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Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon

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Fall Birdwatching Calendar

Richmond Conservation Land

Saturday, September 16

7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Orford, NH

Join, Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee member Jeff MacQueen as he leads an exploration of this recently conserved area at the Jacob's Brook outlet in Orford. Several different habitats are found there, and we will be searching for migrating waterfowl and land birds. Afterwards, participants are welcome to visit other birding hotspots in Orford, including Reed's Marsh WMA.

The Richmond site is located one mile north of Bridge Street (Patterson's Store and Samuel Morey Bridge) on NH Route 10. Look for a kiosk and stone marker on the left adjacent to a large cornfield.

Participants coming from the south are invited to meet at the “park and ride” lot at the Norwich end of the Ledyard Bridge at 6:30 a.m. to carpool.

The event is free and open to the public. All experience levels are welcome. Bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes as you prefer. The trails can be uneven in spots and may be damp if there has been recent rain. Appropriate footwear is advisable. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

Bedell Bridge Bird Walk

Saturday, October 7

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Bedell Bridge State Historic Site – NH Rt. 10

Haverhill, NH

The Bedell Covered Bridge may be long gone, a victim of a violent windstorm in 1979, but the grounds surrounding it offer a diverse array of habitats that always produce some interesting sightings. There are wetlands and hardwood stands as well as active agricultural fields. Last fall’s trip recorded nearly 30 species. Including two dozen rusty blackbirds and four great blue herons.

The walk will be co-hosted by Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee members Blake Allison, Jeff MacQueen and George Clark. People from southern locales wishing to carpool should meet at 6:30 a.m. in the “Park ‘n Ride” lot on the Vermont side of the Ledyard Bridge in Norwich.

If you decide to travel directly to the site, there are two routes from the south. In New Hampshire, take NH Route 10 north to the Haverhill Green. Another quarter mile farther ahead on the left, you'll see Meadow Road. Turn onto it and follow it about a mile to the boat launch parking area.

From Vermont, take I-91 north to Exit 16 - Bradford/VT Route 25. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto Route 25. Follow it about a mile, crossing US Route 5 and passing Farm-Way, before passing over the Connecticut River into NH. A quarter mile farther, River Road will appear on your left. Turn onto it traveling north until the road's junction with NH Route 10. Turn left onto Route 10. Then follow the above directions for NH to arrive at the park.

The trip is free and open to the public. All experience levels are welcome. The walking is level traveling over a dirt road and lawn-like grassy areas. Bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes as you prefer. Water is recommended. In the event of steady rain, the event will be cancelled.

Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area

Addison, VT

Saturday, November 4

Did someone say snow geese? Last year’s visit to this major migratory stop on the Lake Champlain flyway produced a tally of nearly 3000 of the beautiful, white birds. Watchers occasionally were treated to wonderful views of the flock spiraling upward creating spectacular white, cloud-like formations. Depending on conditions, expect to see a variety of waterfowl, raptors and perhaps even late migrating shore birds.

This is an all day event. Carpoolers will depart at 7:00 a.m. from the “Park ‘n Ride” lot on the Vermont side of the Ledyard Bridge in Norwich.

The trip is free and open to the public. All experience levels are welcome. The walking is level traveling over paved and dirt roads. Bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes as you prefer. Packing a lunch and water is recommended. In the event of adverse weather conditions the event will be cancelled.

Recent Birdwatching Events

Norwich Birdwalk – Early Fall Migrants

Saturday, August 19

At seven o'clock on Saturday morning, August 19th, 23 birders gathered on the Norwich, Vermont side of the Ledyard Bridge to commence a birding expedition in search of early arriving, fall migrants. Weather conditions were favorable with partly cloudy skies and the temperature ranging from 64 degrees at the outset to the low the low 70s when the outing concluded around 10:00 a.m.

A total of 40 species was recorded over the time afield. Highlights included a male bufflehead in transitional plumage seen in the waters below the Ledyard bridge. At Campbell Flats, the participants enjoyed fine views of the continuing little blue heron as it obligingly remained perched for almost 45 minutres in a dead tree adjacent to the beaver dam. Also at Campbell Flats was a pair of solitary sandpipers foraging in the flooded meadow.

Warbler sightings were scant. Just four species were recorded during the party's four stops, including one yellow warbler, a common yellowthroat, two black and whites and four American redstarts.

Among other songbirds, the group was treated to the engaging sight of two adult rose-breasted grosbeaks feeding their two, newly fledged youngsters. A total of eight Baltimore orioles were seen over the course of the morning. Also seen was a flock of 35+/- flying mourning doves at Ompompanoosuc Flats.

Waterfowl diversity was slight. Mallards were numerous with 75+/- seen during the trip. A few wood ducks were recorded. At Campbell Flats four Canada geese were seen, the only ones observed on the day.

A tip of the hat to Jenn Megyesi whose evocative photos add a striking visual component to the the eBird lists. Thanks to trip co-leaders George Clark, Ed Hack and Blake Allison and thanks to Blake for serving as recorder.

Complete lists of the day's observations can be viewed on eBird by clicking on the links below.

Ledyard Bridge/Foley Park Area
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38730584

Ompompanoosuc Flats
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38731000

Kendall Station

http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38731247

Campbell Flats Rd.
http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S38731474

Birding River Road – Hanover to Lyme

Saturday, July 22

Under overcast but bright skies, with good visibility and pleasantly cool temperatures, nine individuals birded along the Connecticut River's NH side, starting from Sheridan NH (formerly Dartmouth Printing Company) in Hanover and continuing north to Grant Brook in Lyme. During the trip, arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon, more than 40 bird species were found in an enjoyable sampling of birdlife along the river in the latter half of July.

Among highlights were more than 65 swallows over the river by Wilson's Landing in Hanover, with dozens of Tree Swallows as well as Barn and Bank Swallows among those swallows identified. Eastern Kingbirds were among the more conspicuous species along our route with their vocalizations heard at nearly every stop along the way. At least a few Willow Flycatchers were still calling "Fitz-bew" this late in their nesting season.

Among singing songbirds a Northern Parula at Hewes Brook in Lyme was notable. Among the warblers, Common Yellowthroats were the most numerous. For the sparrow species, Song Sparrows were the most profuse, but Swamp Sparrows were still singing loudly in a few places.

More details can be found in the following July 22nd, eBird reports.

Dartmouth Printing: http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S38271413

Wilson's Landing: http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S38271409

River Road/Hanover: http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S38271395

River Road/Lyme - Including Hewes Brook and Wilder WMA: http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S38271390

Grant Brook: http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S38271383

Special thanks go to coleaders and field compilers Kathy Thompson and Susan Tiholiz. Sheridan NH generously provided parking spaces to facilitate carpooling.

VT State Farm Prison and Environs

Windsor, VT

Saturday, June 17

Under relatively cool, calm, conditions and overcast skies with a low cloud cover, but no precipitation, 20 participants enjoyed a bird walk in Windsor, VT, in the vicinity of the state correctional facility ("Windsor Prison Farm"). Bird vocalizations seemed often subdued, but nevertheless a total of 43 species were found. Presumably most or all of these species nest in that vicinity, A complete list can be seen at

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37643007

A few highlights can be mentioned here. Two Wilson's Snipe were calling and flying about. Repeated calling by both Alder and Willow Flycatchers provided a fine opportunity to compare the vocalizations of the two species which are so similar in appearance as to be ordinarily indistinguishable except by sounds or nests. House Wrens were nesting in an exceptional location, a space partially concealed between pieces of a standard-appearing, roadside, metal guard rail.

Eight warbler species were detected, including one repeatedly singing a proper "Blue-winged Warbler song". Despite our efforts to see that winged warbler, the bird remained out of sight so we don't know whether the singer was actually a Blue-winged Warbler or perhaps a hybrid or, much less likely, a rare Golden-winged Warbler. Among other prominent singers in the area were Eastern Towhee and Indigo Bunting, augmenting a background chorus provided by Red-eyed Vireos and Ovenbirds.

After coverage on the prison farm, ten participants went on to look for birds in and around wetlands near the junction of Marton and Hunt Roads, also in the town of Windsor. Eighteen species were found, including two additional snipe, the only hummingbird of the morning, both Least and Willow Flycatchers. a Warbling Vireo, numerous Bobolinks singing and flying about, and the repeated song of Savannah Sparrow.

A full list can be seen using the following link:

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37643106

Thanks to all who participated and helped in Saturday's walk, arranged by the Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon. Special acknowledgments go to coleaders Susan Tiholiz and Jeff Yegian. Jeff kept the records in the field and submitted the eBird reports.

Northern Rail Trail Bird Walk

Lebanon, NH

Saturday, June 10

Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee member Jeff MacQueen led fifteen birders on a walk along the Mascoma River following Icehouse Road and the Northern Rail Trail.

Under mostly sunny skies and with the temperature comfortably in the mid-60s, the group tallied 32 species and had great looks at many of them.

The morning's highlights involved breeding evidence with half a dozen nests located. Among them, were two Baltimore Oriole nests, one American Redstart, one Yellow Warbler and a Least Flycatcher nest. American Redstarts were very active and we had the opportunity to study adult males, first year males and females (one on the nest we found). We also had a Common Loon around the dam area.

Thanks to George Clark for co-leading and to Jeff Yegian for keeping the list. Jeff's complete list can be viewed here:

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37507531

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

A great blue heron makes its way along the Connecticut River earlier in the spring.

Photo: Wayne Benoit -- Manchester, NH

An adult bald eagle keeping watch in a snag below Wilder Dam.
Photo: Wayne Benoit -- Manchester, NH

May Outings

Bedell Bridge Bird Walk

Bedell Bridge State Historic Site -- Haverhill, NH

Saturday, May 27

The grounds surrounding the former site of the Bedell Bridge offer an opportunity to see a wide variety of birds due to the park’s interesting combination of riparian, mixed woodlands and agricultural land habitats.

The sixteen observers who traveled the site got a firsthand exp;erience of that diversity tallying 46 species that included a green heron, eight different insectivore species, three members of the swllow family, four different woodpeckers and four species in the oriole/blackbird group.

The walk was hosted by Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee Member Jeff MacQueen with assistance from George Clark, Katherine Thompson Susan Tiholiz and Adam Burnett.

A complete list of the morning's observations can be found using the following eBird link:

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37183995

“Warbler Wednesdays”

Boston Lot Lake -- W. Lebanon, NH

May 31

This past Wednesday's visit to Lebanon's Boston Lot Lake brought our 2017 series of outings there to a close.

Nine birders participated in the final walk, setting off uphill to the lake under cloudy skies with the temperature in the mid-50s

Just thrity-five species were observed during the two-and-a-half hour walk; a clear indication that many species seen earlier in the month have moved on to their breeding grounds while those staying locally have begun the busy task of nesting and rearing this year's young.

The day's highlight was the re-locating and viewing of a yellow-throated vireo nest with both parents observed coming and going. No more than a small, ball of lichens, resting on a thin branch, high up in a maple, the nest was well-observed by all attendees who agreed its very survival in such a precarious circumstance was a true wonder.

The total for this year's five count days was 77 species including 18 different warbler types. Highlights there were a bay-breasted, three blackburnians and a singing Louisiana waterthrush. Of the six likely occurring woodpecker species for our area, all but the red-bellied were observed at one time or another. Four members of the vireo family - Philadelphia, yellow-throated, blue-headed and red-eyed - also were seen.

Thanks to Kathy Thompson, Susan Tiholiz and Blake Allison for leading the May 31st outing, and thanks to Chapter Steering Committee members George Clark and Jeff MacQueen for their help on earlier walks too.

A complete eBird list of this past Wednesday's walk sightings can be found by using the following link:

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37291050

Thanks to Blake for being the day's recorder.

May 17

It is hard to imagine better conditions for birding than those that almost 30 participants enjoyed at Boston Lot Lake for this week's "Warbler Wednesday." The skies were mostly sunny throughout the walk, the temperature ranged between 5 and 64 degrees, and the humidity was low. Did I mention we had a very good morning of viewing. It started with a view of a bald eagle perched on a snag adjacent to the Connecticut River just north of our meeting area and ended with an impressive count of 50 species including 14 different warblers?

Starting with the warblers, the party notably registered a bay-breasted, a Tennessee and a Nashville. Common yellowthroats were the most numerous warbler (seven) but multiple American redstarts (two) and chestnut-sided warblers (two) also were observed.

Species with significant numbers included gray catbird (seven), least flycatcher (seven), turkey vultures (15) and common grackles (five).

An unexpected sighting was a Philadelphia vireo. eBird challenged the record, but the individual was well seen by three experienced birders.

An eBird list of the morning's records can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S36945468

May 10

Unseasonably, cool weather conditions continued to be the weather's defining feature, but that did not suppress the enthusiasm of 23 participants who headed up the Boston Lot Lake access road with high hopes of encountering returning wood warblers, flycatchers and other songbirds. Those expectations were modestly met with a tally of eight warblers, including a Louisiana waterthrush heard calling from the brook near the trailhead, and a pair of least flycatchers seen up at the lake.

Otherwise, the results were less than hoped for. Thirty-eight species were recorded. Among the waterfowl, a highlight was five ring-necked ducks and four bufflehead seen on the lake, well-viewed through spotting scopes.

Song/landbird results were not out of the ordinary for mid-May. In addition to the aforementioned waterthrush, seven yellow-rumped warblers, two American redstarts and a northern parole were among the warbler highlights. Other species seen and/or heard and enjoyed included two, singing brown creepers, two calling red-breasted nuthatches and a pair pileated woodpeckers. Species conspicuous in their absence were indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, rose-breasted grosbeaks and Baltimore orioles to name a few.

Thanks to the event's co-leaders and Mascoma Chapter Steering Committee members George Clark and Blake Allison, and thanks to Blake for keeping the count, a complete list of which can be found by clicking on the following eBird link. http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S36744227

May 3

There is something about the first day in a series of one-site birding walks that has all the elements of baseball's opening day. There are memories of years past, excitement that the new season is underway, eager anticipation about what lies ahead and the hope of a successful engagement.

Such were the feelings shared by sixteen birders who turned out May 3 for the Mascoma Chapter's first "Warbler Wednesday" outing. The group was not disappointed by the outcome. Despite mostly cloudy, windy, unseasonably cool temperature readings and a brief sprinkle, a very satisfactory 47 species were recorded.

Among the highlights in waterfowl were seven ring-necked ducks, four bufflehead and a hooded merganser; all seen together in a cove at Boston Lot Lake's northwest corner. Also noteworthy was the presence of three double-crested cormorants. Considerable excitement was produced by one cormorant that descended from great altitude, alternately circling and diving as the wind currents enabled. Then, it finally, gently put down, with considerable aplomb after those most impressive aerobatics.

A circling, calling pair of broad-winged hawks was a highlight in the raptor class.

The song bird list was long. A fortuitous, near end of scouting, side trip to the open, tree-circled, grassy area just below and to the west of the lake produced some welcomed warbler records including blackburnian (three), yellow-rumped (eleven), pine and a black-throated green.

A complete list of the day's records can be accessed on NH eBird by clicking on the following link: http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S36527161

Thanks to George Clark and Blake Allison for hosting, and thanks to Blake for recording.

“Feathered Fridays”

Union Village Dam Park -- Thetford Center, VT

* Season Summary *

Steady rain on Friday, the 26th brought the "Feathered Fridays" series to a pre-mature close The species count for the month was not as high as had been hoped, only 61, but there some good sightings among that number.

On the May 5 walk, a pair of American bittern were seen at the Mystery Trail wetland. A week later on May 12, the party was treated to clear views of a male, Cape May warbler in dazzling breeding plumage. On the May 19 walk, a red-shouldered hawk circled the area briefly.

Following are accounts for each of the three May outings.

May 19

This past week may have been the high water mark for warbler migration. After seemingly being dammed up by cold, wet conditions, the arrival of more seasonable weather followed by mid-week's mini, record-setting heat seemed to unleash a flurry of feathered activity. Anecdotal evidence talked of warblers moving through in waves.

The Mascoma Chapter's Wednesday and Friday bird walk experience produced support for that supposition. At Boston Lot Lake on Wednesday, fourteen different warbler species were recorded, albeit some were just single individuals. Friday's outing at Union Village Dam Park produced fewer species records, but the numbers of those recorded were, in some cases, quite robust.

Among the warblers seen by the party's 19 participants were, 15 common yellowthroats, ten chestnuts-siders and ten yellow warblers. At least five American redstarts were noted, and there were two singing northern parulas near the trailhead. A bonus was a Louisiana waterthrush heard bravely calling over the rush of the Ompompanoosuc as it passed through the "rapids" at the snow mobile bridge entrance to the "Mystery Trail."

There was a raptor debate regarding whether a bird circling briefly in view was a red-shouldered or broad-winged hawk. The matter was settled decisively when a pair of broad-winged arrived moments after the now confirmed red-shouldered had departed.

Among song birds, the group had fine views of a rose-breasted grosbeak couple, veeries (four) and catbirds (six).

A complete list of the morning's observations can be viewed by clicking on the following eBird link: http://ebird.org/ebird/vt/view/checklist/S36994520

May 12

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

May 5

Under cloudy skies with damp and breezy conditions prevailing, the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon hosted the first of four bird walks scheduled for May at Thetford Center's Union Village Dam Park.

Nine birders encountered an interesting, albeit limited, assortment of waterfowl and songbirds. The song bird count likely was suppressed by the cool, damp conditions. For example only three warbler species were encountered, while the only insectivore recorded was an eastern phoebe.

The morning's highlights included two American bittern that flushed from the tall grass at the edge of the "Mystery Trail" wetland and a flock of 40+/- migrating blue jays. Also observed was a pair of hooded mergansers atop one of the wetland's nesting boxes. Both a winter wren and house wren were recorded too.

In the end, 33 species were seen and/or heard. A complete checklist can be accessed on eBird using the following link:

http://ebird.org/ebird/nh/view/checklist/S36568610

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

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mascomabirds@gmail.com