkey, Willow Flycatchers still calling "Fitz-bew", five species of swallows over the Connecticut River at Wilson's Landing; apparently moving southward, Overhead Bobolink calls suggested that at least a few of those birds were on the move southward as well.

Also notable were a calling Louisiana Waterthrush heard on the return pass over Lyme's Hewes Brook, a flock of five Eastern Bluebirds, and brightly colored mature male Purple Finches. Species still singing this late in the season included, in part, a Black-billed Cuckoo at Grant Brook in Lyme, Blue-headed, Warbling, and Red-eyed Vireos, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Bunting.

A Solitary Sandpiper flying over the Sheridan Printing parking lot in Hanover was unexpected. None had ever been seen previously at that location. The only other shorebird found was a Spotted Sandpiper at Grant Brook in Lyme. A Merlin perched in a tree by the Hanover Golf Course was a bonus for a few birders to see after the regular trip had ended.

Thanks go to Sheridan Printing NH for providing parking spaces to enable car-pooling. Special thanks go toGeorge Clark and his three coleaders whose contributions were too numerous and varied to list in full. Susan Tiholiz diligently compiled records in the field and prepared the eBird lists cited below. Kathy Thompson played a major role in field compilation and tabulation of results.. Adam Burnett helped greatly by detecting bird species.

Links to the outing's eBird lists:

Sheridan Printing

https://ebird.org/vt/view/checklist/S47505252

Wilson's Landing

https://ebird.org/vt/shared?subID=UzQ3NDkwOTkz&s=t

Hidden Valley/Wilmot Farm Fields

https://ebird.org/vt/shared?subID=UzQ3NDkxMzc0&s=t

Hewes Brook

https://ebird.org/vt/shared?subID=UzQ3NDkxNTQ2&s=t

River Road "Village"/Wilder WMA

https://ebird.org/vt/shared?subID=UzQ3NDkxODk1&s=t

Grant Brook Outflow

https://ebird.org/vt/shared?subID=UzQ3NDkyNzEw&s=t

Windsor Grasslands WMA

Saturday, June 16

Marton Road -- Windsor, VT

In Romeo and Juliet's famous balcony scene, Juliet poses the question "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet." Might not that be true of favorite birding sites as well? By a different name would they be any less appealing?

That proposition was tested Saturday, June 16 when the Mascoma Chapter sponsored a birding trip to the Windsor site formerly know as the VT State Prison Farm; now offically renamed the Windsor Grasslands WMA. A new name, yes, but judging by he day's stellar results, different in name only.

Twenty birders assembled at the Marton Road parking area near the head of the road that leads to the former prison's building complex. One salutary change resulting from Vermont Fish and Wildlife taking over the property is that there now is access via the road farther into the grounds affording better views of the adjacent fields.

Fifty-three species were recorded during the two-and-a-half hour hours spent at the site which also included surveys of its orchard and a short segment of Pond Road.

Highlights included a blue-winged warbler seen in the orchard. Perhaps two others were observed as well, but enough details could not be seen to establish firm IDs. A black-billed cuckoo seen in the same vicinity was another plus.

The fields had not been mowed providing good conditions for grassland birds viewing including red-winged blackbirds, bobolinks and six members of the sparrow family; chipping, song, Savannah, field, swamp and eastern towhee.

Concluding at the WMA site, most of the party continued to the wetland/pasture complex at the corner of Hunt and Marton roads. There a Virginia rail made its presence known by vocalizing in response to a pre-recorded call.

Thanks to George Clark, Blake Allison and Ed Hack for co-leading, and thanks to Blake for keeping the count lists. A complete record of the day's activity can be found using the following eBird links.

Windsor Grasslands WMA:

https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S46586838

Hunt and Marton Road Site:

https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S46587221

Northern Rail Trail Bird Walk

Saturday, June 9

Lebanon, NH

On a most pleasant June morning, 14 participants joined in a bird walk along a Lebanon (NH) section of the Northern Rail Trail in the vicinity of Riverside Drive., as arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon. Overall, the area birded is suburban with woodlands along the Mascoma River and open field and brushy areas in the Baker'c Crossing Conservation Area, and with residences, businesses, and a few roadways in the vicinity.

We found 31 bird species, all of which might nest in that area. Among hightlights were a Common Merganser female on the river, a molting Broad-winged Hawk providing fine views as it soared nearby overhead in a rising thermal air mass, and a first year (yellowish rather than orange) male American Redstart watched at close range while vigorously singing. A total of nine species of warblers were detected. A full list of species and other details are at

https://ebird.org/vt/view/checklist/S46422961

Thanks to all who participated, to Jeff MacQueen for valuable assistance in planning, and special thanks to Susan Tiholiz for coleading, for keeping the list of birds while afield, and for preparing the eBird report cited above.

Co-sponsored by the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon and the Mascoma River Local Advisory Committee.

Bedell Bridge Bird Walk

Saturday, May 26

Bedell Bridge State Historic Site

Haverhill, NH

On an overcast, Saturday morning with the temperature ranging through the 70s, Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon Steering Committee members George Clark and Jef MacQueen led 17 birders around the Bedell Brdige's woodland and wetland complex; habitats where we encountered most of the species we typically get here, plus a few surprises. Blackpoll Warblers were the notable migrants present and we had great looks at several. Some of us also got a glimpse of two Northern Harriers as they flew towards the south from the area. An immature Bald Eagle perched obligingly, twice, and we had good scope views. We had a great opportunity to scrutinize and study vocalizations of Willow and Alder Flycatchers as they called almost simultaneously at one point. We also heard a Yellow-throated Vireo, but could not find it. An American Bittern flew over and gave most of us a quick look.

An impressive count numbering 50+ species was recorded. The eBird list can be observed here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S46037649.

Thanks to George Clark and also Adam Burnett for his keen ears and knowledge.

“Warbler Wednesdays”

Boston Lot Lake -- Lebanon, NH

May 30

On a fine morning today about a dozen participants joined in the last Warbler Wednesday bird walk of this season as arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon for Boston Lot in Lebanon, NH. Forty nine bird species were detected, mainly ones that potentially nest in that area, and including 11 species of warblers. Birds presumed not to be nesting in that area were a Common Loon at Boston Lot Lake and Double-crested Cormorants both at the Lake and by Wilder Dam. Among numerous other highlights were an uncommon, singing, Yellow-throated Vireo with a continuing presence on the south side of Boston Lot Lake. a continuing Louisiana Waterthrush. and a brilliant male Indigo Bunting.

A full list of species and other details may be found at: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S46156889

Thanks go to all the participants who helped on today's and earlier Warbler Wednesday walks, and special thanks go to Larry Morin and Susan Tiholiz, both of whom during today's walk kept lists of the birds found, thus enabling the eBird report.

May 23

Thirteen participants enjoyed mild weather and a pleasant walk up the hill to Boston Lot Lake for the May 23 "Warbler Wednesdays" outing.

Though early morning mist made the woods fairly quiet at the outset, the sun eventually emerged, and we logged 46 species for the day.

Nine warbler species were recorded with Chestnut-sideds dominating with ten records. A Yellow-throated Vireo made our list as several of us heard the call and got very fleeting views of the male of the pair that appears to be nesting up by the lake again this year. We also had good looks at an Osprey flying over.

The morning's highlight was finding a male and female White-winged Scoter pair on the Lake; the first time that species has been recorded there by us since May 2012. All present had good looks at the birds through a spotting scope and enjoyed watching them take flight.

A complete list of the day's sightings can be found using the following eBird link:

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S46010583

Thanks to Susan Tiholiz and Blake Allison for co-leading and keeping the count list.

Recent Birding Events, cont.

“Warbler Wednesdays”

Boston Lot Lake -- Lebanon, NH

May 16

Warblers were definitely the headliners for this past Wednesday's "Warbler Wednesdays" birding outing. Fifteen species were recorded, and while the numbers of each were not large, many "ones" or "twos", the range and variety seen was gratifying.

The 23 birders participating had fine, memorable views of magnolia warblers (3). Other noteworthy sightings included a brilliantly, orange-hued blackburnian warbler and a yellow-throated vireo seen in a tree near the lake's spillway; the location where a nesting pair was seen last year.

A couple of unusual records vis a vis the walk's history were a barred owl and a common loon fishing out in the lake.

A complete eBird list of the day's records can be found by clicking on this link:

https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45778389

Thanks to George Clark and Blake Allison for leading, and thanks to Blake for keeping the species count.

May 9th

It's hard to imagine that this morning's weather could have been any better than what greeted 23 birders as they set off uphill to Lebanon's secluded jewel; Boston Lot Lake. The sky was a flawless, cloudless deep blue, there was a light breeze, and a temperature that started at a brisk 45 warmed to almost 60 degrees by the time the trip concluded.

The over the weekend arrival of an abundant number of songbird species was very much in evidence with wood warblers, Baltimore orioles and rose-breasted grosbeaks filling the air with their cheerful and much-missed songs.

The morning's observations got off to an exciting start when a bald eagle flew over at tree top level just after the party started up the trail to the lake. Once at the lake, a common loon and a spotted sandpiper were among the highlights.

Wood warbler species seen totaled eleven with fine views of a blackburniaover n warbler, a chestnut-sided warbler and a northern parula particularly satisfying. A late bonus was the sighting of an eastern towhee as attendees neared the parking lot at the trip's end.

A complete list of the days observations can be found by clicking on this link:
https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45487386

Thanks to Blake Allison for leading and recording.

May 2nd

The Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon's first of the season "Warbler Wednesdays" birding event took place under mostly sunny skies with temperatures that ranged from 41 degrees at the outset to 61 at the walk's conclusion around 9:30 a.m. Breezes that initially were gentle became stronger as the morning progressed.

The walk attracted 25 birders, many of whom are long time "Warbler Wednesdays" participants. Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee members George Clark and Blake Allison were the event's co-leaders, and Blake kept the eBird list.

A total of 38 species were recorded over the course of the walk.That number falls in the middle of count totals for first outing totals from earlier years with 45 species in 2017, 33 species in 2016 and 40 in 2015.

Several waterfowl species were seen on the impounded water behind Wilder Dam including an American wigeon, a ring-necked duck and four bufflehead. Warblers were few in number with a black-throated green, a splendidly attired, blackburnian warbler, four pine warblers and four yellow-rumped warblers recorded. A Louisiana waterthrush was heard singing near the lake's spillway but was not located.

In what may well have been a "Warbler Wednesdays" first, a savannah sparrow was recorded. It was well-seen by the entire group as it picked at a tuft of grass next to the lake's footbridge.

Few raptors were observed. An osprey lazily looped around the lake, and a broad-winged hawk swiftly passed overhead flying north.

A complete eBird list of the day's sightings can be found using the following link:

https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45188571

“Feathered Fridays”

Mink Brook Nature Preserve - Hanover, NH

May 25

Eleven birders enjoyed mild weather and a very pleasant walk along the Mink Brook River Trail for the May 25th Feathered Friday bird walk. After two hours, a smaller group crossed the road and continued through the Hanover neighborhood and into the Mink Brook Preserve. We tallied 47 species along the River Trail and added 9 new species in the Preserve, totalling an impressive 56 species for the day. We observed 11 species of Warbler and there were 6 Wood Ducks and 3 Spotted Sandpipers along the river. We were also treated to a hawk flying over that we ID’d as a Broadwing. Many thanks to Gail McPeek and Susan Tiholiz for co-leading and recording the birds.

Mink Brook Nature Preserve

https://ebird.org/vt/view/checklist/S46120064

River Trail Along Mink Brook

https://ebird.org/vt/view/checklist/S46120069

May 18th

With the temperature in the 40’s, the birds were fairly quiet as we started our “Feathered Fridays” walk along the Mink Brook "River Trail" on May 18. Sixteen birders, many with sharp ears, nevertheless ID’d 40 species along the brook as the sun warmed the trees and more singing began. Though the foliage has become dense along the trail, limiting visual IDs, the beauty of the blossoming fruit trees and wild flowers (including a small drift of white Trillium) was appreciated by all.

After two hours, a smaller group crossed the road and walked into the Mink Brook Preserve. Our checklist in the area of the Preserve totaled 29 species (7 species not see along the River Trail) for the hour spent there.

We tallied a good number of Warblers, including Northern Parulas, Nashvilles, Tennessees and for a few participants, a Canada. We also had an exceptional view of a Veery on a power line. Another highlight was close viewing of two bright orange and black Baltimore Orioles foraging among the white blossoms of a Crabapple tree.

It was a beautiful day for birding on the Upper Valley!

Susan Tohiliz, Mascoma Chapter

Click on the following links to see the eBird checklists for the two walks.

Mink Brook "River Trail"

https://ebird.org/vt/view/checklist/S45852896

Mink Brook Nature Preserve

https://ebird.org/vt/view/checklist/S45852882

May 11th

Breeezy, somewhat cool conditions were the order of the day as 23 birders set out traveling westward along Hanover's Mink Brook.

The brook's water level was high significantly reducing the likelihiid shorebirds would be observed as they were the week before, but it also increased the possibility if seeing some waterfowl.

Among the highlights of the 32 species seen were four great-creasted flycatchers ; a first of the season record for that species. Another first of the season sighting was a scarlet tanager obligingly perched out in the open providing splendid views of its brilliant red plumage.

Warbler species present included: ovenbird (3), Black and white (3), northern parole (1), magnolia warbler (1), yellow warbler (1), pine warbler (3), pine (3) and yellow-rumped (1) and black-throated-green (2).

Afterwards a few observers spent 20 minutes in the Mink Brook "wetlands" area where sixteen species were observed including a sharp=shinned hawk, a belted kingfisher and three gray catbirds.

Complete lists of the morning's sightings can be found on eBird using the following links:

Mink Brook "River Trail":

https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45567519

Mink Brook "Wetland Area":

https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45567839

Thanks to co-leaders Gail McPeek of the Hanover Conservancy and Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee members George Clark and Blake Allison. Thanks to Blake for keeping the species counts.

May 4th

Cloudy conditions and the threat of rain did not deter a dozen birders from setting out early Friday morning along the Mink Brook Nature Preserve's River Trail "in search of early arriving spring migrants.

This was the first time in recent memory that the Mascoma Chapter has hosted a walk at Mink Brook. Historically, "Feathered Friday's" have been held at Union Village Dam Park in Thetford, but a venue change was necessitated by last July 1st's major rain event that did significant damage to Buzzell Bridge Road blocking off our access to the park's "Mystery Trail" section.

Waterfowl sightings included Canada goose (10), wood duck (4), mallard (7) and common merganser (9). A pleasant surprise was the presence of three shorebird species including solitary sandpiper (2), greater yellowlegs (3) and lesser yellowlegs (3).

The sighting of five warbler species offered a tantalizing taste of things to come. They included ovenbird (3), black and white (3), common yellowthroat (1), yellow-rumped warbler (14) and black-throated-green (1). An additional two species, palm warbler (1) and black-throated-blue (1), were seen by members of the party who stayed out after the event's official conclusion.

A complete list of the day's observations can be found on eBird using the following link: https://ebird.org/nh/view/checklist/S45294569

Thanks to Blake Allison for leading and compiling the eBird list."

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