The gray birds with black wing tips are the males, and the browner birds with spotting and streaking are the females. Juveniles look a lot like females.
Category: Bird Photographs
Northern Hawk Owl
This owl is also very rare in Vermont. It has been staying in the same area now, in Waterbury, Vermont, for several weeks, with many photo opportunities.
Snowy Owl
This Snowy Owl is a rarity here in Vermont. This year there has been a huge irruption of Snowy Owls along the East Coast. I found this female near Montpelier , Vermont on January 5, 2014, at a small airport.
In addition, there are 2 more pictures of a Snowy in Vermont at the intersection of Rt.10 and 106. This bird was seen on April 18 2014
Fall Bird Sightings, Windsor County Vermont
Several trips to Lake Runnemede in Windsor, Vermont, and other local areas produced some nice views of some interesting, and in some cases, rare birds for this area.
Kinglets!
In Vermont there are 2 kinds of Kinglets- Golden-Crowned and Ruby-crowned. They are both tiny birds (4-4.5 inches). . The Golden-crowned is with us year-round, while the Ruby-crowned is a summer migrant. I have recently enjoyed viewing and hearing both birds.
Here is the Golden-crowned:
Here is the Ruby-crowned:
This song was of particular interest to me because the Whistled part sounds like a Connecticut Warbler. Listen for a 2-part song- a descending chirrchirrchirrchirr, and and a whistle. The recording starts with a Chickadee song. There are many Red-wing Blackbirds in the background. Clicking on this will open a new page. Use your back button to return to the site.
Chickadee Excavates a Nest Hole
This is a composite of 4 pictures. This Chickadee was soooo busy clearing out a nest hole. It’s mate was nearby, supervising.
(Click on the image for a larger version)
Eastern Phoebe arrives- it must be Spring!
Saw this beautiful Eastern Phoebe today-another early arrival in Vermont.
Wild Goose Chase
An immature Bald Eagle was fishing in the Connecticut River, dove for a fish, and was immediately chased by an irate Canada Goose! The Eagle managed to get away with it’s fish, but just barely. What a brave (silly?) goose!
Fox Sparrow in Vermont
A rare visitor, migrant, in my front yard this AM.
(click on picture to enlarge)
Recent Spring Sightings in Vermont and New Hampshire
There are a number of Merlins in Hanover, N.H. that are likely nesting as they have for several years. Here’s one, high in the treetops.
(CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)
These Grebes were at the Wilder Dam in Vermont.
Migrating Ducks are also fun to see on the Connecticut River in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Common Mergansers will be here for the summer and seem to be everywhere right now. Many Ring-necked Ducks are passing through.
Upcoming Show at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, Vermont
I will be showing some of my paintings, photos, and “photo-paintings at “VINS”, from April 13-June 30, with an opening reception on April 14, from 11:30-1:30. I will be speaking about birdwatching with a camera during the reception, with the slideshow (and additions) , that I presented at Mascoma Audubon in February. (See earlier blog). Here’s a painting that will be in the show (as a print).
For more information go here:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/d4cprly
Spring (?) Arrives in Vermont
Today, March 20th, the Spring equinox, awoke us with about 2 feet of snow on the ground. Aaah, Vermont. It was beautiful, anyway, just a bit late in the year. An exploration along the Connecticut and Ompompanoosuc Rivers nearby produced 2 pairs of Hooded Mergansers, a lone Killdeer foraging along the “Pompy” River, 15 crows, and a flock of 35 Wild Turkeys in a cornfield, digging in the snow. Turkey in the Straw?
Barred Owl is still around-video
The Barred owl in my last post appears to be a regular visitor. It was here from 4PM until too dark to see- it might still be sitting outside my house, waiting for night mice. Funny-we have not trapped any mice in our attic lately! Here’s a video during a little snow squall.
Click on the name below- it may take a while to show up.
Barred Owl Comes for Lunch
I glanced out the window this afternoon to find a big surprise. A Barred Owl was sitting right on the bird feeder support not more than 30 feet away. Grabbed my cameras , opened the window and got some shots. Went outside and was able to get fairly near. It flew a short distance and perched again. Then again, finally flying into the woods.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
Common and Hoary Redpoll comparisons
Click to enlarge