Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Connecticut Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Sunday, March 14 at 07:00 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Giant Wren,©Sophie Webb

14 Mar Re: Simsbury [Steve Mayo ] 14 Mar Wilton Am. Woodcock [Gene Leganza ] 14 Mar Eastern CT (and NY Parasitic Jaeger) [Nick Bonomo ] 14 Mar hummingbird cam [] 14 Mar Simsbury [Paul Desjardins ] 14 Mar Pileated Woodpecker [] 14 Mar Re: Wood Frogs (Don't worry, it's bird related) [] 14 Mar Florida Question [] 14 Mar American Tree Sparrow [martin swanhall ] 14 Mar Blk. Legged kittiwake [] 14 Mar On This Date (3/14) [Dennis Varza ] 13 Mar Wood Frogs (Don't worry, it's bird related) [Steve Mayo ] 13 Mar Storm [Nick Bonomo ] 13 Mar Stratford Northern Shovelers; Westport Iceland Gull [Frank Mantlik ] 13 Mar Re: Friday's CT Post Article - Connecticut Bird Habitat [] 13 Mar Friday's CT Post Article - Connecticut Bird Habitat [Steve Mayo ] 13 Mar Re: Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal [] 13 Mar Re: Pheasants [James Dugan ] 13 Mar Woodcock [Brian Webster ] 13 Mar Re: Pheasants [Brian Webster ] 13 Mar Re: Pheasants [Roy Harvey ] 13 Mar Robin reminder [Nick Bonomo ] 13 Mar Re: Pheasants [Brian Webster ] 13 Mar Fox Sparrow [] 13 Mar Pheasants [] 13 Mar Re: egg sheels for birds (revisited) ["Tammy Eustis" ] 13 Mar egg sheels for birds (revisited) [martin swanhall ] 13 Mar Ring-necked Pheasants (not scientific!) [Diane Tucker ] 13 Mar On This Date (3/13) [Dennis Varza ] 12 Mar 1st Red-winged blackbirds [] 12 Mar Re: Ring-necked Pheasants [Jack Swatt ] 12 Mar Griswold Pt ["Hank Golet" ] 12 Mar More on Ring-necked Pheasants ["Bill Asteriades" ] 12 Mar Odd mix of blackbirds [] 12 Mar Coastal Stratford [] 12 Mar Swallows [] 12 Mar Re: Ring-necked Pheasants ["PATRICIA BAILEY " ] 12 Mar Re: Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal [Brian Webster ] 12 Mar Hooded Mergansers [] 12 Mar FW: eBird Report - White Memorial Foundation - Main Area , 3/11/10 [Dave Rosgen ] 12 Mar Ring-neck Pheasants: Not a sighting but some talk. [Boletebill ] 12 Mar Video of Mansfield Hollow Eagles [] 12 Mar yellow-bellied and catbird, Meriden ["Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe" ] 12 Mar More on Pheasants [Dennis Varza ] 12 Mar Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal [] 12 Mar Rusty Blackbirds [Jim Zipp ] 12 Mar Batterson Pond [paul cianfaglione ] 12 Mar On This Date (3/12) [Dennis Varza ] 11 Mar Yellow-rump [] 11 Mar Stratford gull show & weekend forecast [Nick Bonomo ] 11 Mar East Lyme ["Hank Golet" ] 11 Mar Ducks [] 11 Mar Re: Ring-necked Pheasants ["Greg Hanisek" ] 11 Mar Re open water [] 11 Mar Re: Open water [] 11 Mar 'blackbirds' ["Marty Swanhall" ] 11 Mar Fwd: ID help [Carol Ansel ] 11 Mar Gulls at Milford Point [Stephen Spector ] 11 Mar south windsor birds [] 11 Mar Re: open water [Brian Webster ] 11 Mar open water [Carrier Graphics ] 11 Mar REMINDER New Haven Bird Club Indoor Meeting TONIGHT 3/11 AT 7:00 PM [Kris johnson ] 11 Mar Peck's Mill Pond and probable Pine Warbler [Brian Webster ] 11 Mar Re: Ring-necked Pheasants ["Fusco, Paul" ] 11 Mar Batterson Pond [paul cianfaglione ] 11 Mar N. Stamford backyard [Jim Voros ] 11 Mar Re: Here is a link to the photo of the dark buteo ["COMINS, Patrick" ] 11 Mar On This Date (3/11) [Dennis Varza ] 10 Mar Griswold Pt ["Hank Golet" ] 10 Mar Re: Ring-necked Pheasants [James Taylor ] 10 Mar Re: Ring-necked Pheasants [] 10 Mar Station 43 ["Jan Collins" ] 10 Mar Re: Stratford maybe 10K+ gulls [Nick Bonomo ] 10 Mar Re: Here is a link to the photo of the dark buteo [] 10 Mar E Grosbeak [Carrier Graphics ] 10 Mar Wallingford Geese [Mark Barriger ] Subject: Re: Simsbury From: Steve Mayo <rsdmayo AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:00:15 -0700 (PDT) That's intersting.  This afternoon I had 9 Black Vultures heading South over Bethany.  They were SOARING, not entirely unlike Pelicans or Sandhill Cranes.    Steve Mayo Bethany   --- On Sun, 3/14/10, Paul Desjardins wrote: From: Paul Desjardins Subject: [CT Birds] Simsbury To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 5:01 PM Paul Desjardins Phone: (860) 623-3696 paul.desjardins2 AT gmail.com This afternoon seen from iron Horse Blvd. 5 Bald Eagles all flying south. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Wilton Am. Woodcock From: Gene Leganza <gleganza AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:56:13 -0400 03/14/10 - Wilton, Allen's Meadow -- 7:05pm, American Woodcock near garden area. Began peenting at 715. -- Gene Leganza, Wilton gleganza AT gmail.com _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Eastern CT (and NY Parasitic Jaeger) From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:48:21 -0400 Glenn Williams, Phil Rusch and I birded the New London area this morning in search of storm-blown birds following the impressive storm. The 7:30am ferry was actually canceled due to high seas so we sea-watched from Harkness State Park in Waterford. Here we had nothing really of note and few birds overall. Highlights included 5 COMMON EIDER, about a dozen SURF SCOTER, and many Common Loons. We took the 11:00am ferry from New London to Orient Point. The only interesting bird in CT was a single LARGE ALCID SPECIES (likely Razorbill). Otherwise, we had no other alcids, kittiwakes, or gannets all day. No Bonaparte's Gulls either. The best bird of the day was in New York, actually from the ferry dock at Orient Point, an out-of-season PARASITIC JAEGER. A few photos of that bird are at the link below. http://shorebirder.blogspot.com/2010/03/orient-point-ny-parasitic-jaeger.html Browsing the listservs, a Dovekie was seen as a flyby at Montauk Pt, NY today. That's the only seabird report I've seen from the region today, though more may come in this evening. The weather isn't going to clear until Tuesday so anything that was knocked in by the storm could still be kicking around. Checking bodies of water could still pay off. Nick Bonomo Wallingford, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: hummingbird cam From: Katz1449 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:25:17 EDT Thanks Jayne!! Another birding cam that gets me addicted to my computer. There is a crack in one of the little eggs :) Bev Propen _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Simsbury From: Paul Desjardins <paul.desjardins2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:01:38 -0400 Paul Desjardins Phone: (860) 623-3696 paul.desjardins2 AT gmail.com This afternoon seen from iron Horse Blvd. 5 Bald Eagles all flying south. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Pileated Woodpecker From: jaluppi AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:10:07 +0000 (UTC) from Joanne Luppi March 14, 2010--Portland--PILEATED WOODPECKER, Isinglass Hill Rd. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Wood Frogs (Don't worry, it's bird related) From: <jayne.amico AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:11:36 -0400 Yep just as Steve mentioned last night it was the night of the frogs,we had a single peeper begin singing at dusk and by midnight the pond was filling with singing wood frogs. The wood frogs are cackling away as I type. When I headed down to the road this morning there was frog pieces everywhere, and grackles helping to clean it up. It is amazing that despite your best efforts , my husband and I created this pond for frogs, salamanders and birds, the pond in addition to providing a drinking and breeding site also causes them to cross the road and be killed, even though it is uphill and an easy 500 feet away from the road. Things are happening strangely here. No woodcocks, peeper first, then wood frogs.... Usually its woodcock first then wood frogs while the pond is still partially frozen, then peepers... I pray the woodcock are just late arriving here with all the deep snow to the south that had to of impacted them. I have been seeing this wonderful species here for close to 20 years without fail. I truly would be devastated to see another species of bird added to my list of birds I do not see here anymore. -- Jayne Jayne Amico Southington, CT www.mvssanctuary.org ---- Steve Mayo wrote: > I really wish I had the time to take advantage of Nick's scouting report, and head out on a LIS Ferry toward Port Jeff or Orient!   >   > Closer to home, many people await the first spring rains for the often spectacular amphibian "migration".  Last night and tonight, the Bethany roads have had good numbers of Wood Frogs, as indicated by the road carnage.  I've helped a few of the cold, masked critters across. >   > How is this bird related?  By morning, the roads will have been picked clean by scavengers.  I'm sure Corvus brachyrhynchos is implicated. >   > Steve Mayo > Bethany > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Florida Question From: waltduncan AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:33:08 +0000 (UTC) We will be driving from Naples to Miami next week. Any recommendations for possible birding boat trips in the Everglades? Thanks Walt Duncan _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: American Tree Sparrow From: martin swanhall <mswanhall AT earthlink.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:10:58 -0400 (EDT) Besides seeing 4 white throated sparrows, had 1 American tree sparrow - thought it was a chipping sparrow (red head) then I thought it was a song sparrow ('black dot'), then realized it was tree sparrow... Also had a hawk of some type (had whitish feathers on sides so I figure it is molting) in wetland area (cattails in summer, skunk cabbage soon) on ground - probably just had a kill since I also realized birds were giving warning calls. Marty from Woodbury _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Blk. Legged kittiwake From: johnw AT lrcconsult.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:05:30 +0000 Had 1 black legged kittiwake AT 7:45am about 1/2 south of Greens Ledge Light House outside Norwalk Harbor! Hopefully more birds during the course of the day. Visiblity is less than 1/4 mile with 4 to 6 foot rolling seas. Wind more northerly around 10 knots. Just found out we are returning to port to dangerous to launch the ROV! We may go back out in the afternoon. John wagenblatt Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: On This Date (3/14) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:26:45 -0400 1893 Red-breasted Nuthatch Portland 1943 Lincoln's Sparrow New London 1951 Orange-crowned Warbler Hamden 1955 Blue-winged Teal South Windsor 1962 Bohemian Waxwing Greenwich, Cos Cob 1984 King Rail Stamford, Holly Pond 1990 400 Ring-necked Duck Woodbury 1991 Swallow-tailed Kite Woodstock 1996 Old Saybrook South Cove Little Gull 1 Black- headed Gull 1 Bonaparte's Gull 150 2000 Piping Plover Stratford, Long Beach _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Wood Frogs (Don't worry, it's bird related) From: Steve Mayo <rsdmayo AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:40:50 -0800 (PST) I really wish I had the time to take advantage of Nick's scouting report, and head out on a LIS Ferry toward Port Jeff or Orient!     Closer to home, many people await the first spring rains for the often spectacular amphibian "migration".  Last night and tonight, the Bethany roads have had good numbers of Wood Frogs, as indicated by the road carnage.  I've helped a few of the cold, masked critters across.   How is this bird related?  By morning, the roads will have been picked clean by scavengers.  I'm sure Corvus brachyrhynchos is implicated.   Steve Mayo Bethany _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Storm From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:17:59 -0500 Hi all, This storm is turning into an impressive one! Winds have been strong from the east all day, and this should continue through the night with a possible shift to more NE tomorrow morning. Right now the LI Sound buoys are recording a steady wind at 35-45mph with gusts well into the 50s and I've seen as high as 67mph. The wind is strong & prolonged enough to blow a seabird or two into Long Island Sound. Possibilities at this time of year include Black-legged Kittiwake and Razorbill, and rarer alcids such as Thick-billed Murre and Dovekie. Maybe CT's first Common Murre is out there somewhere. If you're motivated to get out tomorrow, be sure to check Long Island Sound including sheltered coves for storm-blown birds. Nick Bonomo Wallingford, CT http://shorebirder.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Stratford Northern Shovelers; Westport Iceland Gull From: Frank Mantlik <mantlik AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:31 -0800 (PST) >From Frank Mantlik 3/13 Westport, Compo Beach, 12:30 - 1st-winter ICELAND GULL, and 30+ Bonaparte's Gulls foraging with the usual gulls in the turbulent waters near the "cannon" point. I last saw the wintering adult Iceland Gull here on 5 March; it appears to have moved on. 3/13 Stratford, 600 Long Beach Blvd., 5:15 - lots of ducks in the 'warehouse pond', including 3 male NORTHERN SHOVELERS. A stormy day today, indeed. It was an angry ocean, and limbs and trees were falling all around. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Friday's CT Post Article - Connecticut Bird Habitat From: lpflynn AT optonline.net Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:12:50 +0000 (GMT) I wish the managers of Sherwood Island State Park could understand the first paragraph of this article. Larry Flynn ----- Original Message ----- From: Steve Mayo Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010 3:59 pm Subject: [CT Birds] Friday's CT Post Article - Connecticut Bird Habitat To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > > > > > > Here''s a portion of Friday's article on inadequate funding > efforts for Connecticut (bird) habitat: > > The "Silent Spring" Rachel Carson warned about in her landmark > 1962 book does not seem imminent, but birds should not be taken > for granted.So while the Connecticut Legislature might seem to > have more immediate cares, lawmakers should not forget the > importance of open space. Loss of habitat is a big threat to > birds and other wildlife. Care should be taken to preserve as > much room as possible for animals. > According to the Connecticut Audubon Society, however, the > state's documentation of open-space bird habitat is lacking, as > is a cohesive plan for land acquisition. And the Legislature, > after repeatedly holding off Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposed cuts > to open-space funding, finally yielded as the governor pressed > for ways to save money. > It looks like lawmakers don't care much about birds right now. > And in light of the economy, to a certain extent that's > understandable. Hard choices have to be made, and needed > services for people take precedence. > But state government should not be so shortsighted in its > austerity that it forgets about a bigger, more scenic picture. > Connecticut is a lovely, naturally diverse state, and its > variety of bird life is an integral part of that beauty. > The Audubon Society rightly points out that individual land > owners have a responsibility -- and an opportunity -- to foster > the survival of birds and other wildlife by leaving portions of > their property wild. > The government has its own responsibility. Even though the state > can't go around buying up all of its available open space, it > should develop a cohesive plan of conservation, compiled not > just by lawmakers but also by scientists. > > Comprehensive documentation of the wildlife on all public > property would help the state make wise land purchases and > protect specific species. And it would help ensure an indefinite > future of birds singing to the return of spring. > > > Steve Mayo > Bethany > > jQuery(function($) { > $('#text').paginator('.hst-articlepager', $('.hst- > articlebox').height()); }); > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological > Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in > Connecticut.For subscription information visit > http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Friday's CT Post Article - Connecticut Bird Habitat From: Steve Mayo <rsdmayo AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:59:46 -0800 (PST) Here''s a portion of Friday's article on inadequate funding efforts for Connecticut (bird) habitat:   The "Silent Spring" Rachel Carson warned about in her landmark 1962 book does not seem imminent, but birds should not be taken for granted. So while the Connecticut Legislature might seem to have more immediate cares, lawmakers should not forget the importance of open space. Loss of habitat is a big threat to birds and other wildlife. Care should be taken to preserve as much room as possible for animals. According to the Connecticut Audubon Society, however, the state's documentation of open-space bird habitat is lacking, as is a cohesive plan for land acquisition. And the Legislature, after repeatedly holding off Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposed cuts to open-space funding, finally yielded as the governor pressed for ways to save money. It looks like lawmakers don't care much about birds right now. And in light of the economy, to a certain extent that's understandable. Hard choices have to be made, and needed services for people take precedence. But state government should not be so shortsighted in its austerity that it forgets about a bigger, more scenic picture. Connecticut is a lovely, naturally diverse state, and its variety of bird life is an integral part of that beauty. The Audubon Society rightly points out that individual land owners have a responsibility -- and an opportunity -- to foster the survival of birds and other wildlife by leaving portions of their property wild. The government has its own responsibility. Even though the state can't go around buying up all of its available open space, it should develop a cohesive plan of conservation, compiled not just by lawmakers but also by scientists. Comprehensive documentation of the wildlife on all public property would help the state make wise land purchases and protect specific species. And it would help ensure an indefinite future of birds singing to the return of spring.     Steve Mayo Bethany jQuery(function($) { $('#text').paginator('.hst-articlepager', $('.hst-articlebox').height()); }); _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal From: <jayne.amico AT cox.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:19:10 -0500 CT Birders - For those interested in checking out an Allens hummingbird on a nest, live web cam.... http://www.phoebeallens.com/ -- Jayne Jayne Amico Southington, CT www.mvssanctuary.org ---- Brian Webster wrote: > > For whatever reason, I remember that there was a report of another Eurasian GW Teal from the marshes at Milford Point. The records say that last year's was on the 03/14/10. > > > > I thought that was neat. > > Brian Webster > Stratford, CT > b.webster AT hotmail.com > http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ > > > > > > > > Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:29:09 +0000 > > From: JohnMarshall47 AT gmail.com > > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > > Subject: [CT Birds] Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal > > > > This morning at Milford Point, between 6:30 and 7:00, I had 1 Eurasian > > subspecies Green-winged Teal and 9 Canvasbacks in the marsh and 2 American > > Oystercatchers on the far bar, . > > > > John Marshall > > Watertown > > _______________________________________________ > > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > > _________________________________________________________________ > Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. > http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Pheasants From: James Dugan <jdugan11 AT charter.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:16:14 -0500 On Turkeys having communal nests: Bent, in his Life Histories of North American Gallinaceous Birds quotes Audubon stating: "Several hens sometimes associate together, I believe for their mutual safety, deposit their eggs in the same nest, and rear their broods together. I once found three sitting on forty-two eggs. In such cases the common nest is always watched by one of the females, so that no Crow, Raven, or perhaps even Pole-cat, dares approach it." During 2009 I had Pheasant at: Watertown, February, 28th - heard (at Greg H's Shrike) Sharon, Amenia Rd, mid August - 1 male Kent, Macedonia Brook, October, 6th - 2 male, 1 female Goshen, North Goshen Rd, October 28th - 1 male Jim Dugan New Milford On Mar 13, 2010, at 10:54 AM, Angeladimmitt AT aol.com wrote: > In England, Hampshire anyway, pheasants are very common - partly because > they are stocked for shooting. But as a child back in the 50's, I knew a > gamekeeper on a large estate and he would take me for walks in the woods and > show me pheasant nests - often with as many as 30 eggs in one. Apparently > the hens share nests as well as parenting. I've often wondered if wild > turkeys here have communal nests too since you usually see several hens > together with their poults. No-one has been able to answer that question. Any > thoughts? > > Angela (Dimmitt) > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Woodcock From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:13:59 -0500 I went out 3 times during the warm spell at dusk for the woodcocks (they display and breed in my powerline cut in my woods) and had zero anything. Though, this morning on the way to the store around 6:05am, a single Woodcock was probing just outside the South fence to the Chapel St. Powerline cut. He was gone by the time I got back with the camera. I was starting toget jealous of all the woodcock reports!! Last year I had my first on 03/07... though he was peenting and displaying. Maybe after this terrible weather. Brian Webster Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_3 _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Pheasants From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:11:25 -0500 Thanks for the info, Roy. Perhaps, like many creatures, they lay many eggs to increase the chances of chicks growing to adulthood... granted, they do not become victims of predation. Brian Webster Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ > Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:00:53 -0800 > From: rmharvey AT snet.net > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Pheasants > > --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Brian Webster wrote: > > > I don't know the average clutch size of Wild Turkeys, but > > last season the nest in my woods had 12 eggs in it. > > The Birder's Handbook entry for Wild Turkey gives a typical number of eggs as 10 to 12, with 6 to 20 as the range. For Ring-necked Pheasant it gives 10-12 as typical and 6 to 15+ for the range. > > Roy Harvey > Beacon Falls, CT > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Pheasants From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:00:53 -0800 (PST) --- On Sat, 3/13/10, Brian Webster wrote: > I don't know the average clutch size of Wild Turkeys, but > last season the nest in my woods had 12 eggs in it.  The Birder's Handbook entry for Wild Turkey gives a typical number of eggs as 10 to 12, with 6 to 20 as the range. For Ring-necked Pheasant it gives 10-12 as typical and 6 to 15+ for the range. Roy Harvey Beacon Falls, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Robin reminder From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:58:24 -0500 A rainy day like today might offer a good opportunity to study flocks of Robins that are drawn to open lawns for worms. We're still in the early spring window to find a Fieldfare or Redwing in robin flocks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fieldfare http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redwing Nick Bonomo Wallingford, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Pheasants From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:50:35 -0500 I don't know the average clutch size of Wild Turkeys, but last season the nest in my woods had 12 eggs in it. There were 3 hens in the territory.... and also a famlily of coyotes. Only 5 (that I saw) poults made it. Food for thought.... Brian Webster Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ > From: Angeladimmitt AT aol.com > Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:54:24 -0500 > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > Subject: [CT Birds] Pheasants > > In England, Hampshire anyway, pheasants are very common - partly because > they are stocked for shooting. But as a child back in the 50's, I knew a > gamekeeper on a large estate and he would take me for walks in the woods and > show me pheasant nests - often with as many as 30 eggs in one. Apparently > the hens share nests as well as parenting. I've often wondered if wild > turkeys here have communal nests too since you usually see several hens > together with their poults. No-one has been able to answer that question. Any > thoughts? > > Angela (Dimmitt) > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Fox Sparrow From: Angeladimmitt AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:56:08 EST 3/13 - 1st fox sparrow at feeder, very red. Also 2 crows mating and making one dickens of a racket about it right outside my window. I blushed! Angela _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Pheasants From: Angeladimmitt AT aol.com Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:54:24 EST In England, Hampshire anyway, pheasants are very common - partly because they are stocked for shooting. But as a child back in the 50's, I knew a gamekeeper on a large estate and he would take me for walks in the woods and show me pheasant nests - often with as many as 30 eggs in one. Apparently the hens share nests as well as parenting. I've often wondered if wild turkeys here have communal nests too since you usually see several hens together with their poults. No-one has been able to answer that question. Any thoughts? Angela (Dimmitt) _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: egg sheels for birds (revisited) From: "Tammy Eustis" <teustis AT killingworthlibrary.org> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:45:50 +0000 Hi, Marty! Here's a link to eggshell preparation: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/how_to/feeding_feeders/shell_game.aspx. - Tammy Eustis, Chester -----Original Message----- From: martin swanhall [mailto:mswanhall AT earthlink.net] Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 09:42 AM To: 'CT Birds' Subject: [CT Birds] egg sheels for birds (revisited) I know this was discussed last year but I do not know where I saved the comments so here it is again: does anyone know of a good way to 'prepare & serve' chicken egg shells to birds? Marty from Woodbury _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: egg sheels for birds (revisited) From: martin swanhall <mswanhall AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:42:06 -0500 (EST) I know this was discussed last year but I do not know where I saved the comments so here it is again: does anyone know of a good way to 'prepare & serve' chicken egg shells to birds? Marty from Woodbury _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Ring-necked Pheasants (not scientific!) From: Diane Tucker <dianetucker01 AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:05:24 -0500 This is a trivial story, but kind of funny. About eight years ago I lived just about right in West Hartford Center. There were some fellows about to clean out the gutters on my house, and one of them rang the doorbell and said, "Lady, you've got some kind of crazy bird dead in your backyard". I went out to find a perfect, uninjured male Ring-necked dead as a doornail lying in the grass. It was a beautiful specimen, which I gave to Westmoor Park. Crazy. Diane Tucker _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: On This Date (3/13) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:42:39 -0500 1898 Eastern Phoebe Hartford, Hadlyme 1932 18 Brant South Windsor 1949 3 Gadwall Portland 1951 Ruffed Grouse West Hartland (Courting) 1954 5000 Red-winged Blackbird 1960 Short-eared Owl Guilford, Neck Rd. 1978 Hoary Redpoll Norwalk 1988 Eurasian Jackdsw West Haven 1990 Orange-crowned Warbler Groton, Bluff Pt. 1997 Northern Shrike Canaan _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: 1st Red-winged blackbirds From: Angeladimmitt AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:24:25 EST 3/12 - 1st red-winged blackbirds singing in swamp off Rte.37 between New Milford and Sherman; also common grackles arrived yesterday. Red-shouldered hawk screaming its head off at resident red-tails - who are rebuilding last year's nest. Angela Dimmitt (New Milford) _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Ring-necked Pheasants From: Jack Swatt <jswattbirds AT snet.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:43:03 -0800 (PST) Back in the mid 90's I had a brood of Ringneck Pheasants with their parents (male and female) as well as a brood of Turkeys (with the hen) walk through my yard at the same time.  I live near Bristol Fish and Game and they regularly stock with Ringneck as well as other species of pheasants.  I always get a variety of pheasants at my feeders in the fall and one year I even had a Chukar running through the yard.  But come springtime there is always a lot of crowing going on, so it would be hard to tell if the young were from a sustaining population or from the ones that got lucky the prior hunting season.   Jack Swatt Wolcott   --- On Wed, 3/10/10, Boletebill wrote: From: Boletebill Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants To: "Dennis Varza" , "Greg Hanisek" Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:48 PM Just out of curiousity does anyone know of a report in CT of Pheasants with young in the past decade? I assume that some areas of the State have hold-over populations because of good habitat and little hunting pressure but I've never heard wild young birds reported. Anybody?   Bill Yule   "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." --- On Wed, 3/10/10, Greg Hanisek wrote: From: Greg Hanisek Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants To: "Dennis Varza" Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:26 PM By coincidence I heard one calling today as well, in farmland in Watertown, in an area where they are definitely released. I agree completely with Dennis that the 2 sites he mentioned hold reproducing pheasants. Another place that did (and probably still does) is the Manresa power plant property in Norwalk, but access there now is essentially nonexistent. There are probably some other places as well, but when you get out into open farmland it's probably impossible to separate breeders (if there are any) from released birds. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Varza" To: "Posting Bird List" Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 4:23 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants > Hi Folks > > Today I had my first Ring-necked calling from the Pine Creek Open  Space in Fairfield. > > The Ring-necked Pheasant is a misfit in Connecticut. It is an  introduced species that is found every year, but its status is  problematical. Hundreds are released each year by gun clubs and many  survive until spring. The question is, is the species established  like the Starling or Rock Pigeon, or is its survival due to the  continued replenishment each year? > > At Pine Creek in Fairfield and Seaside Park in Bridgeport I'm sure  they are self sustaining populations. But what about the rest of the  state? I would like to get reports of birds to get a handle on their  distribution and would like to hear any judgments  as to wether they  are released birds or not. This is the best time of year to find them  since they have a distinctive call. > > > Thank You > > Dennis Varza > > > > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org       _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Griswold Pt From: "Hank Golet" <htg1523 AT att.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:35:21 -0500 >From Hank Golet, Old Lyme, Griswold Pt 1 SNOW BUNTING, 153 BRANT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: More on Ring-necked Pheasants From: "Bill Asteriades" <Asterbunch AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:16:02 -0500 Some more info on Ring-necked Pheasants. I spoke with my barber today who has been hunting Pheasant for 40+ years in CT. When asked if he has seen any Pheasant chicks in CT, he stated "all the time". One area mentioned was in South Windsor where they hunt stocked Pheasants (I believe just south of Station 43). He said that he shoots both stocked and native Pheasants in CT and can mainly tell the difference by the beak. Typically, the beak is deformed from debeaking or has a hole in it from blinders since the game bird farm owners want to protect the Pheasants from pecking at each other. Sure seems that there are more nonstocked Pheasants than originally thought. Bill Asteriades _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Odd mix of blackbirds From: Mntncougar AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:25:53 EST Ran into an odd flock of blackbirds in Mansfield yesterday. Probably 200 birds in all, most of them Red-winged Blackbirds and Starlings. However there were several Cowbirds mixed in, and at least 2 AMERICAN PIPITS. Don Morgan Coventry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Coastal Stratford From: Chasbarnard AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:14:55 EST I spent about 45 minutes at the Stratford Seawall this morning before moving Eastward to Stratford Point. During the time at the seawall, I counted almost 900 gulls flying by from West to East. The large majority (probably 80%) were Ring-billed Gulls and the remainder were Herring Gulls. I didn't spot a white-winged gull in the group. Many more gulls were passing by well offshore and I am sure that I missed seeing a large number due to the poor visibility in the misty rain which was coming down. Small groups of between 10 and 75 Greater Scaup were also flying by to the East the whole time I was at the seawall. A male Northern Harrier was flying to the Northeast over the water. I moved up to Stratford Point (the former gun club) and found a large raft of Greater Scaup sitting in the chop several hundred yards offshore. A passing lobster boat (the "Raging Bull" from Scarborough,Maine) pushed the birds into the air for a moment and I was able to get a rough count and estimated that there were at least 2000 Greater Scaup in that raft. They were still coming in to the raft in small groups when I left at about 11:30 AM. Also present were 20 Brant, 75 Long-tailed Ducks, a lone Surf Scoter, a Red-throated Loon and 1 Bonaparte's Gull. No luck with spotting any rarities. Charlie Barnard Jr. Stratford,CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Swallows From: lisagagnon37 AT yahoo.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:12:46 +0000 Lisa east hamton which swallows hang out over and near water Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Ring-necked Pheasants From: "PATRICIA BAILEY " <bails AT att.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:10:30 -0500 About 12 years ago, I was driving in downtown Stamford and I thought I saw a dead beagle lying in the middle of the road. It turned out to be a pheasant. The poor guy was either entering or leaving an old cemetery (assumed he got hit by a car or truck), near the corner of North Street and Franklin Street. About a block from the Dairy Queen on Summer Street. He's now hanging up on my living room wall. Pat Bailey Sherman, CT -----Original Message----- From: ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org [mailto:ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org] On Behalf Of Greg Hanisek Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:10 PM To: Fusco, Paul Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants The points made about few if any sightings of young are good ones. From personal experience I'm convinced pheasants are reproducing at the old landfill at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, based on sightings over many years, including this year. I have seen males and females. I haven't seen a brood, but there's a very good reason for that. I don't bird the park at the time of year when young would be present. That's probably the case for a few similar sites that may hold breeding pheasants. At Seaside, a toll booth opens at some point for beach access, and the landfill is accessed the same way. Also, I've seen pheasants there rather casually by birding surrounding habitats. Actually walking up onto the landfill involves bad footing through thick vegetation. I once was on the "mainland" and watched a pheasant fly off the landfill, across the channel and into a yard near Captain's Cove. Anyway, if you go to Seaside often enough you'll eventually see a pheasant without really trying. I've also seen hen pheasants in spots where I would think the species exists mainly via stocking. I don't know how they get there. I've seen a road-killed hen on I-84 within the Waterbury city limits. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fusco, Paul" To: "Boletebill" ; "Dennis Varza" ; "Greg Hanisek" Cc: Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 9:06 AM Subject: RE: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants About ten years ago I came across a hen pheasant with young chicks at Bear Hill WMA in Bozrah. Paul Paul J. Fusco Environmental Analyst/Photographer CT DEP Wildlife Division -----Original Message----- From: ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org [mailto:ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org] On Behalf Of Boletebill Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:49 PM To: Dennis Varza; Greg Hanisek Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants Just out of curiousity does anyone know of a report in CT of Pheasants with young in the past decade? I assume that some areas of the State have hold-over populations because of good habitat and little hunting pressure but I've never heard wild young birds reported. Anybody? Bill Yule "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." --- On Wed, 3/10/10, Greg Hanisek wrote: From: Greg Hanisek Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants To: "Dennis Varza" Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:26 PM By coincidence I heard one calling today as well, in farmland in Watertown, in an area where they are definitely released. I agree completely with Dennis that the 2 sites he mentioned hold reproducing pheasants. Another place that did (and probably still does) is the Manresa power plant property in Norwalk, but access there now is essentially nonexistent. There are probably some other places as well, but when you get out into open farmland it's probably impossible to separate breeders (if there are any) from released birds. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Varza" To: "Posting Bird List" Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 4:23 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants > Hi Folks > > Today I had my first Ring-necked calling from the Pine Creek Open Space in > Fairfield. > > The Ring-necked Pheasant is a misfit in Connecticut. It is an introduced > species that is found every year, but its status is problematical. > Hundreds are released each year by gun clubs and many survive until > spring. The question is, is the species established like the Starling or > Rock Pigeon, or is its survival due to the continued replenishment each > year? > > At Pine Creek in Fairfield and Seaside Park in Bridgeport I'm sure they > are self sustaining populations. But what about the rest of the state? I > would like to get reports of birds to get a handle on their distribution > and would like to hear any judgments as to wether they are released birds > or not. This is the best time of year to find them since they have a > distinctive call. > > > Thank You > > Dennis Varza > > > > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) > for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit > http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:34:49 -0500 For whatever reason, I remember that there was a report of another Eurasian GW Teal from the marshes at Milford Point. The records say that last year's was on the 03/14/10. I thought that was neat. Brian Webster Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ > Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:29:09 +0000 > From: JohnMarshall47 AT gmail.com > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > Subject: [CT Birds] Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal > > This morning at Milford Point, between 6:30 and 7:00, I had 1 Eurasian > subspecies Green-winged Teal and 9 Canvasbacks in the marsh and 2 American > Oystercatchers on the far bar, . > > John Marshall > Watertown > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Hooded Mergansers From: jaluppi AT comcast.net Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:24:42 +0000 (UTC) from Joanne Luppi March 11, 2010--Portland--2 pairs HOODED MERGANSERS at Mattabeseck Audubon's Sanctuary (Cranberry Bog), South Rd. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: FW: eBird Report - White Memorial Foundation - Main Area , 3/11/10 From: Dave Rosgen <dave AT whitememorialcc.org> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:10:54 -0500 >From Dave Rosgen: Litchfield, White Hall Rd. (White Memorial Foundation - Main Area) Observation date: 3/11/10; 1700-1830 Notes: The Woodcock were peenting and displaying; 2 birds per field. Number of species: 29 Canada Goose 200 Wood Duck 2 Mallard 6 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Woodcock 8 Ring-billed Gull 2 Mourning Dove 20 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 5 Blue Jay 9 American Crow 13 Black-capped Chickadee 23 Tufted Titmouse 15 White-breasted Nuthatch 10 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 6 Cedar Waxwing 30 American Tree Sparrow 8 Fox Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 9 Dark-eyed Junco 32 Northern Cardinal 12 Red-winged Blackbird 33 Common Grackle 16 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 House Finch 28 American Goldfinch 14 House Sparrow 2 This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Dave Rosgen Wildlife Biologist White Memorial Conservation Center _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Ring-neck Pheasants: Not a sighting but some talk. From: Boletebill <boletebill AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:54:07 -0800 (PST) I've enjoyed the conversation and reports about Pheasants. Thanks to Dennis for volunteering to map the State Pheasant population and/or record reports. Thanks to Greg for his details about the nature of his sightings and for reminding us all that "the absence of proof is not proof of absence"....i.e. despite the fact that he's never seen little Pheasant chicks running around after Mom doesn't mean they aren't out there. And thanks to Paul for his sight report of chicks even if it was 10 years ago, hey, why not now. My interest dates back to the early 1960's when as a kid in Cromwell we used to see Pheasant chicks on occasion in the Cromwell Meadows (before rte 9) and in Dead-mans Swamp (which in those days was called "The Nooks"). I personally haven't seen Pheasant chicks with a hen in CT since about 1961-1962. Bill YuleLyme "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Video of Mansfield Hollow Eagles From: Mntncougar AT aol.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:49:04 EST When I stopped at the boat launch at Mansfield Hollow around 3 Thursday afternoon, I first spotted one adult eagle in the big dead pine in the northeast corner of the lake. I noticed that most of the ice that had been on the lake in the AM had melted, with only bits and pieces left. Scanning the lake I finally found a black spot just to the right of the island on the left side of the lake. Turned out to be the other eagle, standing on the last remaining ice flow of any size, with a huge fish! As I watched, the other bird came down from the tree and bullied the 1st one off his fish (the one from the tree was much larger, obviously the female). Meanwhile, the ice flow was drifting from right to left, and soon the birds were carried behind the island, out of my sight. While they drifted I set up my scope and camera and waited for them. When they appeared left of the island they were still taking turns on the fish. The distance is over half a mile (around 3000 feet) and the light was bad so I knew pictures would not be much good, and set the camera to take a video, link below. Keep in mind that I was shooting this through my scope, set at 50X, and the ice was moving to the right, so I had to keep repositioning the rig, thus the periodic movement and vibration. I think this shows some interesting behavior. Link to album, a few stills included. Takes a minute for the album to buffer: http://www.photoshohttp://www.http://www.http://www.phttp:&rlang=en_US&galle ryid=6e892f4c7galleryid=6e892fgallery&wf=sharegrid Don Morgan Coventry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: yellow-bellied and catbird, Meriden From: "Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe" <corrine.folsom AT yale.edu> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:13:01 -0500 3/12, Woods by Red Bridge in Meriden, 7-8am, 1 yellow-bellied sapsucker, 1 gray catbird Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe Meriden, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: More on Pheasants From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:42:28 -0500 Hi folks, First off thanks for the information on pheasants. it gave me food for thought. Keep the information coming. The nature of the Ring-necked Pheasant is to be relatively sedentary. Also, except for early spring when males are calling, they are rather secretive, being seen by chance. So, to get a measure the occurrence of the species in an area takes a lot of time. As a consequence I believe that no one person has an understanding the species state wide. Lacking specific surveys, by gathering together many personal observations and opinions we should be able to get a better handle on this species. The status of the species in the state is a continuum, not a yes or no for a breeding population. Some area may have self sustaining breeding populations, some may have breeding birds supplemented annually with released birds, and some may be entirely released birds. Also, the species prefers fields, and over the past 50 years there has been a general decline in this habitat. Therefore one would expect a decline in the breeding population. To get a handle on this situation I would like to make a map of observed distribution of pheasants by birders. This would include length of time (years) the birds have been present and any indication of reproduction. I have a contact in the state from whom I hope to make a map of the distribution of release sites of the species. By comparing these two maps we should be able to get a likelihood for different regions. Obviously, we can not know for sure about all populations but I think we can make it less fuzzy. Here is a thought for the listers. If there is only one breeding population in the state, does that allow for any pheasant to be counted, or only those birds that breed? Or, is one population sufficient to count the species as established? So, Keep sending me your locations and impressions of pheasants. Dennis Varza Fairfield _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Milford Pt - Eurasian Teal From: JohnMarshall47 AT gmail.com Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:29:09 +0000 This morning at Milford Point, between 6:30 and 7:00, I had 1 Eurasian subspecies Green-winged Teal and 9 Canvasbacks in the marsh and 2 American Oystercatchers on the far bar, . John Marshall Watertown _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Rusty Blackbirds From: Jim Zipp <jimzipp AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:09:40 -0800 (PST) >From Jim and Carol Zipp: 03/12/10 - Hamden yard -- 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDs. One male and one female briefly on the ground under our feeders. The Fat RobinWild Bird and Nature Shop 3000 Whitney Ave. Hamden, CT 06518 www.fatrobin.com 203-248-7068 Toll Free U.S. 1-866-Fat-Robin Jim Zipp Bird Photography www.JimZipp.com _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Batterson Pond From: paul cianfaglione <pcianfaglione AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:50:54 +0000 3/12 Farmington, Batterson Pond - 1 drake RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Paul Cianfaglione Canton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: On This Date (3/12) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:22:42 -0500 1881 Eastern Bluebird Litchfield 1949 32 Redhead Easton 1950 Eurasian Wigeon Westville 1950 330 Common Merganser Glastonbury 1953 Lapland Longspur East Windsor Hill 1954 5000 Red-winged Blackbird Glastonbury 1978 Hoary Redpoll Norwalk 1988 Sandhill Crane Westport 1993 Townsend Solitare Newtown 1995 Varied Thrush Norwalk 2000 Razorbill Mystic, Ender's Island _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Yellow-rump From: Mntncougar AT aol.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:25:32 EST I had a Yellow-rumped Warbler at the CAS in Pomfret today. Don Morgan, Coventry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Stratford gull show & weekend forecast From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:30:27 -0500 Stratford/Milford: I made it down to Short Beach around 2:40pm today, not long after low tide. The raw east winds probably contributed to the tide not being very low. The portions of the sandbars that were exposed near the mouth of the Housatonic River, particularly on the Stratford side, were covered in about 4,000 gulls. Well in the distance offshore, about 2,000 more were likely feeding on plankton. Unfortunately the birds were too far for close scrutiny, but obvious species such as white-winged gulls could still be IDed. Highlights were 2 ICELAND GULLS (first-cycles) and a GLAUCOUS GULL (first-cycle...not the Long Beach bird). As the tide came in, more birds flew offshore. This gull event is spectacular and, at the risk of getting a bit too excited, any gull species that has ever occurred in our region is possible right now. A ride by Long Beach revealed only about 20 gulls, not including the usual Glaucous. Milford Point itself held very few gulls around 4:30pm. Marsh waterfowl included 79 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 4 CANVASBACKS. Weekend weather: The forecast I just saw is calling for steady ENE winds of 15-25mph from tomorrow through at least Sunday. With alcids presumably moving right now, this may be a good time to watch LI Sound. Nick Bonomo Wallingford, CT _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: East Lyme From: "Hank Golet" <htg1523 AT att.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:21:56 -0500 Niantic, McCooks Pt Beach, 12 Horned Grebes in a group. This is the best place that I know of where you can go and get good looks at Horned Grebes. They are fairly close to shore and they are reliable. I don't remember ever going there this time of year and not seeing them. Presently they are still in winter plumage,,,, but wait a month and you will be seeing a different bird. (breeding plumage Hank Golet _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Ducks From: <pfavreau AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:20:30 -0500 >From Patrice Favreau 3/11/10 - South Windsor, Station 43 -Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Ducks, Wood Ducks, Black Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards, Mute Swans, RW Blackbirds, Common Grackle -- Patrice F _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Ring-necked Pheasants From: "Greg Hanisek" <ghanisek AT rep-am.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:10:23 -0500 The points made about few if any sightings of young are good ones. From personal experience I'm convinced pheasants are reproducing at the old landfill at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, based on sightings over many years, including this year. I have seen males and females. I haven't seen a brood, but there's a very good reason for that. I don't bird the park at the time of year when young would be present. That's probably the case for a few similar sites that may hold breeding pheasants. At Seaside, a toll booth opens at some point for beach access, and the landfill is accessed the same way. Also, I've seen pheasants there rather casually by birding surrounding habitats. Actually walking up onto the landfill involves bad footing through thick vegetation. I once was on the "mainland" and watched a pheasant fly off the landfill, across the channel and into a yard near Captain's Cove. Anyway, if you go to Seaside often enough you'll eventually see a pheasant without really trying. I've also seen hen pheasants in spots where I would think the species exists mainly via stocking. I don't know how they get there. I've seen a road-killed hen on I-84 within the Waterbury city limits. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fusco, Paul" To: "Boletebill" ; "Dennis Varza" ; "Greg Hanisek" Cc: Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 9:06 AM Subject: RE: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants About ten years ago I came across a hen pheasant with young chicks at Bear Hill WMA in Bozrah. Paul Paul J. Fusco Environmental Analyst/Photographer CT DEP Wildlife Division -----Original Message----- From: ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org [mailto:ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org] On Behalf Of Boletebill Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:49 PM To: Dennis Varza; Greg Hanisek Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants Just out of curiousity does anyone know of a report in CT of Pheasants with young in the past decade? I assume that some areas of the State have hold-over populations because of good habitat and little hunting pressure but I've never heard wild young birds reported. Anybody? Bill Yule "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." --- On Wed, 3/10/10, Greg Hanisek wrote: From: Greg Hanisek Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants To: "Dennis Varza" Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:26 PM By coincidence I heard one calling today as well, in farmland in Watertown, in an area where they are definitely released. I agree completely with Dennis that the 2 sites he mentioned hold reproducing pheasants. Another place that did (and probably still does) is the Manresa power plant property in Norwalk, but access there now is essentially nonexistent. There are probably some other places as well, but when you get out into open farmland it's probably impossible to separate breeders (if there are any) from released birds. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Varza" To: "Posting Bird List" Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 4:23 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants > Hi Folks > > Today I had my first Ring-necked calling from the Pine Creek Open Space in > Fairfield. > > The Ring-necked Pheasant is a misfit in Connecticut. It is an introduced > species that is found every year, but its status is problematical. > Hundreds are released each year by gun clubs and many survive until > spring. The question is, is the species established like the Starling or > Rock Pigeon, or is its survival due to the continued replenishment each > year? > > At Pine Creek in Fairfield and Seaside Park in Bridgeport I'm sure they > are self sustaining populations. But what about the rest of the state? I > would like to get reports of birds to get a handle on their distribution > and would like to hear any judgments as to wether they are released birds > or not. This is the best time of year to find them since they have a > distinctive call. > > > Thank You > > Dennis Varza > > > > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) > for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit > http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re open water From: lisagagnon37 AT yahoo.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:04:57 +0000 >From Lisa East Hampton 3/11. Lake poquotopog (however you spell it). Is open, 1 pond near the old airline trail is open, another pond near where I live behind a factory is also open. Salmon river in east haddam is also flowing smooth. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Open water From: Mntncougar AT aol.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:01:53 EST Most of the ice went out on Coventry Lake today - south end and east cove are still covered. 3 Common Mergs in to celebrate. 2 C Geese in the open fringe yesterday, but didn't see them today. Bolton Lake has been mostly clear for about a week The lake at Mansfield Hollow is finally ice free except for a few coves and some small ice flows. It took its time clearing. I made a video today of our 2 adult 'Bald Eagles on 1 of the flows, sharing a very large fish. The duck marsh in Natchaug State forest is still more than half covered, but quite a few ducks have moved in, including 20 Wood Ducks, 13 Ring-necked Ducks, 11 Black Ducks, 5 Mallards, 4 Common Mergansers and 2 C. Geese. The marsh at Sta 43 has been free of ice for more than a week. Eagleville Lake in Mansfield is ice free. Hanover Pond and Bishops Pond in Meriden have been ice free since at least Monday. Don Morgan Coventry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: 'blackbirds' From: "Marty Swanhall" <mswanhall AT earthlink.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:16:43 -0500 About 100 mixed black birds on River Rd in corn field in Southbury heading towards dam - many male Red winged black birds, brown headed cowbirds, 1 or 2 grackles, and starlings Marty from Woodbury _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Fwd: ID help From: Carol Ansel <carolansel AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:12:34 -0500 Begin forwarded message: > From: Carol Ansel > Date: March 11, 2010 12:08:15 PM EST > To: CT Birding > Subject: ID help > > This little guy was flitting around in the dogwood tree near my > feeders yesterday. My best guess is an immature yellow-rumped > warbler? Broken eye ring, a little bit of breast streaking, and the > tiniest hint of yellow on the flanks - at least the flank I could > see. Here's the link: > http://www.flickr.com/photos/20751010 AT N08/sets/72157623599918750 > > Thanks > Carol Ansel > Mystic _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Gulls at Milford Point From: Stephen Spector <charsjs AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:58:04 -0800 (PST) >From Steve & Charla Spector: 3/11/10 -- Milford Point, 11:00 AM, mid-tide -- around 4500 gulls resting on the sandbars, mainly Ring-billed.  An amazing concentration of gulls.  Also, even at mid-tide, increase in sandbar size and number at Mlf Pt since last fall impressive.  Also present: active, noisy pair of American Oystercatchers, often at their preferred spot at end of Piping Plover spit.  _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: south windsor birds From: cekroth AT comcast.net Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:35:06 +0000 (UTC) 3/11, S. Windsor Vibert Rd. 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW Strong Road, 1 WILSON'S SNIPE, Ferry Rd, 1 VESPER SPARROW Sta 43: 2 GADWAL, 8 AMERICAN WIGEON, 2 NORTHERN PINTAIL, c 32 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, c 35 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 2 HOODED MERGS, c 30 BLACK DUCKS, 12 WOOD DUCKS, 15 MALLARDS, 1 FISH CROW. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: open water From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:16:51 -0500 Just about every body of water here in from the Stratford/Shelton line (from the Sikorky Birdge down) seems 100% open. This weather really made A TON if ice disappear.... and turned trails into muddy walkways! It also flattened out reefs in the Sound due to the recent (waning now) Full moon, high tides, and weekly Nor'Eastersn in Feb. Penfield Reef, at -0.3, with 7mph winds.... still had to have the knee-highs to get through the middle. Hope thae helps. The only bodies of water that I've been around that still have frozen water left is Trap Falls Reservoir in Shelton, some sheets on the Housatonic, and (werid) Hope Lake on Nell's Rock Rd. in Shelton. I figured it'd be totally open that day I was there during this 52+ degree warm spell. (Man... it's all in the back of our heads.... it WILL eventually dop back into the low 40's and high 30's, and I bet will get seom winter weather before all is said and done. Lets hope for that NOT happening....!!) Brian Webster Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ > Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:03:02 -0800 > From: carriergraphics AT sbcglobal.net > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > Subject: [CT Birds] open water > > Just curious.......... > > Here in NW CT from Bristol, north to the Mass border, we still have mostly 100% ice on lakes and reservoirs. I expect the following 4 days of rain and warm temps to open some of this ice cover. > > But I am curious as to the openness of ice cover in other areas of the State. If you could, can you post here what you have for open water in your areas? Seems from what I read here, the shores lakes and ponds have been open for a while now. > > Paul Carrier - Harwinton > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: open water From: Carrier Graphics <carriergraphics AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:03:02 -0800 (PST) Just curious.......... Here in NW CT from Bristol, north to the Mass border, we still have mostly 100% ice on lakes and reservoirs. I expect the following 4 days of rain and warm temps to open some of this ice cover. But I am curious as to the openness of ice cover in other areas of the State. If you could, can you post here what you have for open water in your areas? Seems from what I read here, the shores lakes and ponds have been open for a while now. Paul Carrier - Harwinton _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: REMINDER New Haven Bird Club Indoor Meeting TONIGHT 3/11 AT 7:00 PM From: Kris johnson <krisjohnson99 AT snet.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:59:11 -0800 (PST) Open to the Public!     Come hear Patrick Dugan whistle bird calls and talk about birds he has seen in Stamford, CT tonight at the Ag Station on Huntington ST. New Haven.     COME EARLY (7:00 PM) WE WILL HAVE A TERRIFIC BOOK SALE BEFORE THE MEETING!  MANY BIRD BOOKS ONLY $1.00!! _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Peck's Mill Pond and probable Pine Warbler From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:58:13 -0500 3/11, Peck's Mill Pond, Stratford AT about 8:15-8:50am- (16) Black Ducks (8) Mallards (2) Wood Ducks (1) Green-winged Teal (drake) The beavers are REALLY going at it now there. There are two dams, one of which is as fresh as it gets. I hope to stop by at dawn one day soon to see them at work. They are just about through a tree that has a diameter of at least 12"... cool stuff. (Though the 2nd, rear dam caused a pool, that could easily flood up the woods back there.) 3/11, River Valley Rd. powerline-cut, Stratford AT about 9:05a-ish- (3) Mockingbirds (1) RT Hawk in the same 100 yard area tha they nested last year (why I was there... to see if they were nesting there again/yet) (1) probable Pine Warbler in the trees behind a private residence. I did not see the bird, but it was singing, and it was a ringer for a PIWA song. This same area, and maybe 1/8th of a mile north, last year was a great spot for migrating Pine warblers. They always come earliest, so I say probably instead of possible. If there was a term after probable, but before 100% sure, that is where I am. Granted my FOY Pine was on April 9th last year, this is a new early date for me. I just hope Scott's home to maybe track him down! Brian Webster Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com http://thebirdmojo.blogspot.com/ _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Ring-necked Pheasants From: "Fusco, Paul" <Paul.Fusco AT ct.gov> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:06:21 -0500 About ten years ago I came across a hen pheasant with young chicks at Bear Hill WMA in Bozrah.   Paul Paul J. Fusco Environmental Analyst/Photographer CT DEP Wildlife Division -----Original Message----- From: ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org [mailto:ctbirds-bounces AT lists.ctbirding.org] On Behalf Of Boletebill Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:49 PM To: Dennis Varza; Greg Hanisek Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants Just out of curiousity does anyone know of a report in CT of Pheasants with young in the past decade? I assume that some areas of the State have hold-over populations because of good habitat and little hunting pressure but I've never heard wild young birds reported. Anybody?   Bill Yule   "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." --- On Wed, 3/10/10, Greg Hanisek wrote: From: Greg Hanisek Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants To: "Dennis Varza" Cc: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:26 PM By coincidence I heard one calling today as well, in farmland in Watertown, in an area where they are definitely released. I agree completely with Dennis that the 2 sites he mentioned hold reproducing pheasants. Another place that did (and probably still does) is the Manresa power plant property in Norwalk, but access there now is essentially nonexistent. There are probably some other places as well, but when you get out into open farmland it's probably impossible to separate breeders (if there are any) from released birds. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Varza" To: "Posting Bird List" Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 4:23 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Ring-necked Pheasants > Hi Folks > > Today I had my first Ring-necked calling from the Pine Creek Open  Space in Fairfield. > > The Ring-necked Pheasant is a misfit in Connecticut. It is an  introduced species that is found every year, but its status is  problematical. Hundreds are released each year by gun clubs and many  survive until spring. The question is, is the species established  like the Starling or Rock Pigeon, or is its survival due to the  continued replenishment each year? > > At Pine Creek in Fairfield and Seaside Park in Bridgeport I'm sure  they are self sustaining populations. But what about the rest of the  state? I would like to get reports of birds to get a handle on their  distribution and would like to hear any judgments  as to wether they  are released birds or not. This is the best time of year to find them  since they have a distinctive call. > > > Thank You > > Dennis Varza > > > > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Batterson Pond From: paul cianfaglione <pcianfaglione AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:35:03 +0000 3/11 Farmington, Batterson Pond - 1 RED-NECKED GREBE (almost full alternate plumage), 1 RUDDY DUCK, 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 5 BUFFLEHEAD, 5 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 6 HOODED and 76 COMMON MERGANSER. Paul Cianfaglione Canton _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: N. Stamford backyard From: Jim Voros <voros AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:09:50 -0800 (PST) Wood ducks arrived this morning to check out the wood duck house by the pond. Tuesday and Wednesday this week we had 6 Ring necked ducks diving around.  They are a couple weeks early from years past. They were gone this morning which has been typical behavior all the times they've come through. Hopefully the green winged teals come next which has been the case historically for our pond but I dont always see them. _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Here is a link to the photo of the dark buteo From: "COMINS, Patrick" <PCOMINS AT audubon.org> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:19:12 -0500 The consensus seems to be a dark or rufus morph Red-tailed Hawk, which I think would mean it's a bird of western origin. This is what I was thinking it was, but I was being conservative in the ID because that is a pretty rare bird for Connecticut, much rarer than would be a dark Rough-leg, but Rough-leg can be ruled out by the tail pattern. Not a bad bird to find on my birthday! Thanks to everyone who commented. Patrick ________________________________ From: COMINS, Patrick Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:29 PM To: Ctbirds Ctbirdslists Subject: Here is a link to the photo of the dark buteo Here is the one shot I was able to get as it flew away (you shouldn’t need a Facebook account to view it): http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3595186&l=e479eed360&id=730539479 It struck me as Red-tail sized, and wasn’t in particularly good Rough-legged habitat. The breast was nearly entirely very dark brown, almost sooty black. I didn’t get a good view of the upper-side. Patrick Patrick M. Comins Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Connecticut 185 East Flat Hill Road Southbury, CT 06488 Phone: (203)264-5098 x305 or 203-267-6732 x305 Fax: (203)264-6332 pcomins AT audubon.org http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewState.do?state=US-CT Audubon Connecticut is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AudubonCT Friends of Conte is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=291583955534&ref=ts _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: On This Date (3/11) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:47:52 -0500 1882 Yellow-rumped Warbler Portland 1942 Common Raven Waterford 1945 Dovekie Fairfield 1950 Northern Shrike Wethersfield 1959 Oregon Junco Mansfield 1990 Dickcissel Stamford, Cove Is. Pk. 1993 Razorbill Fisher Island Sound 1997 48 Red-throated Loon Westport, Sherwood Is. St. Pk. 1999 Common Raven Killingly (nesting) 2000 250 Surf Scoter Madison, Hammonasset St. Pk. 2000 Brambling Weston _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Griswold Pt From: "Hank Golet" <htg1523 AT att.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:06:21 -0500 >From Hank Golet 3/10, Old Lyme, Griswold Pt, 2 SNOW BUNTING _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Ring-necked Pheasants From: James Taylor <jtaylor274 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:37:17 -0500 hello Dennis - as you may know (or not).... I'm a Coventry native who now lives in Boston. Sooo... Whenever I'm in CT I try to do some birding.... my experiences in the last couple years have been the following - - cut corn field on corner of North River Rd and Rt 44 in North Coventy - right at the corner where the glass factory museum is - 12/27/08 - 5 males - I've noticed them there before and/or after but have no notes ... there's a hunting club I believe down on Merrow Rd but that's a bit away from this site, whether they're released or not, I have no idea. James Taylor On 3/10/10, Dennis Varza wrote: > Hi Folks > > Today I had my first Ring-necked calling from the Pine Creek Open > Space in Fairfield. > > The Ring-necked Pheasant is a misfit in Connecticut. It is an > introduced species that is found every year, but its status is > problematical. Hundreds are released each year by gun clubs and many > survive until spring. The question is, is the species established > like the Starling or Rock Pigeon, or is its survival due to the > continued replenishment each year? > > At Pine Creek in Fairfield and Seaside Park in Bridgeport I'm sure > they are self sustaining populations. But what about the rest of the > state? I would like to get reports of birds to get a handle on their > distribution and would like to hear any judgments as to wether they > are released birds or not. This is the best time of year to find them > since they have a distinctive call. > > > Thank You > > Dennis Varza > > > > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) > for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit > http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Ring-necked Pheasants From: Chasbarnard AT aol.com Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:32:12 EST I have not seen a brood of young pheasants following a hen around in many years. They once bred very successfully on many small farms scattered around the western portion of Fairfield. They could survive the winters well enough to maintain a presence (corn stubble left in the fields was a big help to the birds,) but they could not survive the loss of habitat as housing development replaced the old farmlands. In recent years I have looked for a brood at Pine Creek, since the roosters still do crow there, but I have been unable to spot a brood or even a lone hen pheasant. There have been plenty of turkeys and an occasional male pheasant - but that has been it. I agree that a possibility still exists that they breed there, but it would be nice to spot a brood with a hen as confirmation of breeding. Charlie Barnard Stratford (formerly 48 years in Fairfield) _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Station 43 From: "Jan Collins" <jgcollins AT cox.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:24:55 -0500 3/9 Station 43 marsh, South Windsor 3PM After spending the morning lobbying at the Capital with the Friends of State Parks to "Ease the Fees" on park admissions, etc. I stopped at Station 43 marsh and had my first 3 Tree Sparrows of the season, 7 species of ducks including GW Teal, Wood duck, Wigeon, Ring-necked, a pair of Hooded mergs, 1 GB Heron, 1 Kingfisher, lots of RW Blackbirds and 100's of Crows heading back to Hartford for the evening. Interesting no Mute Swans yet this year in the marsh. But on Ferry Rd. a pair of Bald Eagles. Jan in Somers _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Stratford maybe 10K+ gulls From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:10:57 -0500 Very cool Frank. Fantastic numbers. I know Dennis has been keeping a close eye on this, but according to my records last year this event started around March 10 and peaked in the second half of the month, lasting into early April. I wonder if this will keep going for a few more weeks. As with past years, Black-headed Gulls tend to be found more often toward the beginning of the Boney migration, with Little Gulls peaking a bit later on (most of my LIGU sightings have been 3/24 through 4/5). This year that pattern is repeating with the Black-headeds...so far. It's interesting to note the birds' movements. One day a particular area may be covered with gulls, and the next day they may be a couple towns up or down the coast. Sometimes densely concentrated, other times spread thinly over a large stretch of coastline. Nick Bonomo Wallingford, CT On Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 5:29 PM, Frank Mantlik wrote: > Thanks to Scott for promptly posting news of this incredible gull concentration.  Just some additional details.  I arrived at Short Beach about 11:45 today, and was amazed at the number of gulls before me on the sand flats of the Housatonic River, and on the higher sandbars off Milford Point.  The vast majority (90%) were Ring-billeds.  These migrants, which breed on large inland lakes north and west of us, were here to rest, bathe and preen - following the gorging on plankton they've been doing for the past 2 weeks.  Well, within the first 15 minutes or so, I had spotted a 1st-winter BLACK-HEADED GULL (one poor digiscope photo; it promptly vanished) and an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (several photos).  At that point I called several local birders (including Miley Bull), and then I ended up scanning/ scoping the flocks for nearly 3 hours, (searching hard for a Mew gull or a California Gull.  No luck, Nick.).  Tide was still falling, almost no wind, >  beautiful light all around.  After a while we tried to estimate numbers, and my best estimate was 10,000 Ring-billed (plus or minus; including 4 with numbered wingtags), maybe 1000 Herring, 40 Great Black-backed, 7+ Bonaparte's Gulls, 1 LBBG, 1 BLACK-HEADED. > In addition, there were lots of RB Mergansers, 100 Com. Goldeneyes, 25 WW Scoters, 16 Gadwall, 2 GW Teal, etc.  Then Charlie spotted two enormous flocks of waterfowl resting on the water far to the east (east of the offshore breakwater).  Based on their size, dark and white coloration, and slow wingbeat, we determined they were Brant - suspected plankton-feeding. > There had to be 1000 in the first flock, and the second flock was of comparable size. > We never could relocate the Black-headed, but I suspect it was out there somewhere. > Earlier in the day, I saw the continuing 2nd-cycle GLAUCOUS GULL at Long Beach, and 27 Red-throated Loons off the Lordship Seawall. > It was an amazing afternoon.  And can't wait till the flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls arrive. > > Frank Mantlik > Stratford > > > > ________________________________ > From: Scott Kruitbosch > To: ctbirds AT lists.ctbirding.org > Sent: Wed, March 10, 2010 1:27:05 PM > Subject: [CT Birds] Stratford maybe 10K+ gulls > > Short Beach right now: Frank Mantlik found a first-cycle Black-headed > Gull (which unfortunately cannot be relocated right now), an adult > Lesser Black-backed Gull, several Bonaparte's Gulls and obviously > possibly more. There are around 8K Ring-billed Gulls, including some > tagged ones. > > This massive group is on sand bars between here and Milford Point, > some close, some far. Frank, Charlie Barnard, Brian Webster and myself > are still actively scoping through them. There are a good number of > Goldeneye and handfuls of other ducks. > > -Scott Kruitbosch > > -- > Sent from my mobile device > > Scott Kruitbosch > Connecticut Audubon Society > Stratford, CT > kbosch AT gmail.com > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org > _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Re: Here is a link to the photo of the dark buteo From: Mntncougar AT aol.com Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:55:46 EST Except for the lack of a tail band I'd say it could be a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk. Legs look pretty heavily feathered for a Red-tail, but it could be just the viewpoint. Don Morgan coventry _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: E Grosbeak From: Carrier Graphics <carriergraphics AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:41:53 -0800 (PST) A friend who lives near Keene NH Had their first Evening Grosbeak this winter at their feeder. They usually have many each winter there, and some I'm told do also breed nearby. Keene is just 60 miles from the CT border. Here in Harwinton, had 3 PURPLE FINCH at feeder. Paul Carrier _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org Subject: Wallingford Geese From: Mark Barriger <mark8bud8 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:31:36 -0500 Kate & I found two Greater White-fronted Geese out along Whirlwind Hill Rd in Wallingford this afternoon. It was towards the top off the hill near the intersection with N Branford Rd in with 20 +/- Canada Geese. Mark Barriger Cheshire, CT Mark8bud8 AT hotmail.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitewash88/ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org