January 14, 2009

Nature Center staff were treated to views of a Northern Shrike, which briefly landed in the Red Maple outside our windows and went after a Black-capped Chickadee. The two birds disappeared around the corner of the building, and we could not confirm or deny that the Chickadee escaped. After the encounter, the remaining Chickadees around the feeder sat motionless for several minutes, and then left for the rest of the day. Other birds seen around the feeder today include Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch.

January 10, 2009

Members of our Youth Birding Program set out today for the Mid-winter Bald Eagle Survey; a project started in the late-70's to monitor the recovery of this species. Although our group didn't see any Bald Eagles along our transect, which covered the Lower Winooski River, we had an abundance of winter finch sightings. Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, and Pine Grosbeaks were all seen. Several Canada Geese, Common Mergansers, and a Northern Pintail were also spotted amongst a group of several hundred Mallards and Black Ducks at Muddy Brook Park in South Burlington.

January 8, 2009

A neighbor of the Nature Center reported a Red-bellied Woodpecker today at their feeder on Elm Street.

January 6, 2009

Happy New Year! Our year is off to a nice start here at the Nature Center. Yesterday, our feeder was visited by a small group of Pine Siskins and our regular Brown Creeper made an appearance on the Red Maple outside the Center. Today, a male Northern Cardinal visited the feeder briefly, and a small flock of American Goldfinches has been hanging around.

December 14 , 2008

The 49th annual Plainfield Christmas Bird Count took place today, and while results are still being compiled, some of the biggest surprises included two Hermit Thrushes and a Turkey Vultures, both new to this count. Lingering birds of summer seemed to be the theme, with American Robins, Canada Geese, Brown-headed Cowbird and even a White-throated Sparrow recorded during the day. Winter visitors from further north included Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks and Snow Buntings. Overall 45 species were found by a record 38 birders. Complete results will be posted shortly.

December 11 , 2008

A flock of roughly a dozen Pine Siskins visited the feeder today at the Nature Center. A Brown Creeper has been seen regularly, including this morning, on the large Maple in front of the main building.

December 10 , 2008

You can take comfort in the fact that the sun will be setting later from here on in. Today is the earliest sunset of the year, however the total length of the day will continue to decrease until the solstice. You can come celebrate the solstice with us on December 19th at 7 pm. See programs for more details.