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9 May NHBIRDs: Notables - Newton, NH ["Paula McFarland" ] 9 May Free Bird Walk in Lancaster Next Week ["Sam Stoddard" ] 9 May Pondicherry IMBD on Saturday ["David Govatski" ] 9 May Re: Worm-eating Warbler ["Keith M. Gordon" ] 9 May Worm-eating Warbler [Melissa Miller ] 9 May Orchard Oriole [] 9 May Scarlet Tanager [Emmalee Tarry ] 9 May Possible Gray Kingbird-Walpole ["Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc." ] 9 May unsubscribe [] 09 May Concord and Manchester Chimney Swifts [] 8 May Wheep! [Hank Chary ] 08 May 1st Females & Upland [LadyMacro ] 09 May 14 species of shorebirds at Seacoast [] 08 May Re: Bird ID in Concord Heights [] 8 May Pickering Ponds ["Chet" ] 8 May Nelson warblers; Pondicherry IMBD trip this Saturday [Phil Brown ] 8 May Re: Bird ID in Concord Heights ["Stephanie L" ] 8 May Re: Bird ID in Concord Heights ["Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc." ] 8 May Londonderry FOYs of the Day ["Sandy" ] 08 May Keene Cemetery Hooded Warbler ["Kenneth Klapper" ] 8 May Bird ID in Concord Heights ["Stephanie L" ] 08 May BBC 'EXTREME PELAGIC' BOAT TRIP to CONTINENTAL SHELF 28 JUNE 2008 [Steve Mirick ] 8 May Plymouth area Thurs a.m. ["fogleman" ] 8 May Walpole Birds ["Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc." ] 8 May Re: Hinsdale Setbacks - ORCHARD ORIOLE - 5/6/08 ["Clifford Seifer" ] 8 May Marlborough Bobolinks et al ["Clifford Seifer" ] 8 May Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, May 8, 2008 ["Mark Suomala" ] 08 May Re: NH visitor looking for pelagic trips, etc... [] 08 May Summer Pelagic opportunities on NH whale watches [] 7 May Peterborough area [Bruce Boyer ] 07 May Kenan Devan-Meetinghouse Pond Sanctuary [Geoffrey Gardner ] 7 May Pemi Chapter meeting Tuesday, May 13 [John Williams ] 7 May NH visitor looking for pelagic trips, etc... ["Jason Pietrzak" ] 7 May Pickering Ponds ["sayoung" ] 7 May Pickering Ponds ["Chet" ] 08 May Goffstown Birds [] 08 May Merrimack Valley Cons. Area and Silk Farm Sanctuary today [] 7 May Baltimore Orioles ["thunduh" ] 07 May Brown Thrasher, Baltimore Oriole Amherst FOYs [] 7 May Wood Thrush singing in Newmarket, and others [Hank Chary ] 07 May Rail Trail being built in Derry? [Jon Woolf ] 7 May Green Herons nesting? ["Muffie" ] 7 May Effingham/Freedom ["Eddison, Debra - Conway, NH" ] 7 May Londonderry - 4 FOYs; 5 Bigbys ["Sandy" ] 07 May Coast and Brentwood, 5/7/08 [Jon Woolf ] 07 May Orchard Oriole still hanging [] 7 May Health of finches ["corgis" ] 7 May Cerulean Warbler at Pawtuckaway ["Mark Suomala" ] 07 May Screech Owl Survey ["Eric Masterson" ] 07 May Scarlet Tanager in Auburn ["Jane Hills" ] 07 May No Subject [] 7 May Hinsdale Setbacks - ORCHARD ORIOLE - 5/6/08 [Byard Miller ] Subject: NHBIRDs: Notables - Newton, NH From: "Paula McFarland" <saltpannes AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 12:20:14 -0400 In my yard this morning: Sparrows: White-crowned Sparrow - 1 adult http://www.flickr.com/photos/saltpannes/2477867623/<%20http://www.flickr.com/photos/saltpannes/2477867623/> Swamp Sparrow - 1, actively foraging in the open *http://www.flickr.com/photos/saltpannes/2478678574/* White-throated Sparrow - 5+ Chipping Sparrow - 6 Warblers: Northern Parula - 2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/saltpannes/2477867623/ Common Yellowthroat - 1m Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - looking really blue Yellow-rump -1 Nashville - 1 Redstart - 1m, beautiful coloring Others: Pileated Woodpecker - 1 flyover Great Crested Flycatcher - 1 Baltimore Oriole - 5+, inc one carrying nesting. I also saw a very yellow-looking oriole this morning. I need to get a better look at it. Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 Bluebirds - 1m, 1f, carrying food. So they're nesting some place close, just not in one of my nest boxes. Recent birds in my yard: Indigo Bunting - 1 male, 5/8 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1m, migrating through, 5/8 Wood Duck - 1 pair, seen in the trees 3 different days this week. If only they would find the duck box that is waiting for them! Tufted Titmouse - sitting on 5 eggs in nest box Barred Owl - 1 flew through the yard at 7:00 p.m. on 5/5 Broad-winged Hawk - 1, 5/6 Ovenbird - 1h, 5/7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5/6 Black & White Warbler, 5/6 Black-throated Green, 5/6 Paula McFarland Newton, NH saltpannesatgmaildotcom 5/9/2008 12:17 p.m. Subject: Free Bird Walk in Lancaster Next Week From: "Sam Stoddard" <sstoddard3 AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:20:01 -0400 *May 14, 2007**  Wednesday Morning Songbird Walk* **Please join us on May 14th for a free bird walk at Weeks State Park in Lancaster, NH led by Dave Govatski. This walk will focus on identification and nature of songbirds (and incidentally spring wildflowers) that inhabit Weeks State Park and nearby wetlands. Dave is an active member of several conservation and birding organizations. He is a retired forester, avid hiker, member of the Jefferson Conservation Commission, and an energetic volunteer with the Friends of Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge and New England Wildflower Society. Meet at the main entrance of the Park at 7:00 AM. Bring raingear just in case and suitable footwear for an easy walk. If you have binoculars or a bird identification book, please bring them. Anyone with special needs or questions should call (603) 788-4961 in advance. Weeks State Park is located on the east side of Route 3, approximately 2 miles south of Lancaster. This program is sponsored by the Weeks State Park Association, White Mountain Interpretive Association, NH Division of Parks, and UNH Cooperative Extension. Weeks State Park Association host for this event is Sam Stoddard. All programs are free and the public is invited. Sam Stoddard Lancaster, NH Subject: Pondicherry IMBD on Saturday From: "David Govatski" <pondicherry AT wildblue.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 11:12:48 -0400 The Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson and Whitefield will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday 10 May 2008. The theme of this years celebration is "Tundra to the Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitat and People". We will meet at Airport Marsh, near the Whitefield Airport, at 0700 for a walk and chance to observe wetland and grassland birds. Northern Harriers, Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows and Great Blue Herons are among the species we hope to see. At 0800 we will walk to Cherry Pond from the trailhead on Airport Road. We expect to see a variety of recently arrived warblers and spring flowers. At 1000 we will dedicate a new bronze plaque honoring the visionary efforts of Tudor Richards in creating the Pondicherry Refuge. We will have free International Migratory Bird Day posters for all who want one. We will have lunch at the new Tudor Richards Viewing Platform and then take optional walks to Little Cherry Pond and Moorhen Marsh. Total walking distance is from 3 to 5 miles depending on what trails you decide to do. Bring water, lunch, binoculars and dress for the weather. The first black flies arrived at 0917 on Wednesday morning but they are in small numbers and the new arriving warblers are hungry and eating them up. This years theme of Tundra to the Tropics is a wise choice. Protecting areas like Pondicherry provide nesting, resting and refueling stops for these long distance migrants. We are fortunate in America and Canada to have such a chain of refuges providing this habitat for birds and other wildlife. We must not forget that the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. As we lose good habitat to development we need to acquire and protect additional habitat so that we don't lose the connection between birds, people and habitat. On Wednesday afternoon, Kathi, a friend and I saw a black bear and two cubs walking down the railroad line near Cherry Pond. What we immediately noticed was that the mom was walking on the narrow steel rail and balancing herself for 20 feet or so and lose her balance and then get right back on. The cubs were not interested in trying this from what we could see. I once saw a bobcat balance walking on a rail for a long distance. Bobcats we know will walk on top of logs looking down in case a vole might appear. On Thursday Reuben Rajala of Gorham and I completed the installation of the bronze plaque mentioned above for Tudor Richards. While we were drilling the holes in the rock we could hear a loon calling in the background, a ruffed grouse drumming on the hillside above us and spring peepers calling. Later we heard the sound of the American Bittern and Wilson's Snipe overhead. A fine day to be celebrating nature and to those who helped protect it. David Govatski Jefferson, NH Subject: Re: Worm-eating Warbler From: "Keith M. Gordon" <kmg AT myexcel.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 10:09:11 -0400 Dear Melissa----The Nikon Monarchs (8X42 or 8X36) are rated best binoculars under $300. I have both & agree. I have more expensive ones but keep coming back to the Monarchs. Good Luck--- Keith M Gordon, PE 680 Granite Lake Road Munsonville, NH 03457 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Melissa Miller" To: "New Hampshire Birds" Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 9:42 AM Subject: Worm-eating Warbler > In Concord, yesterday morning (thursday, 5/8) I first heard, then saw a > Worm-eating Warbler (awful name for a wonderful bird). He was singing > his distinctive song from near the top of a tree in my backyard. No > sign of him this morning... > > It was only two years ago that I discovered warblers pass through here > in the spring, so I am keeping my eyes and ears open, especially now as > the crabapple begins to blossom, and last year there were a couple > warblers there for a couple of weeks - a Yellow warbler, a Common > Yellow-throat, and a Yellow-rumped. > > Wednesday morning saw a male Baltimore Oriole. > > Several Chimney Swifts were flying around wednesday evening. > > I need a better pair of binoculars. Any suggestions? Thanks! Subject: Worm-eating Warbler From: Melissa Miller <melmilart AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 06:42:42 -0700 (PDT) In Concord, yesterday morning (thursday, 5/8) I first heard, then saw a Worm-eating Warbler (awful name for a wonderful bird). He was singing his distinctive song from near the top of a tree in my backyard. No sign of him this morning... It was only two years ago that I discovered warblers pass through here in the spring, so I am keeping my eyes and ears open, especially now as the crabapple begins to blossom, and last year there were a couple warblers there for a couple of weeks - a Yellow warbler, a Common Yellow-throat, and a Yellow-rumped. Wednesday morning saw a male Baltimore Oriole. Several Chimney Swifts were flying around wednesday evening. I need a better pair of binoculars. Any suggestions? Thanks! Subject: Orchard Oriole From: Luckyduck2001 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 09:32:21 EDT This morning we have a male Orchard Oriole at our feeder in addition to 2 male Baltimore Orioles and 1 Female. We also have 2 male Hummingbirds and 1 female. Debbie Crowley 72 North Shore Road Hampton, NH **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Subject: Scarlet Tanager From: Emmalee Tarry <emmaleet AT msn.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 08:38:42 -0400 Very south Nashua had a Scarlet Tanager today Friday May 9. FOY for me. Male Hummingbird continue at my feeder. No females yet. I love spring. Emmalee Bowers Tarry EmmaleeT AT msn.com EmmaleeTarry.uswww.NEseabirds.com AHS56.com Subject: Possible Gray Kingbird-Walpole From: "Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc." <alan AT rnjohnsoninc.com> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 07:46:18 -0400 Last night at 6:00, my wife and I were looking for flycatchers along the rail trail south from Jiffy Mart on Rt. 12, along the Ct. River. Had good looks for several minutes at what appeared to be a Gray Kingbird. Did not have the dark wing and tail markings of a Loggerhead Shrike or Northern Shrike.Could not relocate at 6:30am today, but flycatchers and Eastern Kingbirds in area were also quiet, until we were leaving at 7:15. Alan Johnson Subject: unsubscribe From: <lauraej AT tds.net> Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 6:13:39 -0500 I am sorry I have misplaced the proper unsub directions. I am switching to my Gmail.com address. Subject: Concord and Manchester Chimney Swifts From: stbnh AT comcast.net Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 02:41:00 +0000 I may be late to notice this, but: As of Tuesday Night (5/6), about a dozen chimney swifts had arrived in downtown Concord (in the vicinity of Don Giovani's italian restaurant and Cheers). On Thursday afternoon, roughly the same number were present in Manchester near Pappy's Pizza on the north end of Elm Street. Sheridan Brown Concord, NH Subject: Wheep! From: Hank Chary <hankchary AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 21:27:54 -0400 Great Crested Flycatcher calling in my woods today. FOY. Hank Chary Newmarket _________________________________________________________________ With Windows Live for mobile, your contacts travel with you. http://www.windowslive.com/mobile/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_mob ile_052008 Subject: 1st Females & Upland From: LadyMacro <LadyMacro AT metrocast.net> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 21:28:04 -0400 At least 2 female RT Hummingbirds showed up this evening, 10 days after the first males. Yesterday an Upland Sandpiper http://www.pbase.com/ne_wildlife_photography/image/96743709 at Hilton Park, Dover Point. Debbie Stahre W. Nottingham Subject: 14 species of shorebirds at Seacoast From: tbbirds AT comcast.net (Terry Bronson) Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 01:21:57 +0000 I went looking for shorebirds this morning in Hampton and Seabrook. I found them aplenty: Semipalmated Plover--1, first of year, in north part of Hampton Harbor at low tide Black-bellied Plover--3 in same area Dunlin--19 in same area, most in breeding plumage Willet--3 nearby, 3 more behind Little Jack's Restaurant in Hampton, 2 at Landing Road in Hampton (including the one with the broken right leg/foot I saw earlier this week) Semipalmated Sandpiper--maybe 3. Definitely smaller and plainer looking than the Dunlin, but no details to confirm due to distance Piping Plover--1 on Seabrook Beach, 2 at Hampton Beach State Park with 1 on nest in exclosure Sanderling--44 at the State Park Purple Sandpiper--26 at the State Park Least Sandpiper--13 at Landing Road (first of year), 30 at south end of railroad causeway at end of Depot Road in Hampton Falls Greater Yellowlegs--7 near Least Sandpipers along railroad causeway Lesser Yellowlegs--1 (first of year) with Greater Yellowlegs Spotted Sandpiper--2 with Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper--2 with Yellowlegs Killdeer--2 with Yellowlegs Other Seacoast highlights: Long-tailed Duck--165 off south end of Great Boars Head in Hampton Black Scoter--10 with Long-tails White-winged Scoter--15 with Long-tails Surf Scoter--30 off Seabrook Beach Great Blue Heron--4 at end of Island Path in Hampton, 5 flying north across Cross Beach Road in Seabrook Great Egret--6 visible from Cross Beach Road, 2 more north of Hampton Harbor Snowy Egret--2 off Cross Beach Road Osprey--1 flying over Route 1 in Seabrook, 1 carrying a fish over railroad causeway heading for Landing Road nest Sharp-shinned Hawk--1 migrating way up high over rail causeway Merlin--1 migrating along Seabrook Beach Belted Kingfisher--1 on seashore rocks south of Great Boars Head Blue Jay--50 migrating over Depot Road Gray Catbird--7 along Depot Road and the causeway Common Yellowthroat--1 male along Depot Road Swamp Sparrow--2 along causeway Baltimore Oriole--2 males and a female at a feeder at end of Brimmer Road off rail causeway Inland highlights in afternoon and early evening: American Kestrel--2 at Martin Road in Fremont Eastern Towhee--2 in Auburn along Little Lake Massabesic Trails Yellow-rumped Warbler--3 along those trails Pine Warbler--2 along those trails Black-and-white Warbler--3 along those trails Ovenbird--3 heard along those trails Eastern Meadowlark--2 along Martin Road -- Terry Bronson Hampton Falls, NH tbbirds AT comcast.net Subject: Re: Bird ID in Concord Heights From: cmsbirds AT comcast.net (Chris Sheridan) Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 23:48:32 +0000 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Acridotheres_tristis1.jpg Could it possibly be an escaped Mynah? (Another member of the starling family) They are great mimics, have a huge vocal reportoireand can even "talk". They used to be sold as pets, and I believe a few are still kept, though they may have been banned, as they've proved to be invasive pests in some areas. Chris Sheridan Nashua NH cmsbirds AT comcast.net -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: "Stephanie L" > Thank you Alan, I'm actually very family with the starling and this was not > that, it was actually larger than a starling > > > > > On Thu, May 8, 2008 at 5:08 PM, Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc. < > alan AT rnjohnsoninc.com> wrote: > > > Dear Stephanie: > > Forgive my suggestion... a European Starling fits all of your criteria, > > except size. ...its gold speckles would not necessarily be noticeable in > > flight, or in shaded conditions. And, It has an erie/uncanny repetoire of > > calls. > > Alan Johnson > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Stephanie L" > > To: "New Hampshire Birds" > > Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 3:23 PM > > Subject: Bird ID in Concord Heights > > > > > > > Hello, > > > > > > This morning I heard the most unusual sound, something I cannot even > > begin > > > to describe and it certainly did not sound bird-like. A few minutes > > later > > I > > > spooked a black bird that flew into heavier tree cover. It was > > completely > > > black, the size of a small crow and had bright orange legs and a yellow > > > beak. I am hoping someone has an idea as to what it is because my > > searching > > > didn't turn up anything. > > > > > > thanks > > > Steph Subject: Pickering Ponds From: "Chet" <c_farwell AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 18:47:50 -0400 Pickering today: 1 Gray Catbird http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/2477109204/ 3 Yellow Warblers http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/2476295153/ 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks - Female http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/2477109032/ 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks - Male 2 Eastern Kingbirds 5 Turkey Vultures 3 Tree Swallows 11+ Red-winged Blackbirds 1 Great Blue Heron 3 Double-crested Cormorants 3 Common Mergansers 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers Chet Dover, NH **GBA=== http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150 Subject: Nelson warblers; Pondicherry IMBD trip this Saturday From: Phil Brown <downtownpab AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:45:08 -0700 (PDT) Another amazing morning in Nelson. 57 species from our yard in 1.5 hours between 7-830 am today, including good numbers of 14 species of warblers. 11 new arrivals for the spring (& yard list) include: Scarlet tanager - the bird that woke me up today Red-breasted nuthatch - 3+ (1st birds recorded in our yard - since Oct) Gray catbird Nashville warbler Northern waterthrush Ruby-throated hummingbird Solitary sandpiper American redstart Least flycatcher House wren Bobolink - 1 flyover Reminder to join the NHA Ammonoosuc Chapter's annual IMBD trip to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge this Saturday morning, where many of our spring migrants will be breeding. Meet at 7 am at Airport Marsh or 8 am at the trailhead to Cherry Pond off Hazen Rd. Led by Dave Govatski. Phil Brown & Julie Tilden Nelson NH ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Subject: Re: Bird ID in Concord Heights From: "Stephanie L" <talarivka AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:13:57 -0400 Thank you Alan, I'm actually very family with the starling and this was not that, it was actually larger than a starling On Thu, May 8, 2008 at 5:08 PM, Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc. < alan AT rnjohnsoninc.com> wrote: > Dear Stephanie: > Forgive my suggestion... a European Starling fits all of your criteria, > except size. ...its gold speckles would not necessarily be noticeable in > flight, or in shaded conditions. And, It has an erie/uncanny repetoire of > calls. > Alan Johnson > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Stephanie L" > To: "New Hampshire Birds" > Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 3:23 PM > Subject: Bird ID in Concord Heights > > > > Hello, > > > > This morning I heard the most unusual sound, something I cannot even > begin > > to describe and it certainly did not sound bird-like. A few minutes > later > I > > spooked a black bird that flew into heavier tree cover. It was > completely > > black, the size of a small crow and had bright orange legs and a yellow > > beak. I am hoping someone has an idea as to what it is because my > searching > > didn't turn up anything. > > > > thanks > > Steph Subject: Re: Bird ID in Concord Heights From: "Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc." <alan AT rnjohnsoninc.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:08:46 -0400 Dear Stephanie: Forgive my suggestion... a European Starling fits all of your criteria, except size. ...its gold speckles would not necessarily be noticeable in flight, or in shaded conditions. And, It has an erie/uncanny repetoire of calls. Alan Johnson ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephanie L" To: "New Hampshire Birds" Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 3:23 PM Subject: Bird ID in Concord Heights > Hello, > > This morning I heard the most unusual sound, something I cannot even begin > to describe and it certainly did not sound bird-like. A few minutes later I > spooked a black bird that flew into heavier tree cover. It was completely > black, the size of a small crow and had bright orange legs and a yellow > beak. I am hoping someone has an idea as to what it is because my searching > didn't turn up anything. > > thanks > Steph Subject: Londonderry FOYs of the Day From: "Sandy" <slmolloy AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:34:27 -0400 In Century Village, Londonderry this afternoon: a house wren (in a house), a Nashville warbler, and an Eastern kingbird. Also a family of new ducklings. I didn't get an exact count, but looked like 8-ish. Sandy Londonderry Subject: Keene Cemetery Hooded Warbler From: "Kenneth Klapper" <Kenneth_Klapper AT antiochne.edu> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 15:24:43 -0400 Hi All, I saw a female Hooded Warbler in Greenlawn Cemetery about 12:50pm. From Central Square in Keene go up Washington St, turn right on Greenlawn St (next to the Franklin School) and go straight into the cemetery. Take your immediate right and follow until the road starts to curve and go downhill. On your right will be a fenceline with some thick trees and shrubs and a small wetland. There are some apartments behind this area, and you are in a place of rest, so please be mindful and courteous if you chase this bird. Also, parking can be limited in the cemetery - some friends were told off by the police for parking in the travel lanes. If you follow the cemetery road to the "green sheds" you can park on the grass next to the sheds. This area can only accomodate a few cars, so you might be better off parking on the Keene streets and walking in. Good luck if you try! -Ken Klapper Keene, NH Subject: Bird ID in Concord Heights From: "Stephanie L" <talarivka AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 15:23:58 -0400 Hello, This morning I heard the most unusual sound, something I cannot even begin to describe and it certainly did not sound bird-like. A few minutes later I spooked a black bird that flew into heavier tree cover. It was completely black, the size of a small crow and had bright orange legs and a yellow beak. I am hoping someone has an idea as to what it is because my searching didn't turn up anything. thanks Steph Subject: BBC 'EXTREME PELAGIC' BOAT TRIP to CONTINENTAL SHELF 28 JUNE 2008 From: Steve Mirick <smirick AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 12:57:55 -0400 Posting this for Rick Heil. I hope some of you can make it. Steve Mirick Bradford, MA EXTREME PELAGIC' BOAT TRIP - 28 JUNE 2008 Join the BROOKLINE BIRD CLUB on 28 June 2008 for an extensive all day PELAGIC BOAT TRIP out of HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS to the deep, warm, blue waters of the CONTINENTAL SHELF in the vicinity of VEATCH and HYDROGRAPHER CANYONS. These waters are truly the last frontier in Massachusetts and New England ornithology. Last season I made a list of possible rarities to find on our trips, then we set out with the goal of finding a new state record in these largely unexplored waters. Well we did it, nailing the first New England and third North American record for MACARONESIAN (LITTLE) SHEARWATER (Puffinus baroli)! The bird dog Captain Joe of the fast, 100 foot, comfortable 'Helen H' skillfully followed this bird for an extended period of time, allowing observers good views, and some dozen photographers on board the ability to obtain excellent documentation. The 2008 Macaronesian Shearwater event was an excellent start, but there is more out there waiting for us! We have never run a June trip before, but June is a very exciting time to get out there, and may be our best chance for Pterodroma petrels such as Black-capped, Bermuda, Fea's, and Herald (Trinadade). Other mega-rarity real possibilities include Cape Verde Shearwater, Bulwer's Petrel, European Storm-Petrel, or either tropicbird. We are closer to the breeding grounds of many of these seabirds than is Hatteras, and there is no reason that they could not also occur here if only we could get out there more often to find them. I should mention the more ho-hum possibilities such as Audubon's Shearwater, Leach's and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Great and South Polar Skua, and Long-tailed Jaeger. However, there are no guarantees, in life, or on pelagic boat trips. The marine mammal show can be spectacular (chance for Sperm Whales, beaked whales, Grampus, etc.) along with other fascinating marine life (sea turtles-we've had Leatherback and Loggerhead; Mola mola, Hammerhead and other sharks, flying fish, and giant Manta Rays). This is a rare opportunity that may not last forever, to explore seas seldom surveyed by birders, armed with a knowledge of the possibilities and the skill to achieve them. We still need about 25 more people to make this trip happen. It would be a shame if we are forced to cancel. I urge those interested in pelagic birds and mammals, and those seeking a chance to find and observe the truly rare, to join us on this exciting cruise. Richard S. Heil S. Peabody, MA rsheil AT comcast.net Subject: Plymouth area Thurs a.m. From: "fogleman" <fogleman AT mvgalaxy.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:10:43 -0400 Three hours of birding this morning at "The Marsh" (floodplain ponds and woods) in Holderness/Plymouth yielded nearly 70 species. A surprise, but not unprecedented for the locale, was a Great Egret All four expected vireos were tallied. 13 spp. warblers: Nashville 2 Parula 12-15 Yellow 8 Chestnut-sided 12+ Magnolia 3 Black-thr. Blue 1 Blackburnian 3 Palm 1 Black&white 10 Am. Redstart 5 Ovenbird 2 Com. Yellowthroat 8+/- Wilson's 1, perhaps 2 Sparrows included Chipping, Field, Savannah, Song, Lincoln's,Swamp, White-throated, White-crowned. Susan Fogleman Campton Subject: Walpole Birds From: "Alan Johnson /R.N.Johnson, Inc." <alan AT rnjohnsoninc.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 11:06:58 -0400 Yesterday afternoon found FOY Nashville Warblers, Common Yellowthroat and Chestnut-sided. This morning, Eastern Kingbird, House Wren and Willow Flycathcher. Alan Johnson Subject: Re: Hinsdale Setbacks - ORCHARD ORIOLE - 5/6/08 From: "Clifford Seifer" <clifdisc AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 10:36:14 -0400 Byard's excellent list of Hinsdale birds provides a good opportunity to remind folks that there will be a Monadnock Chapter field trip covering the setbacks and the rail trail South at least as far as the dam this coming Sunday, May 11th. Meet at the Hinsdale High School parking lot at 6:00AM and bring plenty of bug spray! Feel free to contact me to confirm or with any questions, -- Cliff Seifer Keene NH On 5/8/08, Byard Miller wrote: > A good influx of migrants Monday night brought in 9 FOYs for me > including an Orchard Oriole. Spotted him about 100 yards north of > where the Rail Trail meets the path to the power lines. Also Blue- > gray Gnatcatchers were everywhere. My count is on the very > conservative side. > > Location: Hinsdale Setbacks > Observation date: 5/6/08 - 5:30 - 7:10 PM > Number of species: 24 > > Canada Goose 4 > Mute Swan 6 > Turkey Vulture 1 > Mourning Dove 2 > Northern Flicker 1 > Pileated Woodpecker 1 > Eastern Kingbird 1 FOY > Warbling Vireo 1 FOY > Tufted Titmouse 2 > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10 FOY > American Robin X > Gray Catbird 1 FOY > Yellow Warbler 2 FOY > Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4 > Blackburnian Warbler 1 FOY > Black-and-white Warbler 2 > American Redstart 2 FOY > Song Sparrow X > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 > Red-winged Blackbird X > Common Grackle X > Orchard Oriole 1 FOY > Baltimore Oriole 4 FOY > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) > > Byard Miller > Marlborough NH > Bird Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/9534802 AT N02/ Subject: Marlborough Bobolinks et al From: "Clifford Seifer" <clifdisc AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:58:04 -0400 At the corner of Stone Pond Road and Cemetary Road in Marlborough this morning: Bobolink -- 3 (2 Males, one undetermined) Great-crested Flycatcher -- 1 Black-throat Green Warbler -- 2 And something intriqueingly buzzy that I did not have time to investigate. -- Cliff Seifer Keene NH Subject: Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, May 8, 2008 From: "Mark Suomala" <mrsuomala AT marksbirdtours.com> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:14:41 -0400 This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Thursday, May 8th, 2008. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was reported from Marlborough on May 5th. A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen on Hampton Beach on April 30th, and was last reported on May 4th. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL and an ICELAND GULL were reported from Hampton Harbor on May 4th. An ICELAND GULL was reported from Jenness Beach in Rye on May 3rd. 450 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen on the ocean from Hampton on May 4th. 85 DUNLIN, 17 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, and 7 WILLETS were seen in Hampton Harbor on May 4th. 25 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER, a LEAST SANDPIPER, 5 WILSON'S SNIPE, and 18 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at the Krif Road fields in Keene on May 4th. 2 GADWALLS were seen in Hampton Marsh on May 6th. A RUDDY DUCK and a LESSER SCAUP were seen at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on May 1st, and a RUDDY DUCK was seen at the Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant on May 3rd. 2 BLUE-WINGED TEAL, and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen on the Connecticut River in Hinsdale on May 4th. A CERULEAN WARBLER was seen on the Middle Mountain trail at Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham on May 7th. A CAPE MAY WARBLER was seen in Exeter on May 6th. An ORCHARD ORIOLE was seen in Newmarket on May 6th, one was seen in Hinsdale on May 7th, and one was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester on May 7th. 40 EVENING GROSBEAKS were seen in Barnstead on May 4th. 15 BOBLINKS were seen in a field in Lyme on May 7th. 3 PURPLE MARTINS were seen along Route 302 in Conway, near the Maine state line on May 2nd. A flock of 10 COMMON REDPOLLS was seen in Hanover on May 8th. A flock of 12 PINE SISKINS was seen in Newmarket on May 4th. More than 1,500 AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES were observed migrating north by an observer in Seabrook on May 7th. A few FISH CROWS were reported from Durham, Merrimack, and Concord during the past week. Spring arrivals reported during the past week included: GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, LEAST FLYCATCHER, EASTERN KINGBIRD, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, RED-EYED VIREO, WOOD THRUSH, VEERY, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, PRAIRIE WARBLER, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, INDIGO BUNTING, SCARLET TANAGER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and BROWN THRASHER. This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and press 2 as directed or ask to be transferred. If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail at: birdsetc AT nhaudubon.org. Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org Thanks very much and good birding. Subject: Re: NH visitor looking for pelagic trips, etc... From: tbbirds AT comcast.net (Terry Bronson) Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 11:21:21 +0000 Jason, In addition to the whale watch links I sent you separately, here are some suggestions for land birding. Brentwood Mitigation Area, Brentwood Pickering Ponds, Rochester Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham Directions and general information are at http://nhbirds.wikispaces.com/ If you are not limited to New Hampshire, don't forget Plum Island in MA. See http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/ for general info. -- Terry Bronson Hampton Falls, NH tbbirds AT comcast.net -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: "Jason Pietrzak" > Greetings, > > I'm a former NH resident returning for a working-vacation. I have lived and > birded around the country but I was not a big birder when I actually lived > here so now I'd like to make up for that. > > I'm interested in learning of any interesting birding opportunities in the > next two weeks (I'm here until May 23rd), but I'd especially like to go out > on the ocean and do some pelagic birding. If anybody knows of any must-do > trips in the next couple weeks, please let me know. Hope to see you out > birding! > > Jason Subject: Summer Pelagic opportunities on NH whale watches From: tbbirds AT comcast.net (Terry Bronson) Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 11:14:40 +0000 Whale watch season is approaching, which means numerous opportunities for pelagic birding in NH, ME, and MA waters. Here are links to the 5 companies I could find that run regularly scheduled whale watches in NH. Not included are private charters, or whale watches in Gloucester, MA or Kennebunkport, ME, which do not get to NH waters. Granite State Whale Watch, Rye Harbor, begins May 24, www.granitestatewhalewatch.com Atlantic Whale Watch, Rye Harbor, begins May 24, www.atlanticwhalewatch.com Newburyport Whale Watch, Newburyport, MA, begins May 17, www.newburyportwhalewatch.com. Many trips venture into NH depending on where the whales are. Al Gauron, Hampton Harbor, begins July, www.algauron.com/whalewatches.html Eastman's Docks, Seabrook Harbor, begins July, www.eastmansdocks.com/tours/whalewatch.htm Generally, these trips are oriented to whales, dolphins, and seals. Make sure to make your interest in birds known to the crew when boarding. -- Terry Bronson Hampton Falls, NH tbbirds AT comcast.net Subject: Peterborough area From: Bruce Boyer <bboyer192 AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:43:56 -0400 Sargent Center: Great Oaks Trail: Blackburnian Warbler, Ovenbird walking on ground, moving its head somewhat like a chicken. More Y-R Warblers. Dinsmore Pond Loop Trail: lots of warblers (Y-R, B-T Green). Solitary Sandpiper at Nubanusit Brook. McDowell Lake, boat launch area at NE end: Least Flycatcher, dueling Warbling Vireos, F R-B Grosbeak who scrunched down on her perch nervously as a Broad-winged Hawk coasted above. Road/trail along E shore of lake appears completely dry now. Subject: Kenan Devan-Meetinghouse Pond Sanctuary From: Geoffrey Gardner <anarkiss AT mindspring.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 21:25:49 -0400 Tuesday, 5/6/08, 6:30-7PM Solitary Sandpiper - Pond at the picnic area out on the mud. Two Osprey - Hunting at the east end of the pond, both striking the water many times, but with no luck. Geoffrey Gardner Subject: Pemi Chapter meeting Tuesday, May 13 From: John Williams <john AT 2young.us> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:31:37 -0400 Audubon Chapter to Host Avian Painter Cindy House The Pemigewasset Audubon Chapter and Birding Club will have its next meeting on Tuesday, May 13th , 7:00 pm at the Comman Man Inn in Plymouth Our guest speaker, Cindy House is a well known painter of birds and landscapes. Cindy will be bringing an interpretation of her portraiture and illustrations as an astute observer of nature. She has illustrated numerous books including the National Geographic Society's Guide to the Birds of North America and a field guide for warblers in the Peterson Field Guide Series. Her work resides in the permanent collections of the prestigious Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's "Birds in Art" show, the Rhode Island Audubon Society and the Massachucetts Audubon Society. Cindy considers the greatest gift given to her by her mother was the ability to see and observe the splendor of the natural world. She now uses that gift to express herself with pastels occasionally oils. Her goals in painting are twofold  to depict the beauty of commonplace segments of the environment and to capture a particular moment in time. Her choice of avian subjects reflects common species found in the Northeast. The Audubon Chapter meetings are open to the public and are free of charge. For additional information you may contact Frank Benham at 726-3027 or fbenhham AT roadrunner.com. The chapter will have its next meeting at the home of President John Williams on June 10th with a wildflower, butterfly and bird walk. John R Williams Rumney Subject: NH visitor looking for pelagic trips, etc... From: "Jason Pietrzak" <jaypie77 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:19:27 -0400 Greetings, I'm a former NH resident returning for a working-vacation. I have lived and birded around the country but I was not a big birder when I actually lived here so now I'd like to make up for that. I'm interested in learning of any interesting birding opportunities in the next two weeks (I'm here until May 23rd), but I'd especially like to go out on the ocean and do some pelagic birding. If anybody knows of any must-do trips in the next couple weeks, please let me know. Hope to see you out birding! Jason Subject: Pickering Ponds From: "sayoung" <sayoung AT metrocast.net> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:16:40 -0400 An impromptu group assembled this morning (Dan Hubbard and John Tyler).Some things of note: Lesser Scaup 1 male Common Merganser 1 female Pied-billed Grebe 1 Bald Eagle 1 adult heading northerly Spotted Sandpiper 10 Least Sandpiper 1 FOY Yellow-throated Vireo 1 FOY House Wren 1 and 2 more at home mixing it up with a Wood Thrush Brown Thrasher 1 Louisiana H2O 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 1 late American Redstart 2 FOY Common Yellowthroat 3 FOY White-crowned Sparrow 1FOY Bobolink 3 FOY Orchard Oriole 1 1st summer male FOY Added some more photos (really): http://www.flickr.com/photos/sa_young/ Scott Young/Strafford PS Upland Sandpipers don't mind the shadow big jets. And there is an Iceland Gull with 50 Purple Sandpipers at Seal Rocks. 120 Purples at Rye harbor. Subject: Pickering Ponds From: "Chet" <c_farwell AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 21:01:20 -0400 Took my new lens out for a quick test drive today to Pickering Ponds. Anyone have a neck brace I can borrow? lol 6 Eastern Kingbirds http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/2474227653/ 15 Yellow-rumped Warblers 3 Turkey Vultures 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/2475042304/ 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Eastern Phoebe http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150/2474227737/ Chet Dover, NH **GBA=== http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrc_5150 Subject: Goffstown Birds From: SusanKTucker AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 00:59:02 +0000 Today the Bobolinks returned to the Tipping Rock fields. Also the hummers and the Rose breasted Grosbeaks are back. Susan Tucker, Goffstown Subject: Merrimack Valley Cons. Area and Silk Farm Sanctuary today From: tbbirds AT comcast.net (Terry Bronson) Date: Thu, 08 May 2008 00:25:20 +0000 On my way to Concord today for my regular weekly workday at NH Audubon headquarters, I spent almost 2 hours at the Merrimack Valley Conservation Area on Concord's East Side. This is the flood plain and forest area below the headquarters for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. 28 species total, including: Wood Duck--2 Hooded Merganser--2 Broad-winged Hawk--1 Solitary Sandpiper--3 (first of year) Red-bellied Woodpecker--1 heard Great Crested Flycatcher--1 heard (FOY) Tree Swallow--10 Bank Swallow--15, flying over the river next to the tall banks, where nesting has occurred in years past Gray Catbird--1 heard Rose-breasted Grosbeak--1 male singing with great joy Field Sparrow--1 White-throated Sparrow--25 White-crowned Sparrow--1 Baltimore Oriole--1 heard After lunch Becky Suomala, Margot Johnson, and I walked around the field at the Silk Farm Audubon Sanctuary, with the following highlights among 16 species: Blue-headed Vireo--1 heard Ruby-crowned Kinglet--1 Gray Catbird--2 Chestnut-sided Warbler--1 male (FOY) Black-and-white Warbler--1 heard American Redstart--2 males seen, 1 heard (FOY) Eastern Towhee--2 heard White-throated Sparrow--20 -- Terry Bronson Hampton Falls, NH tbbirds AT comcast.net Subject: Baltimore Orioles From: "thunduh" <thunduh AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 19:22:01 -0400 Pictures of Baltimore Orioles taken this afternoon in my back yard in Nashua. http://home.comcast.net/~thunduh2/oriole2008.html Subject: Brown Thrasher, Baltimore Oriole Amherst FOYs From: cmsbirds AT comcast.net (Chris Sheridan) Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 22:59:16 +0000 Stepping outside the office for a few moments at lunchtime, I found two more FOYs singing away today beside the cut over PSNH easement in Amherst: Brown Thrasher: (FOY for NH) http://www.pbase.com/cmsbirds/image/96741390 Baltimore Oriole: http://www.pbase.com/cmsbirds/image/96741362 Chris Sheridan Nashua cmsbirds AT comcast.net Subject: Wood Thrush singing in Newmarket, and others From: Hank Chary <hankchary AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 18:44:38 -0400 A Wood Thrush was singing this evening in my back yard. Today, "my" orioles devoured the oranges set out for them. I counted at least 3 males and 1 female. Also, courtship displays and chasings. Also today, a male Purple Finch; yesterday 2 females at the feeders. Hank Chary Newmarket _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live SkyDrive lets you share files with faraway friends. http://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_s kydrive_052008 Subject: Rail Trail being built in Derry? From: Jon Woolf <jsw AT jwoolfden.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 17:22:41 -0400 This morning while heading toward Brentwood Mitigation Area (see previous post), I had WGIR-AM's morning show on the car radio. The majority of the 8-9AM hour was given to two people, one from Windham and one from Derry. The Windham fella was from the Windham Rail Trail Alliance; the Derry guy was talking about a plan now underway in Derry to build a new Rail Trail there. Apparently a Rail Trail is a stretch of old railroad roadbed that's been paved over so that bicycles and pedestrians can use it easily. I don't know much about them as I've never used one, but I know that old gravel roads, farm drives, and railroad beds are often great places for birding. Can anyone here offer more information? Should New Hampshire's birders somehow try to get involved in Rail Trail associations, perhaps by way of NH Audubon? -- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH Subject: Green Herons nesting? From: "Muffie" <MH AT Hendricks.mv.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 17:19:45 -0400 Saw 2 Green Herons in a tall cedar near the wetlands of our front yard. Looks like a good nesting spot for them - I wonder? Muffie Dover Point Subject: Effingham/Freedom From: "Eddison, Debra - Conway, NH" <debra.eddison AT nh.usda.gov> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:14:36 -0500 A great visit out to Jory & Brenda Augenti's in Effingham today. They are participants in the NRCS's (EQIP) Environmental Quality Incentives Program. An on-site inventory of the property through a wide variety of different habitats (wetlands, mixed northern hardwood forests, hemlock forest, pine/oak forests ) included the following species: Mourning dove Blue Jays American Robin Dark eyed Junco Red winged Black birds Pileated woodpecker many Tree swallows (20+) Broad winged hawk Canada Geese Mallards Wood Ducks Great Blue Heron White Throated Sparrow Black Throated Blue Warbler Red Eyed Vireo Chestnut Sided Warbler Hermit Thrush Also 2 porcupines in young maple trees signs of moose and beaver a morning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) in the woods Tent caterpillars are busy building tents Also Indian Poke or False Hellebore is coming up in low lying wet areas ALSO on 153 on the Effingham/Freedom town line, there were at least 6-8 Purple Martins taking up residence in a house and fighting about 15+ tree sparrows off. Debra Eddison Soil Conservationist Federal Women's Program Manager Natural Resources Conservation Service 73 Main Street, P.O. Box 533 Conway, NH 03818 PH (603)-447-2771 X101 FX (603)-447-8945 Subject: Londonderry - 4 FOYs; 5 Bigbys From: "Sandy" <slmolloy AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 16:58:13 -0400 FOYs for today are ruby-throated hummingbird (f) at the feeder, black-throated blue warbler, several barn swallows and two gray catbirds. There were also two male wood ducks hanging out at the beaver lodge where the goose is nesting. All of these were seen in Century Village. Sandy Londonderry Subject: Coast and Brentwood, 5/7/08 From: Jon Woolf <jsw AT jwoolfden.com> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 16:09:21 -0400 I spent much of the day out birding: first a walk at Brentwood, then a walk at Odiorne Point, and finally some time on 1A between Odiorne and Rye. Totaled about 42 species, most of them at Brentwood, including 7 species of warblers and marvelous looks at both male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Species seen: Brentwood: Blackbird, Red-winged Catbird, Gray Chickadee, Black-capped Crow, American Dove, Rock Flicker, Northern Flycatcher, Least Goldfinch, American Goose, Canada Grackle, Common Grebe, Pied-billed Grosbeak, Rose-breasted Heron, Great Blue Jay, Blue Mallard Merganser, Hooded Oriole, Baltimore Ovenbird Robin, American Sparrow, Field Swallow, Tree Thrasher, Brown Vulture, Turkey Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Woodpecker, Downy Yellowthroat, Common At Odiorne and along the coast: Cardinal, Northern Cormorant, Double-crested Eider, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Ring-billed Plover, Black-bellied Sandpiper, Purple Sparrow, Song Swan, Mute Titmouse, Tufted The Black-bellied Plover puzzled me for a while since it looked somewhat ragged, with white mixed in with the black, as if in mid-molt. I eventually figured out it was probably a female in breeding plumage. However, there were three birds accompanying it which looked like _winter_ plumage Black-bellies. No idea what those were, unless perhaps they're yearling birds that won't mature until next spring. -- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH Subject: Orchard Oriole still hanging From: david.h.arnold AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 19:50:33 +0000 The adult male Orchard Oriole is still hanging around our deck feeders here at Moody Point, Newmarket. He does not seem to like to get up too early. Today he started visiting just before 8:00 AM. After two or three visits he flew off south across the bay, I thought. But when I checked one last time before leaving to teach my class at about 10:00 AM there he was again. He has tried the suet and the oranges but it is really the hummer sugar water that he seems to go for. He loves hanging upside down on the hummer flowers and sipping away. We also had a nice pair of migrating White-crowned sparrows this morning about 7:30 AM or so on the top of our deck arborvitae. Lovely but brief sighting for a couple of minutes and then they were off. dharnold Newmarket Subject: Health of finches From: "corgis" <pembrokes AT ne.rr.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 15:13:47 -0400 Hello, Just curious. For two years, I've been tracking mycoplasmal conjunctivitis in the American goldfinches and house finches that visit my home birdfeeders. I send the results to the Cornell School of Ornithology as part of their House Finch Disease survey . Is anyone else in NH Birds in that program? Best, Grace Lilly Swanzey Subject: Cerulean Warbler at Pawtuckaway From: "Mark Suomala" <mrsuomala AT marksbirdtours.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 14:08:01 -0400 Birded Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham for several hours this morning. Found at least one singing CERULEAN WARBLER on the Middle Mountain trail just a few hundred yards from where it starts. It was singing the a "fast" Black-throated Blue song. There may have been a second bird. I saw a Cerulean Warbler from farther along the trail that was singing a completely different song - one that I had heard before from a Cerulean Warbler several years ago at Pawtuckaway. There was also a Black-throated Blue singing in the same general area, which which added to the confusion. (see Birdsong workshop reminder at bottom) Got great looks and a few not-so-great, but identifiable pictures. If you go looking for this bird(s), please do not broadcast Cerulean Warbler recordings while you are there. This species is in decline, and there are only a few in Pawtuckaway. They don't need the additional pressure that hearing a recording would cause. If you are patient, the bird(s) is likely to be seen in the area mentioned, although it may take a little while (it took me about 45 minutes). They are often high up in the trees, causing warbler-neck. Highlights (43 species): Common Loon 1 flying over Wild Turkey 1 Least Flycatcher 3 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great-crested Flycatcher 3 Red-eyed Vireo 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Blue-headed Vireo 3 Wood Thrush 1 Hermit Thrush 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Winter Wren 1 Pine Warbler2 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 10+ Northern Parula 2 Nashville Warbler 1 American Redstart 5 Yellow Warbler 2 Ovenbird 6 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 CERULEAN WARBLER 1 Common Yellowthroat 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 Baltimore Oriole 2 White-throated Sparrow 8 Evening Grosbeak 2 flyovers Flowers: Sharp-lobed Hepatica Early Saxifrage Mark Suomala mrsuomala AT marksbirdtours.com http://www.marksbirdtours.com Workshop reminder: May 10 BIRDSONG TUNE-UP: PAWTUCKAWAY STATE PARK In this workshop we'll listen and look for spring birds of the forests and wetlands of Pawtuckaway State Park. We'll walk and drive to several sites in the park to learn about and practice birdsong identification. Eastern Towhee, Least Flycatcher, Cerulean & Blackburnian Warblers, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Yellow-throated Vireo are all possible. "Walk-ins" are welcome, but in such case, payment by cash only . Meet at the Reservation Road powerline corrider off of Route 107 in Deerfield at 6:00 a.m., or contact me for directions if you are unsure of the meeting site. May 11 BIRDSONG TUNE-UP AT CLOUGH STATE PARK In this workshop we'll listen and look for spring birds of the forests, wetlands, and shrublands of Clough State Park. We'll walk and drive to several sites in the park to learn about and practice birdsong identification. Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-winged, Chestnut-sided, Nashville, and Yellow Warblers are all possible. "Walk-ins" are welcome, but in such case, payment by cash only. Meet at the T-intersection at the end of Sugar Hill Road South off of Route 77 in Weare at 6:00 a.m., or contact me for directions if you are unsure of the meeting site. Instructor: Mark Suomala has been teaching birdsong I.D. for more than 10-years Contact NH Audubon to Register for these Workshops (603) 224-9909 Cost: $20 M/$26 NM per day Subject: Screech Owl Survey From: "Eric Masterson" <EMasterson AT NHAudubon.org> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 14:03:35 -0400 Last night, Byard Miller and I set out to do a systematic survey of a five mile section of the lower CT River Valley for screech owl. They have been reported in this area for a few years, and we were interested to get a better sense of how many birds were around. They are mainly known in New Hampshire from the southeast of the state, but this may a factor of the "Patagonia principle" as much as anything else. Ideally, I would have preferred a full moon and a mid to late April date, but otherwise the weather was perfect. The survey was a success, in so far that we surveyed. Starting to get the picture? Using the survey technique that Becky Suomala used for screech owls last year on Great Bay, we began at 8:30pm at the gas station about three miles to the north of the setbacks. We walked south 5.4 miles, stopping every half mile to play tapes for three minutes and listen for three minutes. This involved eleven stops. No owls of any kind were heard, and the only bird of note was a possible Virginia Rail. I have no doubt that they are breeding in the area and will try again. Eric Masterson Vice President, Development New Hampshire Audubon 3 Silk Farm Road Concord, NH 03301 Phone 224-9909 ext. 307 New Hampshire Audubon Protecting New Hampshire's natural environment for wildlife and for people Subject: Scarlet Tanager in Auburn From: "Jane Hills" <jhbird AT verizon.net> Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 13:36:13 -0400 On a walk around Tower Hill Pond in Auburn this morning, I heard a Scarlet Tanager singing. I have seen this species in the same vicinity in prior years. I also met a woman who said that a pair of Osprey had been hanging around the pond for the past several days. I saw one of these birds myself this morning. The pond is stocked with lots of fish, so there is a possibility of nesting activity. I looked around but did not see a nest. Jane Jane Hills Manchester, NH jhbird(at)verizon(dot)net "We are all environmentalists now, but we are not all planetists. An environmentalist realizes that nature has its pleasures and deserves respect. A planetist puts the earth ahead of the earthlings." --William Safire Subject: No Subject From: MANDJ3030 AT comcast.net Date: Wed, 07 May 2008 16:40:41 +0000 We received our first hummingbirds yesterday. We had what looked like 2 males and 1 female. The males are already fighting over the feeder. Joyce Milligan Loudon, NH Subject: Hinsdale Setbacks - ORCHARD ORIOLE - 5/6/08 From: Byard Miller <byard AT virtualflybox.com> Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 12:42:01 -0400 A good influx of migrants Monday night brought in 9 FOYs for me including an Orchard Oriole. Spotted him about 100 yards north of where the Rail Trail meets the path to the power lines. Also Blue- gray Gnatcatchers were everywhere. My count is on the very conservative side. Location: Hinsdale Setbacks Observation date: 5/6/08 - 5:30 - 7:10 PM Number of species: 24 Canada Goose 4 Mute Swan 6 Turkey Vulture 1 Mourning Dove 2 Northern Flicker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 FOY Warbling Vireo 1 FOY Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 10 FOY American Robin X Gray Catbird 1 FOY Yellow Warbler 2 FOY Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4 Blackburnian Warbler 1 FOY Black-and-white Warbler 2 American Redstart 2 FOY Song Sparrow X Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 Red-winged Blackbird X Common Grackle X Orchard Oriole 1 FOY Baltimore Oriole 4 FOY This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Byard Miller Marlborough NH Bird Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/9534802 AT N02/