Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Connecticut Birds > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, November 20 at 06:00 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Scaly-sided Mergansers,©BirdQuest

20 Nov Old Saybrook-ruddy ducks [] 20 Nov hanging on... [Roy Harvey ] 20 Nov Lighthouse no, central CT lakes and ponds yes. [] 20 Nov Re: Highway Birding [Stephen Broker ] 20 Nov Common goldeneye, Point Folly, Bantam Lake, Litchfield [John D Babington ] 20 Nov lens cap [] 20 Nov Pacific Loon ["Zagorski, Sara" ] 20 Nov pacific loon [] 20 Nov Highway Birding ["Robert Mirer D.D.S." ] 20 Nov Pacific Loon Lake Quassy [Sally Brown ] 20 Nov Blue Jay butchery 11/20/09 [Scott Olmstead ] 20 Nov Sherwood Island SP,etc. [Tina and Peter Green ] 20 Nov Batterson Pond, 11/20 [paul cianfaglione ] 20 Nov Stratford yard/woods- [Brian Webster ] 20 Nov Fw: Re: Missing Birds Grt Corm [Boletebill ] 20 Nov On This Day (11/20) [Dennis Varza ] 19 Nov Sandhill Crane photo ["Greg Hanisek" ] 19 Nov Re: Missing Birds [Nick Bonomo ] 19 Nov Canvasbacks Goshen [] 19 Nov belated: Landfill 11/17, Hammo 11/18 [Nick Bonomo ] 19 Nov Gullish thievery [David F Provencher ] 19 Nov Pacific Loon YES [Alexander Burdo ] 19 Nov Gull/Loon behavior [] 19 Nov Great Cormorants predated by Bald Eagles [Stephen Spector ] 19 Nov Re: Missing Birds Grt Corm [] 19 Nov On This Day (11/19) [Dennis Varza ] 18 Nov Re: Missing Birds Grt Corm ["Greg Hanisek" ] 18 Nov birds and stuff [Carrier Graphics ] 18 Nov Missing Birds [Dennis Varza ] 18 Nov Bridgeport, Stratford and Milford [Dennis Varza ] 18 Nov Stamford, Yesterday [Dennis Varza ] 18 Nov Brave GB heron [Susanne Shrader ] 18 Nov CACC [] 18 Nov King Eider, other Hammo birds [Andrew Block ] 18 Nov Pacific Loon [Roy Zartarian ] 18 Nov Quassy [] 18 Nov Woodbridge Greater White-fronted Goose [Roy Harvey ] 17 Nov On This Day (11/18) [Dennis Varza ] 17 Nov Quaker Ridge - Bald Eagle Record tied [] 17 Nov Stonington/Mystic red-necked grebes [] 17 Nov Westport,Late afternoon [Tina and Peter Green ] 17 Nov Still Loony ["Robert Mirer D.D.S." ] 17 Nov LHPP for Tuesday 11-17-2009 [] 17 Nov (no subject) [] 17 Nov Sherwood Island SP [Tina and Peter Green ] 16 Nov On This Day (11/17) [Dennis Varza ] 16 Nov Hammo [] 16 Nov RED-NECKED GREBE, etc. at Bantam Lake [Dave Rosgen ] 16 Nov inland ducks [Carrier Graphics ] 16 Nov Ruddy ducks [Gregory Dowd ] 16 Nov LHP 11/16 [greg hanisek ] 16 Nov Hammo "King" [The Audubon Shop ] 16 Nov Fairfield to Norwalk [Dennis Varza ] 16 Nov Common Raven [Lemmon ] 16 Nov Waterford: Baltimore oriole [] 16 Nov Pacific Loon - Yes [] 16 Nov RED-NECKED GREBE in Barkhamsted, etc. [Dave Rosgen ] 16 Nov Hanover Pond ["Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe" ] 16 Nov On This Day (11/16) [Dennis Varza ] 15 Nov PACIFIC LOON, Bald Eagles ["Mardi W. Dickinson" ] 15 Nov I hope I'm not breaking the rules here ... [Judd Everhart ] 15 Nov Re: Bantam Lake [] 15 Nov NHBC Sherwood Island SP Walk-Pequot Library Trip 11/14 [Tina and Peter Green ] 15 Nov Sherward Island [Paul Desjardins ] 15 Nov Greater Scaup [] 15 Nov Lighthouse Point Park - Sunday [Steve Mayo ] 15 Nov Peregrine, OC Warbler, Western Kingbird, Semipalmated Plovers [Tina and Peter Green ] 15 Nov Pacific Loon [] 15 Nov Fox Sparrows [Jim Zipp ] 15 Nov Anchor Beach, Milford [] 15 Nov Pac Loon ["Gedney" ] 15 Nov Fwd: Re: On This Day (11/15) [] 15 Nov O-c Warbler [greg hanisek ] 15 Nov Brant, Savin Rock, West Haven [John D Babington ] 15 Nov scoter ID help ["Julie Keefer" ] 15 Nov Southport Survey 203 [Dennis Varza ] Subject: Old Saybrook-ruddy ducks From: Sailcarm AT aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:00:10 EST 11/20 - Old Saybrook: in between doing errands today I stopped briefly at two spots in Old Saybrook looking for recent duck arrivals. Not much to report! pond down the road from Mcdonalds, Ingham Hill Rd. - 3 ruddy ducks (difficult spot to access, as pond is on private property. You have to stand on the edge of the road and you can't do that for long, as this is a busy road.) North Cove viewed from the overlook in the newly completed park at the end of Coulter St (opposite N. Cove Outfitters) - not much!!! 12 buffleheads I also had 2 golden-crowned kinglets at Rocky Neck SP (E. Lyme) but never even made it to the viewing platform as it was so windy I turned around and went back to my car. Carolyn Cimino Waterford _______________________________________________ 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: hanging on... From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:18:31 -0800 (PST) Passing this along. From Joe Zeranski: 11/20/09 - Greenwich Harbor - 16 Laughing Gulls, resting on floats with Herring and Ring-billed Gulls. 11/19/09 - Greenwich Point - 6 Black-bellied Plovers, 25-30 Turnstones, 50+ Black Ducks, 7 Hooded Mergansers, no other ducks yet; I brant, 1 Common Loon, 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: Lighthouse no, central CT lakes and ponds yes. From: Mntncougar AT aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:09:01 EST I spent almost 3 hours this morning after the rain cleared out, doing the hawk count at Lighthouse Point. Total count was zero. Not a sign of a raptor. Wind started as light southwest and shifted to a slightly stronger west, neither conducive to hawk flight. I did see a single swallow that looked promising for a Cave, but I didn't see enough to ID it. After I left I headed over to Hammonassett briefly, spotting 40+ Horned Larks in the west end area and 30 in the nature center parking lot. No sign of any Snow Buntings or Lapland Longspurs mixed in. Wind had picked up and tide was so high that waves were rolling over the breakwater, so no shorebirds or ducks offshore. I did spot 2 Northern Harriers and a Coopers Hawk harrassing a flock of blackbirds. Also 2 Great Egrets in the marshes. I decided to head up through south central Ct. to check for birds on a few lakes and ponds, something that has been totally missing on the eastern Ct. waters I have visited. I was pleasantly surprised at three different spots. McKenzie Reservoir, Wallingford: 27 Green-winged Teal. At Pistapaug Pond in Wallingford I found a nice mixed bag. I didn't get accurate counts, being more interested in the different species. c 15 Ruddy Ducks 4 (or more) Common Goldeneye. At least 4 Scaup (Greater per Marty Moore) 10+ Hooded Mergansers C. Geese Bishops Pond, Meriden (split by Research Parkway on the east side of I-91): In the west pond (next to I-91): 117 American Wigeon. I checked for Eurasian Widgeon but didn't see any. At 3:30 PM the sun was right in my eyes, but there was an EUWI there 2 years ago, so it might be worth a look by someone who can do it in the morning. 26 Green-winged Teal. 1 female Bufflehead. Quite a few Mallards and C Geese. There was another half a dozen AMWI in the east pond across the road. All my counts are probably close but most likely understated. 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: Re: Highway Birding From: Stephen Broker <ls.broker AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:09:10 -0500 Hi Rob, I've developed a comfort zone for where peregrines do and don't perch which periodically needs to be expanded. I'm most familiar with them perched on rocks (cliff tops and ledges, talus piles), Redcedar snags, and of course buildings and bridge supports. But, I've also seen them on leafed out trees, wooden fence posts, iron fence posts, beaches, high tension and radio towers, billboards, lightposts, and also on ice sheets, emergent mud flats, and in shallow water. The Gold Star Bridge (New London) peregrines perch on lightposts, and the Quinnipiac Bridge peregrines often are seen on the high tension towers. In general, the birds want open space and high elevations where they can jump out and begin flapping flight quickly. It takes a bit of time to gain elevation from a low start point. Or, they will come in to low areas specifically for drinking water or consuming prey. More generally, I think they will perch wherever they want to perch. Steve Broker On Nov 20, 2009, at 3:23 PM, Robert Mirer D.D.S. wrote: > Peregrine Falcon: > Today (Friday) at 1 p.m. on the south side of I-84 bt exits 62-63, > on the top of a lightpost, Peregrine Falcon. We often see pigeons > and Red-tails in such a place, but I've never seen a 'grin under > such circumstances. Just wondering-has anyone else seen this? Hard > to get a good look while whizzing by at 70. > > Rob Mirer > _______________________________________________ > 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: Common goldeneye, Point Folly, Bantam Lake, Litchfield From: John D Babington <davewb07 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:18:51 -0800 (PST) Stopped at Point Folly on Bantam Lake in Litchfield about 2:30 or so today (20 November, Friday). Good looks at a pied bill grebe from the parking lot at Point Folly. Went to the viewing platform and had  15 mute swan, a few mallards, a group of about 10 common merganser, about 50 American robins, and the juvenile male common goldeneye that has been previously reported. I later (about 3:30 PM or so) stopped at the White Memorial Museum to check out the blind behind  the museum. Just as I got to the blind birds were flying out of the area fast. I sat in the blind just a few minutes but no birds returned to the feeders by the blind. As I left the blind I saw a large Cooper's hawk flying in front of museum. The local birds were wise to get out of the area. I did check the southwest corner of Lake Bantam (South Bay) for waterfowl, on Rt 209, about 3:45 PM or so but there only a few mallards about there. David W Babington Washington, 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: lens cap From: Katz1449 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:14:19 EST Forgot to mention before-at Quassy I found a black Nikon lens cap in the sandy area by the beach. If anyone is missing one, I have it here and we can figure out how to get it to you. Beverly Propen, Orange _______________________________________________ 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: Pacific Loon From: "Zagorski, Sara" <szagorski AT daypitney.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:59:52 -0500 >From Sara Zagorski with Olaf Soltau Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- 11/20 - the Pacific Loon showed well between 3:20 - 3:50 pm in the late afternoon sunshine on the east side of the lake by the houses. It was feeding but up for periods of time to be abe to study the bird through a scope. Greg Hanisek rules! Sara Zagorski Wethersfield This message contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended solely for the use of the addressee(s) named above. Any disclosure, distribution, copying or use of the information by others is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by immediate reply and delete the original message. Thank you. . _______________________________________________ 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: pacific loon From: Katz1449 AT aol.com Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:37:09 EST 11/20 Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug 1:45-2:15PM 2 brief views of the PACIFIC LOON as it surfaced and then dove again. very windy, and lake waters were choppy. It sure gets around the lake while holding its breath under water. Beverly Propen, Orange _______________________________________________ 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: Highway Birding From: "Robert Mirer D.D.S." <robert.m.mirer AT snet.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:23:13 -0500 Peregrine Falcon: Today (Friday) at 1 p.m. on the south side of I-84 bt exits 62-63, on the top of a lightpost, Peregrine Falcon. We often see pigeons and Red-tails in such a place, but I've never seen a 'grin under such circumstances. Just wondering-has anyone else seen this? Hard to get a good look while whizzing by at 70. Rob Mirer _______________________________________________ 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: Pacific Loon Lake Quassy From: Sally Brown <sbrown01 AT snet.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:32:56 -0500 Pacific Loon east end of lake from amusement park main beach. Mostly bad weather for viewing as it was windy, choppy, and cloudy. Yet when loon stayed up to preen for 10 min, views were quite satisfactory with 80 mm scope. Sally Brown Branford, CT Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ 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: Blue Jay butchery 11/20/09 From: Scott Olmstead <sparverius81 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:10:55 -0500 Visiting my parents in Bloomfield, I spent an hour in the backyard this morning and was treated to the unusual spectacle of a Blue Jay eating a mouse! I have no way of knowing if the jay captured the mouse or found it dead, but the mouse appeared to be freshly dead when I first spotted the jay as it flew across the yard with the mouse dangling from its bill. Finding a secluded spot in a thicket the jay had to work hard but eventually was able to butcher the mouse and have a good meal, before the leftovers were stolen by another jay. Rather than grabbing and tearing off pieces like hawks and falcons do, both jays were most effectively able to prepare the food by hammering at the mouse like a woodpecker or nuthatch might hammer at an acorn - fascinating behavior, even if a bit gruesome! I don't know my rodents very well but I believe the hapless victim was a White-footed Mouse or Deer Mouse. Also spotted a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and two hatch-year Bald Eagles playfully tussling while riding the light breeze overhead. What a beautiful day! Good birding, Scott --------------- Scott Olmstead Tucson, Arizona Tour Leader, Neotropics Tropical Birding http://tropicalbirding.com http://flickr.com/sparverius _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: It works the way you want. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen:112009v2 _______________________________________________ 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: Sherwood Island SP,etc. From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:55:59 +0000 11/20 - Westport - SISP - AMERICAN KESTREL,MERLIN,NORTHERN FLICKER all in the same tree when I did a quick drive through this AM. Fairfield - Southport Beach -15 DUNLIN,1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER Westport - Compo Beach- 4 LONG-TAILED DUCKS Burying Hill Beach- 2 RED-THROATED LOONS Tina Green Westport _______________________________________________ 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, 11/20 From: paul cianfaglione <pcianfaglione AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:23:58 +0000 11/20 Farmington, Batterson Pond - 1 drake RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Paul Cianfaglione Canton _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: It works the way you want. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen:112009v2 _______________________________________________ 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 yard/woods- From: Brian Webster <b.webster AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:18:07 -0500 11/20, Stratford yard/woods- (1) sub-adult Bald Eagle moving lazily SE (1) YB Sapsucker (2) E. Towhees (1) Catbird (1) Winter Wren I think Nick B. was onto something with the lack of frozen water up north. My cousin who lives about 25 minutes from the US/CAN border confirms this... he said the lakes around him are just now barely getting a paper-thin layer of ice on them that melts off during the day. Having been following the VTBirds listserv, there have been frequent and recent reports of waterfowl that eventually make it to CT... Goldeneye, Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necks, Horned Grebes, lesser Scaup. And just to throw this in.... I had 3 Great Cormorants at Stratford Point on 10/30. -Brian Webster- Stratford, CT b.webster AT hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/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: Fw: Re: Missing Birds Grt Corm From: Boletebill <boletebill AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:41:24 -0800 (PST) Oops. I meant to send this to the list but sent to Greg only. Great Cormorants: See below. "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." --- On Thu, 11/19/09, Boletebill wrote: From: Boletebill Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Missing Birds Grt Corm To: "Greg Hanisek" Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 9:34 AM Great Cormorants on the lower CT River:      My experience here has no hard data but I'll share my general impressions about these winter visitors.  There seems to be a substantial population here (75-200 is a wild guess) that varies from year to year depending on ice conditions on the river in the months of Jan. and Feb. It seems to me that this population has been relatively stable and established in the last 10 years and before that(1995-2000) there was a general upwards trend. The GC winter population is fairly easy to observe because when they aren't fishing they all collect on the large metal Day Markers on the lower river and the trees on Lord Island opposite Parkers Point Road.   Hank G. or Andy G. could probably give the group a more exact impression of the CT river population trend than I as they both have been observing this part of the river longer than I have. Bill Yule "For those who hunger after the earthly excrescences called mushrooms." --- On Wed, 11/18/09, Greg Hanisek wrote: From: Greg Hanisek Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Missing Birds Grt Corm To: "Dennis Varza" , "Posting Bird List" Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 9:23 PM One bird out of that group has caught my eye in recent years. It seems the center of abundance for wintering Great Cormorants has shifted from the Sound itself to the lower Conn. R. For the last few years the numbers from Essex north all the way to East Haddam has been pretty impressive, while the species seems harder to come by in the Sound (although Norwalk Is. may be an exception. Larry?). Maybe someone like Bill Yule could comment on whether there really is an increase in the river, or I've just noticed more for some reason. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Varza" To: "Posting Bird List" Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:32 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Missing Birds > Hi Folks > > It is clear that a number of species that are normally regular to  common have become scarce down here in the Fairfield-Stratford Area.  More consequences of the rainy June? > > American Wigeon-Eursaian Wigeon > There should be 20 to 100 birds in Aspetuck Reservoir Easton, and  another 20 to 50 birds at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Plus, there  should be birds at St. Johns. Now there are no birds in Aspetuck Res.  a few in the Ash Creek/Seaside Park, none at St. John's and obviously  no Eurasian Wigeons reported anywhere. > > Canvasback. > Frash Pond Stratford, usually by now there should be 50 or so birds there, For the past week there has been only one. > > Great Cormorant > This species seems to be in decline in the area the past couple of  years. This year I would be hard pressed to show someone a bird this  month. Is this the back end of global warming? They are not coming  south anymore? > > American Coot > In my area there are two sites (Lake Forest Bridgeport, Stratford  Marina area) that get several coot at this time. So far I have only  seen one bird in Lake Forest a couple of weeks ago. Inland, Lakes and  reservoirs should be getting numbers around 100, but I have not seen  many reported. > > > Conversely, this season seems good for Surf Scoters and Common Eiders > > Then again if every year was the same, it would be rather boring  after a couple of years. > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ 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: On This Day (11/20) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:44:10 -0500 1875 Bald Eagle New Haven 1932 Dovekie Clinton 1948 120 Killdeer Westport 1960 Loggerhead Shrike Guilford 1961 Boreal Chickadee Mansfield 1984 Black-legged Kittiwake New Haven, harbor 1985 Black Skimmer Milford, Gulf Pond 1989 Evening Grosbeak Sherman 1990 Common Redpoll Cornwall 1995 Forster's Tern Stamford 1996 255 Ruddy Duck Old Saybrook, North Cove 2997 250 Ruddy Duck Wallingford, North Farms Res. 1999 Greater White-fronted Goose Suffield Yellow-rumped Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Pine Warbler Wilson's Warbler _______________________________________________ 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: Sandhill Crane photo From: "Greg Hanisek" <ghanisek AT rep-am.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:06:35 -0500 Many of you remember the report of a Sandhill Crane, found by Paul Fusco, that made a brief appearance at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison on Oct. 30. Pat Finelli of New Haven just sent me a photo of the bird, which eluded most who looked for it. You can see the image here: http://blogs.rep-am.com/nature/ Greg Hanisek _______________________________________________ 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: Missing Birds From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:24:45 -0500 Just a quick theory...the scarce species, with the exception of Great Corm, are more likely to be spending their time in ponds, marshes, or inlets rather than open ocean...so the warm water and air temps recently might be delaying their arrival a bit since I'd think very little water is freezing even way up north. While the scoters and eiders, open ocean species, are likely a product of the few recent strong easterly blows. Nick Bonomo Wallingford, CT On Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 8:32 PM, Dennis Varza wrote: > Hi Folks > > It is clear that a number of species that are normally regular to common > have become scarce down here in the Fairfield-Stratford Area. More > consequences of the rainy June? > > American Wigeon-Eursaian Wigeon > There should be 20 to 100 birds in Aspetuck Reservoir Easton, and another 20 > to 50 birds at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Plus, there should be birds at > St. Johns. Now there are no birds in Aspetuck Res. a few in the Ash > Creek/Seaside Park, none at St. John's and obviously no Eurasian Wigeons > reported anywhere. > > Canvasback. > Frash Pond Stratford, usually by now there should be 50 or so birds there, > For the past week there has been only one. > > Great Cormorant > This species seems to be in decline in the area the past couple of years. > This year I would be hard pressed to show someone a bird this month. Is this > the back end of global warming? They are not coming south anymore? > > American Coot > In my area there are two sites (Lake Forest Bridgeport, Stratford Marina > area) that get several coot at this time. So far I have only seen one bird > in Lake Forest a couple of weeks ago. Inland, Lakes and reservoirs should be > getting numbers around 100, but I have not seen many reported. > > > Conversely, this season seems good for Surf Scoters and Common Eiders > > Then again if every year was the same, it would be rather boring after a > couple of years. > > 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 > _______________________________________________ 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: Canvasbacks Goshen From: Kfinnan AT aol.com Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:26 EST During the noon hour, there were four Canvasbacks, which must have recently arrived on Woodridge Lake. Also, a Red-breasted Nuthatch was nearby. Kevin Finnan Goshen _______________________________________________ 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: belated: Landfill 11/17, Hammo 11/18 From: Nick Bonomo <nbonomo AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:08:27 -0500 Made my first visit of the season to the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill on Tuesday afternoon. There was a decent number of gulls to sort through (1000-1200), but the only bird of interest was an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in heavy flight feather molt. There were several sparrows around the periphery including 2 imm WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and 6 Field Sparrows. Kim Radziwon and I walked around the campground at Hammo yesterday afternoon. We came across a few nice pockets of landbirds. The highlight was 2 BALTIMORE ORIOLES, and likely a third, but looks at bird #3 were very brief and can only be called a "Northern" Oriole (aka Baltimore/Bullock's), though what I saw in those few seconds was highly suggestive of Baltimore (face pattern). Also had a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, which have been pretty scarce along the coast this autumn. 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: Gullish thievery From: David F Provencher <david.f.provencher AT dom.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:09:47 -0500 The large gulls, jaegers, some tubenoses, etc will often try to snatch food from resurfacing diving birds. I have often used this larid behavior to alert me to the location of solitary divers such as alcids on Long Island Sound. This opportunistic feeding strategy also translates on land, well with gulls anyway. I once had a piece of pizza snatched out of my hand by a Herring Gull. It came from behind me and snatch the pizza. It didn't get all of it however, I managed to hang onto part of it. It's not the easiest thing to get a piece of pizza or a beer out of my hand. Dave Provencher Naturally New England CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally confidential and or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you. _______________________________________________ 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: Pacific Loon YES From: Alexander Burdo <alexanderburdo AT mac.com> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:02:38 -0500 From Alex Burdo and James Orrico with Greg Hanisek 11/19/09: 11:10-12:00 Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug PACIFIC LOON continues Seen swimming throughout the lake, covering a lot of ground. The bird went within distance where I could see it with my bare eye to a distant view through a scope. It also dove many times and then disappeared until it relocated, sometimes very far from where it dove. Was able to get some nice shots of the bird when it got closer. I looked for the rounded head, pale gray nape, and white throat. Also seen of note-1 Bald Eagle and Two Turkey Vultures 1:40-2:20 Litchfield, White Memorial's Point Folly 1 Pied-billed Grebe, seen swimming and preening Very Strange-no ducks besides 15 Mallards and 3 American Black Ducks present. Also 1 Belted Kingfisher From Alex Burdo: 11/19/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- 11:10-12:00-PACIFIC LOON continues Seen swimming throughout the lake, covering a lot of ground. The bird went within distance where I could see it with my bare eye to distant view through a scope. It also dove many times and then disappeared until it relocated, sometimes very far from where it dove. I looked for the rounded head, pale gray nape, and white throat. Also 1 Bald Eagle. Litchfield, White Memorial's Point Folly -- 1 Pied-billed Grebe seen swimming and preening Alex Burdo 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: Gull/Loon behavior From: MHMooreP AT aol.com Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:51:18 EST Mea culpa if this behavior has been reported already, but I have not read all the posts on the Pacific Loon. About noon today the loon at Quassy in Middlebury was about 200 yards off of the beach. After a few minutes a Greater Black-Backed Gull flew in and landed about 30 yards from the Loon. I had read that they were often seen in proximity. The gull drifted with the loon for about 20 minutes as it dived and surfaced. Then as the loon began another dive the gull took flight and pounced on the loon when it surfaced. I suspect the gull was trying to steal a fish or maybe just was being ornery. I favor the former. Marty Moore Wallingford _______________________________________________ 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: Great Cormorants predated by Bald Eagles From: Stephen Spector <charsjs AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:26:02 -0800 (PST) >From Steve Spector: Perhaps the scarcity of Great Cormorants in CT is related to the predation of Great Cormorant chicks by Bald Eagles in Maine.  See link below. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=256633&ac=PHnws _______________________________________________ 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: Missing Birds Grt Corm From: lpflynn AT optonline.net Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:26:56 +0000 (GMT) My data does not go back very far, but in the past few years I have found two or so Great Cormorants in the Norwalk Islands starting in late October. The numbers increase in early December and remain anywhere from 6-15 throughout the winter depending how far I search, they then start decreasing late March. Larry Flynn ----- Original Message ----- From: Greg Hanisek Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:22 am Subject: Re: [CT Birds] Missing Birds Grt Corm To: Dennis Varza , Posting Bird List > One bird out of that group has caught my eye in recent years. It > seems the > center of abundance for wintering Great Cormorants has shifted > from the > Sound itself to the lower Conn. R. For the last few years the > numbers from > Essex north all the way to East Haddam has been pretty > impressive, while the > species seems harder to come by in the Sound (although Norwalk > Is. may be an > exception. Larry?). Maybe someone like Bill Yule could comment > on whether > there really is an increase in the river, or I've just noticed > more for some > reason. > > Greg Hanisek > Waterbury > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dennis Varza" > To: "Posting Bird List" > Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:32 PM > Subject: [CT Birds] Missing Birds > > > > Hi Folks > > > > It is clear that a number of species that are normally regular > to common > > have become scarce down here in the Fairfield-Stratford Area. > More > > consequences of the rainy June? > > > > American Wigeon-Eursaian Wigeon > > There should be 20 to 100 birds in Aspetuck Reservoir Easton, > and another > > 20 to 50 birds at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Plus, there > should be birds > > at St. Johns. Now there are no birds in Aspetuck Res. a few > in the Ash > > Creek/Seaside Park, none at St. John's and obviously no > Eurasian Wigeons > > reported anywhere. > > > > Canvasback. > > Frash Pond Stratford, usually by now there should be 50 or so > birds > > there, For the past week there has been only one. > > > > Great Cormorant > > This species seems to be in decline in the area the past > couple of years. > > This year I would be hard pressed to show someone a bird this > month. Is > > this the back end of global warming? They are not coming > south anymore? > > > > American Coot > > In my area there are two sites (Lake Forest Bridgeport, > Stratford Marina > > area) that get several coot at this time. So far I have only > seen one > > bird in Lake Forest a couple of weeks ago. Inland, Lakes and > reservoirs > > should be getting numbers around 100, but I have not seen > many reported. > > > > > > Conversely, this season seems good for Surf Scoters and Common > Eiders> > > Then again if every year was the same, it would be rather > boring after a > > couple of years. > > > > 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> > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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: On This Day (11/19) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:37:19 -0500 1886 Fox Sparrow Jewett City 1932 Dovekie Branford, Darien, Guilford, Hamden, Lyme, Meriden, New Haven, New London, Old Lyme, Simsbury, Fairfield 1934 Black-backed Woodpecker Bridgeport 1939 Barrow's Goldeneye South Windsor 1947 Atlantic Puffin Fairfield, Penfield Reef 1986 Gyrfalcon New Haven, Lighthouse Pk. 1989 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Stamford 1992 Red-eyed Vireo Greenwich, Greenwich Pt. 1997 Yellow-headed Blackbird East Hartford 1998 Sandhill Crane Newtown, SandyHook 1999 Greater White-fronted Goose Newington Yellow-rumped Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Parula Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Blackpoll Warbler American Redstart Wilson's Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat _______________________________________________ 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: Missing Birds Grt Corm From: "Greg Hanisek" <ghanisek AT rep-am.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:23:07 -0500 One bird out of that group has caught my eye in recent years. It seems the center of abundance for wintering Great Cormorants has shifted from the Sound itself to the lower Conn. R. For the last few years the numbers from Essex north all the way to East Haddam has been pretty impressive, while the species seems harder to come by in the Sound (although Norwalk Is. may be an exception. Larry?). Maybe someone like Bill Yule could comment on whether there really is an increase in the river, or I've just noticed more for some reason. Greg Hanisek Waterbury ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Varza" To: "Posting Bird List" Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:32 PM Subject: [CT Birds] Missing Birds > Hi Folks > > It is clear that a number of species that are normally regular to common > have become scarce down here in the Fairfield-Stratford Area. More > consequences of the rainy June? > > American Wigeon-Eursaian Wigeon > There should be 20 to 100 birds in Aspetuck Reservoir Easton, and another > 20 to 50 birds at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Plus, there should be birds > at St. Johns. Now there are no birds in Aspetuck Res. a few in the Ash > Creek/Seaside Park, none at St. John's and obviously no Eurasian Wigeons > reported anywhere. > > Canvasback. > Frash Pond Stratford, usually by now there should be 50 or so birds > there, For the past week there has been only one. > > Great Cormorant > This species seems to be in decline in the area the past couple of years. > This year I would be hard pressed to show someone a bird this month. Is > this the back end of global warming? They are not coming south anymore? > > American Coot > In my area there are two sites (Lake Forest Bridgeport, Stratford Marina > area) that get several coot at this time. So far I have only seen one > bird in Lake Forest a couple of weeks ago. Inland, Lakes and reservoirs > should be getting numbers around 100, but I have not seen many reported. > > > Conversely, this season seems good for Surf Scoters and Common Eiders > > Then again if every year was the same, it would be rather boring after a > couple of years. > > 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 > > _______________________________________________ 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: birds and stuff From: Carrier Graphics <carriergraphics AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:16:50 -0800 (PST) Highland lake - Winsted 12 HOODED MARGANSER 22 COMMON MERGANSER 1 PIED-BILLED GREEBE 4 BUFFLEHEAD West Hartland - rt 20 Large (30 plus) moving flock of Goldfinch with some PINE SISKIN(6?) within feeding in Birch trees loaded with cones. Could these be birds coming from up north? Also: notice some, but not all, Ash trees are just loaded with seeds. Haven't seen this in many years. Good winter Grosbeak food! Paul & Douglas 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: Missing Birds From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:32:43 -0500 Hi Folks It is clear that a number of species that are normally regular to common have become scarce down here in the Fairfield-Stratford Area. More consequences of the rainy June? American Wigeon-Eursaian Wigeon There should be 20 to 100 birds in Aspetuck Reservoir Easton, and another 20 to 50 birds at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Plus, there should be birds at St. Johns. Now there are no birds in Aspetuck Res. a few in the Ash Creek/Seaside Park, none at St. John's and obviously no Eurasian Wigeons reported anywhere. Canvasback. Frash Pond Stratford, usually by now there should be 50 or so birds there, For the past week there has been only one. Great Cormorant This species seems to be in decline in the area the past couple of years. This year I would be hard pressed to show someone a bird this month. Is this the back end of global warming? They are not coming south anymore? American Coot In my area there are two sites (Lake Forest Bridgeport, Stratford Marina area) that get several coot at this time. So far I have only seen one bird in Lake Forest a couple of weeks ago. Inland, Lakes and reservoirs should be getting numbers around 100, but I have not seen many reported. Conversely, this season seems good for Surf Scoters and Common Eiders Then again if every year was the same, it would be rather boring after a couple of years. 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: Bridgeport, Stratford and Milford From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:53:56 -0500 Hi Folks I covered a lot of ground. Off shore, most of the loons are gone and little else was around. Even Gulls were in low number. In Devon, (by K-mart) I watched a Raven play with a Red-tailed Hawk. The only Common Egrets were one in Great Meadows, and one in the Anderson Ave. Marsh. I made a stop at Stratford Marina and had 18 Greater Yellowlegs remaining. No Coot around. In Frash Pond the Canvasback and Pied-billed Grebe continue, joined by a Lesser Scaup. Dennis Varza Fairfield Bridgeport Shore, Ash Creek to Seaside Park Canada Goose 106 Mute Swan 3 American Wigeon 18 American Black Duck 134 Mallard 67 Lesser Scaup 1 In the pond at St. Mary's Long-tailed Duck 35 Hooded Merganser 23 Red-breasted Merganser 3 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 4 Killdeer 1 In Ash Creek Greater Yellowlegs 3 In Ash Creek Dunlin - - 120 Seaside Park Fly by Ring-billed Gull 149/3 Herring Gull 166/31 Great Black-backed Gull 12/3 Milford Gulf Pond and Beach Mute Swan 4 American Wigeon 8 American Black Duck 26 Mallard 2 Bufflehead 25 Red-breasted Merganser 3 Common Loon 3 Great Blue Heron 3 Ring-billed Gull 43 Herring Gull 17/2 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Stratford, Frash Pond Canada Goose 42 American Black Duck 11 Lesser Scaup 1 Canvasback 1 Bufflehead 4 Pied-billed Grebe 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: Stamford, Yesterday From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:56:10 -0500 I was a little preoccupied to get this out yesterday Holly pond was full of Hooded Mergansers and Bufflehead and singles of Leser Scaup and Common Merganser. Off shore the loons and Red- breasted Mergansers continue. Regarding Cormorants, I have been seeing a lot more adult Double-crested's around and moving through. It make picking out Greats (when at a distance more challenging) Dennis Varza Fairfield 17 July 2009 Stamford, Cove Is. Pk. 6:30 to 8:00 Brant 44 Canada Goose 230 Mute Swan 8 American Black Duck 12 Mallard 46 Lesser Scaup 1 Long-tailed Duck 6 Bufflehead 135 Hooded Merganser 73 Common Merganser 1 Red-breasted Merganser 12 Common Loon 6 Double-crested Cormorant 7 Horned Grebe 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Killdeer 2 Laughing Gull 1 Ring-billed Gull 118/5 Herring Gull 112/12 Great Black-backed Gull 7/2 _______________________________________________ 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: Brave GB heron From: Susanne Shrader <birdgirrl AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:50:09 -0500 At my home in Avon yesterday, a young GB Heron would not leave me in peace. It flew in while I had three people cleaning my property, attracted by the fish in my pond. The trouble (for it) was, the pond was covered by a net. This did not stop our hungry visitor, who brazenly stood on the pond netting or next to it off and on for 6 hours, It would strike and push the netting and hit the water, naturally coming up with nothing. I felt sorry for it for one foot was mangled with two toes missing and it could not walk properly. At one point it came as close to me as 5 feet! Susanne Shrader birdgirrl AT comcast.net _______________________________________________ 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: CACC From: Katz1449 AT aol.com Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:18:25 EST Connecticut Audubon coastal Center, Milford 10AM-1PM partly sunny,50 degrees , high tide rising On the Long Island side, about 100+ Brants on sandbar, 50+ American Black ducks, mallards, 5 mute swans. >From windows facing marsh , 1 mockingbird, 2 cardinals, 2 American Tree sparrows, several house sparrows. Beverly 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: King Eider, other Hammo birds From: Andrew Block <troubleinshangrila1 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:38:01 -0800 (PST) 11/17/09 - Hammaonasset S.P., Madison, CT Time:  10:15am to 1pm Observers:  Andrew Block 3 Red-throated Loons 5 Common Loons 1 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 1 KING EIDER 15+ Common Eiders 2 Black Scoters 1 Surf Scoter 1 Merlin 7+ Ruddy Turnstones 1 Purple Sandpiper 15+ Dunlins 30+ Sanderlings several Herring Gulls several Ring-billed Gulls 11 Monk Parakeets 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 5 Blue Jays 8 Horned Larks 4 Black-capped Chickadees 3 Tufted Titmice 1 Carolina Wren 1 Winter Wren 4+ Golden-crowned Kinglets 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets 5 American Robins 1 Northern Mockingbird many European Starlings several Yellow-rumped Warblers 4 Song Sparrows 1 Swamp Sparrow several White-throated Sparrows several Dark-eyed Juncos 7+ House Finches Andrew   Andrew v. F.. Block Consulting Field Biologist & Eco-tour Leader 37 Tanglewylde Avenue Bronxville, Westchester Co., New York 10708-3131 Phone: (914) 337-1229; Cell: (914) 886-5124; Fax: (914) 771-8036 "When the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again..." - William Beebe, first Curator of Birds, Bronx Zoo "Crikey! Have a look at that!" - Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter "Just like the white winged dove sings a song, sounds like she's singing whoo, baby...whoo...said whoo" - Stephanie L. Nicks, Edge of 17, Bella Donna _______________________________________________ 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: Pacific Loon From: Roy Zartarian <royz AT royzartarian.com> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:21:41 -0500 Nancy from Enfield, Marty Moore and I watched the Pacific Loon from the Quassy swimming beach between noon and 1 PM today (11/18). As other posts noted, the bird seemed to spend more time underwater than on the surface. Nonetheless it did present good though distant views. Roy Zartarian Newington _______________________________________________ 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: Quassy From: hoatzin1 AT optonline.net Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:37:08 +0000 (GMT) The Pacific Loon was seen way across the lake this morning at 8:30. Ray Belding with Patty Pickard and Ronnie Santo _______________________________________________ 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: Woodbridge Greater White-fronted Goose From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey AT snet.net> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:07:48 -0800 (PST) Passing this along. >From Chris Loscalzo: 11/18/09: Woodbridge, in the Wepawaug Reservoir: one GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 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: On This Day (11/18) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:04:10 -0500 1893 Thick-billed Murre Rocky Hill 1930 Lark Sparrow Glastonbury 1950 Blue-winged Teal Hamden 1956 48 Horned Grebe Guilford 1978 14 Tundra Swan Clinton 1992 Gray Kingbird Greenwich, Greenwich Pt. 1995 Western Kingbird Madison, Hammonasset St.. Pk. 1999 Varied Thrush Hamden Yellow-rumped Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Nashville Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Pine Warbler American Redstart Wilson's Warbler _______________________________________________ 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: Quaker Ridge - Bald Eagle Record tied From: streatham2003 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:39:01 -0500 Hi All, Today we tied the season high record for Bald Eagles at an almost incredible 173 birds. It's amazing when talking to some of the regulars who have been at the hawkwatch over the past 20+ years or so, or scanning back through the data on hawkcount.org to realize what an incredible recovery in numbers this is from the dark days of the early hawkwatches at Quaker Ridge when Bald Eagles were still on the early stages of the comeback trail. Certainly a heartening experience to see these birds flourishing. On another note I just wanted to say what a wonderful experience the NHBC trip to the Pequot Library was on Saturday. Congrats to Tina Green for arranging this tour of their incredible collection of Ornithological Literature. Highlight for me personally was the amazing artwork of John Gould's Hummingbirds. If you didn't manage to get along this year, make sure you book the date in the diary for next year - it really was quite an unforgettable experience. Luke Tiller, Wilton www.underclearskies.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: Stonington/Mystic red-necked grebes From: Sailcarm AT aol.com Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:16:38 EST 11/17 - Enders Island, Mystic/Stonington I spent most of the day at Avondale Farm Preserve in the Avondale/Westerly area of Rhode Island where among other birds I had my first of the season Am. tree sparrows. On the way back to Waterford I decided to make a quick stop at Enders Island. Very few ducks there other than 1 f. common eider and 11 very distant m. surf scoters. But I was very excited to observe fairly close in 2 RED-NECKED GREBES among 15 c. loons and several dc cormorants. There were also many seals lounging on the rocks in the middle of the harbor. And there were 5 buffleheads in the cove which separates Mason's Island from the mainland (viewed from Mason's Island Rd.) Carolyn Cimino Waterford _______________________________________________ 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: Westport,Late afternoon From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:22:37 +0000 11/17 - Westport - Grace Salmon Park- 3 DUNLIN,2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS,7 KILLDEER,1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS,1 GREAT BLUE HERON,all on mudflats,2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS in cedars. Grays Creek-18 BUFFLEHEAD,the males were very active and putting on quite a display,2 GREAT BLUE HERON,2 HOODED MERGANSER. Behind Longshore Inn- I unfortunately found what I believe was an Osprey with no head on the lawn behind the inn near the water. Compo Beach (west side)- 1 GREAT EGRET(Saugatuck Shores side),5 RUDDY TURNSTONES,4 HORNED LARK in catamaran area. Tina Green Westport _______________________________________________ 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: Still Loony From: "Robert Mirer D.D.S." <robert.m.mirer AT snet.net> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:58:14 -0500 Tuesday 10-11 a.m. Specific Loon continues at Lake Q. Seen by Ernie Harris, Alberta and Rob Mirer, and Dave from Waterbury. Did not make a close approach and spent a lot of time underwater. Surprising how long it can stay under, and how far it can travel on one lungful of air. Hey, how about a shout-out for the folks at Quassy: Thank you for lettin me by mice elf. We were even directed to the best viewing spot. Rob Mirer _______________________________________________ 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: LHPP for Tuesday 11-17-2009 From: semismart9 AT aol.com Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:53:37 -0500 A relatively slow day at Lighthouse today, as far as the Hawks are concerned. There was a total of 36...2 TV, 11 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 7 Red-Shouldered Hawks, 12 Red-Tailed Hawks, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon. The eartly morning Passerine flight was again amazing for the amount of Common Grackles that flew through. We estimated 135,000 total. Other birds were as follows: Red-wing Blackbirds... 4,800; American Robins... 3,650; Cedar Waxwings... 1,100; Eastern Bluebirds... 46; Snow Buntings... 15; Caanada Goose... 68. Nick Bonomo positively identified the only 2 swallows that we saw today as CAVE SWALLOWs. This now makes 3 for the Point, so far. Thanks to Don Morgan, Dan Barvir, Judy Moore, Marty Moore, Nick, Tony Tortora, and Richard English. Bill Banks Seymour = _______________________________________________ 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: (no subject) From: lisagagnon37 AT yahoo.com Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:02:36 +0000 I wanted to inform my bird companions that my father passed away this am. That's why I haven't been reporting in for sometime now. Lisa gagnon 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: Sherwood Island SP From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:18:16 +0000 11/17 -Westport - Sherwood Island SP(10:20-11:45) BUFFLEHEAD,AMERICAN WIGEON,HOODED MERGANSER,AMERCAN BLACK DUCK,GADWALL,MALLARD,BELTED KINGFISHER on the Mill Pond,2 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH continue in the pine grove,1 PALM WARBLER at the west end of airfield,2 SWAMP SPARROW near the wooden bridge/Nature Trail,no sight nor sound of any OC Warblers anywhere. Tina Green Westport _______________________________________________ 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 Day (11/17) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:15:34 -0500 1883 Wood Duck New Haven 1886 King Eider Portland 1892 Seaside Sparrow North Haven (partial Albino) 1949 Loggerhead Shrike Glastonbury 1951 Common Moorhen Wethersfield 1985 Greater White-fronted Goose Branford 1986 Red-necked Phalarope Clinton 1986 Oregon Junco Saugatuck Falls 1990 Pine Grosbeak New Hartford, Nepaug Res. 1993 Pine Grosbeak Voluntown, Pachaug St. For. 1995 Swainson's Hawk New Miflord 1995 Rough Legged Hawk (a movement) East Haven, Madison, Old Lyme, Stratford roughly 5 birds Yellow-rumped Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Cape May Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler American Redstart Wilson's Warbler _______________________________________________ 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: Hammo From: schwarzjs AT aol.com Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:18:15 -0500 Madison - Hammonasset 11/16/09 2:45 - 4 PM: WESTERN KINGBIRD now at the East end parking lot, prominent at the top of a bare tree. One LAPLAND LONGSPUR mixed in with 15 horned larks on the nature center field. COMMON EIDERS by the rocks beyond the jetty now number 26, accompanied by 4 BLACK SCOTERS including one adult male. John Schwarz _______________________________________________ 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: RED-NECKED GREBE, etc. at Bantam Lake From: Dave Rosgen <dave AT whitememorialcc.org> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:30:59 -0500 >From Dave Rosgen, w/ Margaret Sellers & John Eykelhoff (all, or in part): 11/16/09 - Litchfield, N. Shore Rd. (Bantam Lake's N. Bay) - 1 RED-NECKED GREBE; Also, 6 American Black Ducks, 9 Common Goldeneye, 3 Common Mergansers, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Belted Kingfisher (Litchfield Town Beach) - 1 Fox Sparrow; Also, 1 American Tree Sparrow, 25 White-throated Sparrows (Bantam Lake's Pt. Folly) - 5 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Common Loon, 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 160 Ring-billed Gulls, 9 Herring Gulls (White Memorial Foundation's Pt. Folly Marsh) - 3 Eastern Bluebirds, 215 American Robins, 50 White-throated Sparrows David Rosgen Wildlife Biologist White Memorial Conservation Center P.O. Box 368 Litchfield, CT 06759 860-567-0857 dave AT whitememorialcc.org www.whitememorialcc.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: inland ducks From: Carrier Graphics <carriergraphics AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:35:46 -0800 (PST) Bristol Res #7 Sunday saw little new here. Ruddy ducks still here. Monday - 16th, late at 3:30, much changed. Lots of ducks. Only had binoculars !, missed MUCH farther back. 20 Plus RUDDY DUCK 16 COMMON MERGANSER 3 GOLDENEYE 12 RING-NECKED DUCK - all above close to half way out. a large raft of SCOTER- 50 plus -think mostly WHITE-WINGED More SCOTER way out near the back plus 2 LOON. Don't know if they all will be here tomarrow with clear skies tonight. 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: Ruddy ducks From: Gregory Dowd <xgregdowdx AT mindspring.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:24:40 -0500 Ruddy ducks at Gorton Pond, Niantic. _______________________________________________ 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: LHP 11/16 From: greg hanisek <ctgregh AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:28:07 -0800 (PST) >From Greg Hanisek   11/16 New Haven, Lighthouse Point hawk watch - pretty good day for the date with 85 raptors, mostly RT but nothing fancy beyond one BV;   Other stuff: 1 CAVE SWALLOW (plus one unid. swallow); 125,000 Common Grackles (including individual flocks of 35,000, 20,000 and 15,000); 2,500 Red-winged Blackbirds; 2,700 American Robins; 1,100 Cedar Waxwings; 20 E. Bluebirds; 3 American Pipits; 1 Purple Finch   Thanks for the help from Bill Banks, Don Morgan, Randy Domina, Frank Gallo, Richard English, Marty Moore _______________________________________________ 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: Hammo "King" From: The Audubon Shop <birdshop AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:32:26 -0500 From Jerry Connolly: 11/16 - Hammonasset SP -- 2 KING EIDERS first fall male and female with the continuing COMMON EIDERS seen from end of jetty at Meigs Pt at 2 PM (got pics of male), WESTERN KINGBIRD continues before main rotary on entrance road, LAPLAND LONGSPUR Nature Center parking lot The Audubon Shop 907 Boston Post Rd. Madison, CT 06443 203-245-9056 US toll free 888-505-9056 fax 203-245-8235 www.theaudubonshop.com email:birdshop AT sbcglobal.net (preferred) Shop Hours: M-Sat 10am-5pm ET Sundays 12-4pm ET _______________________________________________ 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: Fairfield to Norwalk From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:09:13 -0500 Hi Folks I was specifically looking for Brant along the shore and kept track of other species along the way. The main points were : plenty of loons scattered along the coast. The Red-breasted Mergansers were in flocks. The Great Cormorants were a surprise. They were in the Roayton part of Norwalk. The surprise part was that this is only the second time this fall. In the past they were seen about half the time at this time of year. Dennis Fairfield_Westport_Norwalk Darien was also covered but contained nothing to report. There are few sites to observe the Sound. Brant 0_0_163 Long-tailed Duck 1_9_0 Bufflehead 4_0_16 Red-breasted Merganser 22_2_38 Red-throated Loon 5_6_0 Common Loon 16_8_2 Northern Gannet 5_0_0 Double-crested Cormorant 12_10_12 Great Cormorant 0_0_3 Black-bellied Plover 0_4_0 Sanderling 230_0_0 Dunlin 0_26_0 _______________________________________________ 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: Common Raven From: Lemmon <lemmon AT snet.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:39:43 -0800 (PST) from Gary & Carol Lemmon Branford, 11/16, noon, Common Raven harassing a Red Tailed Hawk over Brookhills Rd/Deborah Lane.  This is a first for us in our neighborhood. _______________________________________________ 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: Waterford: Baltimore oriole From: Sailcarm AT aol.com Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:54:24 EST 11/16 - Waterford- mouth of Niantic River, behind Sunset Ribs, on path which separates the two ponds/marshes: 1 imm. m. BALTIMORE ORIOLE, perhaps the same one I reported on Nov. 11. also 1 perched red-shouldered hawk and many white-throated sparrows Carolyn Cimino Waterford _______________________________________________ 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: Pacific Loon - Yes From: judymoore AT optonline.net Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:04:15 +0000 (GMT) Hi Everyone:The Pacific Loon was still at Lake Quassapaug at 11:15, ranging widely but providing some very good views.  The lake is choppy this morning, so photography is more difficult and the wind was certainly colder than I expected!Judy MooreWoodbridge _______________________________________________ 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: RED-NECKED GREBE in Barkhamsted, etc. From: Dave Rosgen <dave AT whitememorialcc.org> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:58:29 -0500 >From Dave Rosgen: 11/15/09 - Barkhamsted, Rt. 318 (Barkhamsted Reservoir, as viewed from the Saville Dam) - 2 RED-NECKED GREBES; Also, 9 Common Loons, 2 Horned Grebes, 5 American Black Ducks, 6 Ring-necked Ducks, 4 Common Mergansers, 30 Ring-billed Gulls, 7 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 50 American Robins Beach Rock Rd. (Cemetery) - 5 Common Ravens, 2 Rusty Blackbirds, 1 Purple Finch; Also, 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7 Eastern Bluebirds, 75 American Robins, 30 Cedar Waxwings, 60 Dark-eyed Juncos Park Rd. (People's State Forest) - 9 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 50 American Robins, 40 Dark-eyed Juncos Winchester, Rt. 263 (Crystal Lake) - 2 Ring-necked Ducks, 9 Buffleheads, 7 Common Mergansers, 1 Hooded Merganser 121-130 Laurel Way (Rosgen Wildlife Sanctuary) - 5 Common Ravens, 9 Purple Finches, 4 Pine Siskins; Also, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 5 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 2 Eastern Bluebirds, 25 Cedar Waxwings, 100 Dark-eyed Juncos, 1 Black Bear David Rosgen Wildlife Biologist White Memorial Conservation Center P.O. Box 368 Litchfield, CT 06759 860-567-0857 dave AT whitememorialcc.org www.whitememorialcc.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: Hanover Pond From: "Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe" <corrine.folsom AT yale.edu> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:52:45 -0500 11/14-Meriden-Hanover Pond-1 Gadwall mixed in with many Mallards, ~ 10 Common Mergansers, 1 Bald Eagle perched in the one tree on the small island. The Eagle is getting its adult plummage. Just a few flecks of brown still in head and tail feathers. 11/15-Meriden-Hanover Pond-1 Green-winged teal, Common Mergs still present. A bit up the Quinnipiac River, from my kayak, I observed a few Golden-crowned and 1 Ruby Crowned Kinglet along the bank. 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: On This Day (11/16) From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:37:51 -0500 1692 Rough-legged Hawk Stamford 1913 Boreal Chickadee Berlin 1936 Caspian Tern Guilford, Stony Creek 1949 Atlantic Puffin Fairfield, Fairfield Beach 1961 King Rail Ashford 1980 Pacific Loon Milford, Merwin Pt. 1987 Golden Pheasant Mansfield, Storrs 1993 50 Red-throated Loon West Haven, Bradley Pt. 1994 125 Ruddy Duck Litchfield, Bantam Lake 1994 427 American Coot Litchfiled, Bantam Lake 1995 Red Crossbill Greenwich, Quaker Ridge 1997 4000 Snow Goose Greenwich, Quaker Ridge 1997 Red-crested Pochard Litchfield, Bantam Lake 1999 6 Tundra Swan Madison, Hammonasset St. Pk. 1999 230 American Coot Litchfield, Bantam Lake 1999 Cave Swallow Stamford, Cove Is. St. Pk. 2004 Long-billed Dowitcher Milford, Mondo Ponds Blue-headed Vireo Yellow-rummped Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Northern Parula Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Blackpoll Warbler American Redstart Wilson's Warbler Yellow-breasted Chat _______________________________________________ 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: PACIFIC LOON, Bald Eagles From: "Mardi W. Dickinson" <mardi1 AT optonline.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:29:40 -0500 From Mardi & Townsend Dickinson: 11/15/09 - Norwalk Yard -- ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER 7:12AM 11/15/09 - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug -- 11:20AM - 3:54PM PACIFIC LOON throughout the day Sunlight behind us for some great photographs reflecting off the warm and calm waters. Flocks of Canada Geese came in and crashed down all around the Loon. No care in the world and paddle its way away from them. Several times we had closer looks at round 200 feet. This bird was a real treat to see in CT or anywhere. A Lifer for me as with many others. Thank You Greg Hanisek for a fantastic find!! Kudos to you! 11/15/09- Derby, Route 8 Southbound -- 4:03PM 2 Adult BALD EAGLES along the Naugatuck River in Derby Exit 20. _______________________________________________ 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: I hope I'm not breaking the rules here ... From: Judd Everhart <jbeverhart AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:40:04 -0500 ... but if anyone is interested in renting a house on Chincoteague Island, VA -- winter home of thousands of Snow Geese -- not to mention fantastic birding year 'round -- please email me back channel at jbeverhart AT gmail.com. Judd Everhart _______________________________________________ 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: Bantam Lake From: hoatzin1 AT optonline.net Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:30:14 +0000 (GMT) LHAS Annual Duck Ramble In addition to the usual Mallards and Canada Geese: Pied-billed Grebe - 3 Red-necked Grebe - 1 Common Loon - 5 Wood Duck - 1 Ruddy Duck - 14 Hooded Merganser - 5 Common Merganser - 16 Common Goldeneye - 9 Also: Cooper's Hawk - 1 Fox Sparrow - 2 Rusty Blackbird - 3 Of note - no American Coot. There are usually upwards of 100 by this time of the fall. Ray Belding _______________________________________________ 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: NHBC Sherwood Island SP Walk-Pequot Library Trip 11/14 From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:08:33 +0000 Greetings, Yesterday's New Haven Bird Club walk at Sherwood Island SP had 33 participants who came out, despite the threatening skies and windy conditions.The rain held off until our arrival at the library at 10:30AM.We had 38 species,highlights being a NORTHERN GANNET,COMMON LOONS just offshore,1 AMERICAN KESTREL,1 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER,and a SNOW BUNTING.The real highlight of the trip was seeing the double elephant portfolio Bien edition of Audubon's "Birds of America" at the historic Pequot Library in Southport and having it's executive director,Dan Snydacker,personally turning the pages and relaying to us,so much of the history of the library and it's special natural history collection.We also saw books by Alexander Wilson,Thomas Nuttall,Henry Nehrling,John Gould,and Daniel Giraud Elliot.Many thanks to Dan for sharing these treasures with us and we hope this will become a tradition for many years to come. Tina Green Westport _______________________________________________ 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: Sherward Island From: Paul Desjardins <paul.desjardins2 AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:44:56 -0500 Paul Desjardins Phone: (860) 623-3696 paul.desjardins2 AT gmail.com This afternoon i discovered a third Orange Crowned Warbler at the park. Location was the path to the left of the observation platform in the western section of the park. Also 2 Eastern Towhees. t _______________________________________________ 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: Greater Scaup From: MHMooreP AT aol.com Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:27:36 EST Two male Greater Scaup were on Pistapaug Pond in Wallingford this afternoon. These are the first scaup I have seen inland during my 25 years in Central Connecticut. Marty Moore Wallingford _______________________________________________ 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: Lighthouse Point Park - Sunday From: Steve Mayo <rsdmayo AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:27:01 -0800 (PST) In spite of light (7 mph) N and NW winds, we only managed 4 hawks today and a predictably lackluster morning migrant flight.  We had an imm. (male?) Northern Goshawk, 2 'Tails and 1 Harrier.  A few of the usual blackbirds, robins, bluebirds, waxwings -- that was it today.   As noted (on the CT coast) in a couple of other posts, loons were prevalent off the beach.  There were 6 or 7 Common Loons (including 1 briefly calling to the NW on the New Haven Harbor) and 2 RT Loons.    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: Peregrine, OC Warbler, Western Kingbird, Semipalmated Plovers From: Tina and Peter Green <petermgreen AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:26:20 +0000 11/15- Stamford - Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary(7:15-8:30am)- PEREGRINE FALCON sitting on the private jetty offshore to the right,9 COMMON LOON,and 5 Seals Wesport- Sherwood Island SP(with Maryann Oleary 8:45-10:30am)-1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER behind the Nature Center,1 AMERICAN KESTREL,1 OSPREY,1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS,1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET,SWAMP SPARROWS,1 RED-TAILED HAWK Madison - Hammonasset SP-(with Maryann Oleary & Alec Wiggin 12:00-2:30pm) WESTERN KINGBIRD continues,3 GREAT EGRET,1 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER,2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS,2 NORTHERN HARRIERS,2 RUDDY TURNSTONES,8 COMMON LOON,1 RED-THROATED LOON,2 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER,1 GREAT BLUE HERON,12 HORNED LARK,1 BELTED KINGFISHER,COMMON EIDERS & BLACK SCOTERS continue.We also saw a Monarch Butterfly,1 Cabbage White,1 ? Sulphur,and several small red dragonflies,one landed on my purple jacket which I was wearing and afforded Maryann and I great views. I stopped at Sherwood Island SP at about 3:30 and saw Paul Fusco and AJ Hand who told me that Paul D. had found another ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on the west side of the park by the viewing platform.Good going Paul.We need more people checking out Sherwood.There's lots of territory to cover and lots of birds to find!! Tina Green Westport _______________________________________________ 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: Pacific Loon From: eyeflight16 AT optonline.net Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:24:57 +0000 (GMT) 11/15 2:00-3:30 p.m. James Randall and Frank Gallo Had some spectacular looks at the Pacific Loon today. The sun was behind us and the water was very calm, and the loon came very close a number of times, sometimes even about 200 feet away! I was amazed at the smooth gray nape and the beautiful patterning on the back. All in all, the bird was a lot prettier than I thought it would be. Other birders included Frank Gallo, Mardi Dickinson, Vanessa (?), and many other birders who names I didn't catch. James Randall 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: Fox Sparrows From: Jim Zipp <jimzipp AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:49:36 -0800 (PST) >From Jim and Carol Zipp 11/15 Hamden Backyard - 3 FOX SPARROWS, 1 PURPLE FINCH at last light when we just got in.   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.JimZippPhotography.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: Anchor Beach, Milford From: Katz1449 AT aol.com Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:25:47 EST 11/15 Anchor Beach, Milford 3-3:30PM low tide. 6 Common Loons feeding in waters off shore by 68 Beach Ave. 2 Great Black Backed gulls, 100+ ring billed & herring gulls. We watched one herring gull swallowing a sea star and its neck/throat was bulging for a while until it got swallowed down. 35 monk parakeets. Beverly 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: Pac Loon From: "Gedney" <gedney AT cshore.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:18:07 -0500 >From Rick Gedney 11/15 SUN - Middlebury, Lake Quassapaug- 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM Pacific Loon continues. Calm waters, warm temps and sun breaking through gave great looks to many birders as the bird did numerous "dive by's" past the beach. Also notable was a late (are they late anymore?) Osprey. No sign of Bonaparte's Gull but two curiously aquatic Killdeer provided some camera practice. Loon held it's ground when a flock of 50+ Canada Geese landed practically on top of it. Lake Q must hold some serious fish...there were many fisherman out as well the Osprey and quite a few fish could be scoped surface feeding. It will be interesting if the boating activity finally pushes the Loon along. It was great that it hung around for those of us who only get away to do some Sunday birding. _______________________________________________ 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: Re: On This Day (11/15) From: edward.raynor AT maine.edu Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:07:41 +0000 1989 Great Crested Flycatcher Stonington, Barn Island, CT WOW! Any photos? This is extremely late for this species. I'm guessing observers were not aware of the Ash-throated fall movements back then? In Louisiana, where eBird reviewers and record's committee members are very conservative this record would have to be accompanied by a specimen, photo, or video. An example of how conservative the LBRC is: Cave Swallow and Bell's Vireo (uncommon breeders in the state)- are review list species. I have included a valuable note on how to document rare birds from someone that knows a bit about the hobby: http://losbird.org/dittman_lasley.htm Good birding, E.J. Raynor Quoting "Dennis Varza" : [Hide Quoted Text] 1878 Carolina Waren Saybrook 1883 Black-legged Kittiwake New Haven 1904 Rose-breasted Grosbeak Bridgeport 1907 Gadwall Salisbury, Twin Lakes 1946 Harlequin Duck Greenwich, Little Captain Island 1947 129 Green-winged Teal Middlefield 1947 122 Ruddy Duck Old Saybrook 1947 Nelson's Sparrow Guilford 1958 Blue-winged Teal Guilford 1969 Spotted Redshank New Haven, Kimberly Ave. 1974 Dovekie Stamford 1982 Tundra Swan Branford, Lake Saltonstall 1985 Greater White-fronted Goose Pomfret 1987 Boreal Chickadee Branford, Lake Saltonstall 1989 Great Crested Flycatcher Stonington, Barn Island 1989 Oregon Junco Woodbury 1991 Razorbill Madison, hammonasset St. Pk. 1991 Northern Wheatear Madison, hammonasset St. Pk. 1997 Eurasian Wigeon East Haven Furnace Pond. 1998 500 Laughing Gull Milford, Oyster River 1998 Franklin's Gull Milford, Oyster River 1999 Cave Swallow New Haven, Harbor 2000 Common Nighthawk Stamford 2000 330 Ring-necked Duck Salisbury, Fisher Pond 2002 Long-billed Dowitcer, Milford, Mondo Ponds Yellow-rumped Warbler Nashville Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler _______________________________________________ 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: O-c Warbler From: greg hanisek <ctgregh AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:05:48 -0800 (PST) >From Greg Hanisek   11/15 Stratford, Shakespeare Theater - ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER in scrubby stuff between driveway and pond   Long Beach - WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, 1 Laughing Gull   Birdseye boat launch - 1 Snowy Egret _______________________________________________ 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: Brant, Savin Rock, West Haven From: John D Babington <davewb07 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:48:06 -0800 (PST) Walked east along Savin Rock in West Haven early this afternoon today (Sunday, 15 Nov). The regular gull species were here: great black-backed, herring, and ring-billed. Going east on the beach at the last pier I first heard brant on the other side of the pier and then saw about 50 of them on the other side of the pier. There were other birds much further out but I had failed to bring a scope to check them out. David W Babington Washington, 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: scoter ID help From: "Julie Keefer" <julie.keefer AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:37:24 -0500 We spent a little bit of time at Hammonasset late this morning. We saw the large flock of Common Eiders, at least 3 Black Scoters, 3-4 Common Loons, and there was one other Scoter out there that I am not sure which one it was. It was with the Black Scoters for a time and was very obviously much bigger than they were. It had no real obvious markings though its chest was lighter than the rest of the bird and it appeared to have a slight whitish or grey line curving down and back from its eye. No other color on the head and no other obvious color on it. It did have a bigger, more bulbous bill than the Black Scoters. First winter Surf Scoter is my best guess based on the pictures in my Sibley. Any help would be appreciated! We also saw a large flock of Horned Larks, I counted 21 birds, in the West Beach Parking area (I think that is what that large parking area is called). We also saw a Northern Harrier at the far end of that West Beach parking area. Thanks! Julie Keefer _______________________________________________ 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: Southport Survey 203 From: Dennis Varza <dennisvz AT optonline.net> Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:42:20 -0500 Survey # 203 On the blurry horizon birds could be seen moving east. The loons continue to be about, this time a lot more Red-throated Loons. The Red-breasted Mergansers were working the area were the sunken Island would have been at low tide. Laughing Gulls were out sitting on the water scattered about. The Pied-billed Grebe continues at the golf course, and there was one yellowlegs at the edge of a pond. Most of the Ring-billed Gulls were on the golf course. They all took off and the ducks moved to the middle of the ponds, at first I could not find the disturbance. Then a Coyote walked out into the open. It sat down and started grooming itself! Eventually it walked off when people started comming around. At Southport beach the Turnstones flew by to the east. These birds have been around for a week, mainly hanging out at Compo Beach. I guess it was getting crowded over there with beach walkers. Dennis Varza Fairfield DATE 10/21 11/3 11/7 11/15 Tide Low High Low High Time 7:30 6:50 7:05 7:05 Brant 0_8_12_0 Canada Goose 33_52_18_2 Mute Swan 4_2_2_4 Mallard 13_8_14_22 Northern Pintail 1_0_0_0 Greater Scaup 2_0_0_0 Surf Scoter 1_0_0_2 White-winged Scoter 0_5_0_0 Long-tailed Duck 0_5_1_1 Bufflehead 0_0_6_0 Common Goldeneye 0_0_1_0 Hooded Merganser 1_8_0_0 Red-breasted Merganser 1_2_3_28 Common Loon 3_10_10_11 Red-throated Loon 2_2_2_8 Pied-billed Grebe 0_2_1_1 Double-crested Cormorant 65_32_47_16 Great Blue Heron 0_2_2_0 Great Egret 0_1_0_0 Snowy Egret 1_0_0_0 Black-bellied Plover 2_0_0_0 Killdeer 14_0_0_0 Sanderling 0_70_0_0 Ruddy Turnstone 0_0_0_80 Western Sandpiper 3_0_0_0 Laughing Gull Ad 12_0_0_6 Ring-billed Gull Ad. 82_104_38_162 Ring-billed Gull Im. 2_1_0_15 Herring Gull Ad. 150_54_129_38 Herring Gull Im. 10_2_9_0 Great Black-backed Gull Ad. 15_3_12_6 Great Black-backed Gull Im. 0_0_1_0 _______________________________________________ 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