December 15, 2007

What a day for a birdcount! Teams of bird counters braved the cold for the 45th annual Plainfield Christmas Bird Count. Although we are still waiting for one team's results to post final tallies, some highlights thus far include:

Canada Goose 1
Northern Goshawk 2
Ruffed Grouse 2
Barred Owl 4
Horned Lark 11
Bohemian Waxwing 393
Snow Bunting 7 (count week)
Pine Grosbeak 161
Common Redpoll 129
Evening Grosbeak 33



Plainfield CBC participants Amelia, Larry, Doug, Spencer & Chip (left to right) at Spruce Mtn.

December 14, 2007

Chip, Larry, and Amelia braved the snow for the Mad River Christmas Bird Count, and recorded the following:

American Black Duck 4
Mallard 4
Ruffed Grouse 1
Wild Turkey 7
Mourning Dove 40
Rock Pigeon 12
Downy Woodpecker 9
Hairy Woodpecker 12
American Crow 7
Common Raven 3
Blue Jay 7
Black-capped Chickadee 228
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 11
European Starling 40
American Tree Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Evening Grosbeak 30
Pine Grosbeak 1

December 13, 2007

Red Squirrels have been scurrying around the Nature Center lately, enjoying the seed dropped by birds at the feeders. This curious squirrel has been coming onto the front porch and peering in through the windows. Three American Goldfinches also made an appearance at the feeder, which was busy today, for the first time in a while.

December 12, 2007

Among the usual visitors to the large Maple outside our office windows was a Brown Creeper. Anticipation is building for the upcoming Christmas Bird Counts. Stay tuned, for results will be posted here as they become available.

December 11, 2007

As Chip and a board member walked towards eachother down the path at the Nature Center, a Wild Turkey found itself caught in the middle. The startled turkey took off into the field.

December 10, 2007

The usual suspects have been frequenting our bird feeders: Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadees, and Tufted Titmouse. Chip had a Common Redpoll at his feeder in Middlesex.

Also note a programming change:
Sandal's women's walk previously scheduled for Jan. 20 has been cancelled due to a new special offering. See the programs section for info about Wildlife Tracking with Susan Morse, 9-4 on Sun. Jan. 20th.

December 5, 2007

A Northern Shrike perched on a tree limb outside our window just long enough to give an amazing close-up look! A Mourning Dove in a nearby branch remained frozen in place throughout the ordeal.

December 3, 2007

Late last week, in East Montpelier, Sandal discovered a caterpillar walking atop the snow. The caterpillar was identified as a Large Yellow Underwing, an invasive accidentally introduced into eastern Canada from Europe around 1979. It is not uncommon to see this species during thaws throughout the winter, so keep your eyes peeled!

December 1, 2007

A Northern Goshawk was sighted in Middlesex by Brandon, a former camper and friend on North Branch. It perched in a tree long enough for him to enjoy a great view!