February 16 , 2008

What a marvelous day for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Sightings included the following: At South Hero there were a large flock (130+) European Starlings, a few House Sparrows, and a Rock Dove. At the Grand Isle ferry landing there were 25 Common Mergansers and a few Herring Gulls. At a feeder in Grand Isle there were Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, and a pair of House Finches, and a Hairy Woodpecker. By Winooski High School there were large mixed flocks of American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and at least one Bohemian Waxwing. At Technology Park in South Burlington there was a flock of about 30 Pine Grosbeaks. Also seen were American Crows throughout the day, and a Red-tailed Hawk and a Great Black-backed Gull on the Islands.

February 6 , 2008

The snow didn't stop NBNC staff from making some interesting observations today. Larry spotted a flock of 10-15 Pine Grosbeaks on the corner of Bailey Ave and State St, feeding on berries. Chip spotted a winter crane fly resting on the snow. And Sandal spotted a firefly larvae, also resting atop the plentiful snow. Also keep your eyes out for "snow fleas", which are actually springtails, for they too are insects that can be found on warm winter days when carpets of snow still cover the ground.