Monthly Archives: January 2013
Regrets – I’m Having a Few
I checked the outside temperature as I got up to make coffee this morning and read five degrees. Then, listening to the local news, I heard the forecast of even colder later in the week. I know, it’s winter in … Continue reading
Posted in Southwest trip, Vermont Birding
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That’s a mighty fine pygostyle you’ve got there
That’s a mighty fine pygostyle you’ve got there… I recently read in the book Wild Bird Guides: Downy Woodpecker by Gary Ritchison, that the anatomical structure that allows woodpeckers to use their tails as props is called a “pygostyle.” A … Continue reading
My African Birding Safari
A guest post by Gerry Cooperman I would like to share with you my journey to Africa. This is not a daily highlight reel of birds but rather a tale of an incredible land. Hopefully you will get there someday … Continue reading
Foresters for the Birds
On Saturday, January 26, 2013, Audubon Vermont and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (VT FP&R) will be hosting a woods tour of an active logging job that demonstrates concepts and practices developed through a unique and innovative … Continue reading
Posted in Bird conservation, Vermont Birding
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A Snowy but Birdy Day
Last night, I was at a meeting when a non-birding friend of mine said, “Dick, I saw a beautiful Bald Eagle today down on the Dog River.” He went on to briefly describe the location and then the meeting started. … Continue reading
Tips For Watching & Photographing Wildlife
A Guest Post by Sue McGrath Study wildlife identification on your own before going out into the field. Learn about the most abundant species in the area, focusing on their physical markings and common behaviors. Even just familiarizing yourself with … Continue reading
Posted in Photography, Wildlife Watching
Tagged Newburyport Birders, photography, Wildlife Watching
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Mergs Chilling Out
One of the neat things about birding locally is that you can combine it with other errands – and since most of us carry binoculars and camera with us, the trick is to stay on the road while scanning the … Continue reading
Posted in Vermont Birding
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Nemesis Bird – Northern Shrike – Yes!
This is my fourth year of birding and for the last two of them, I’ve been whining about not finding a Northern Shrike. I’ve sort of whined in posts here and here. A couple of days ago, I saw Chip … Continue reading
Posted in Big Year, County Big Year, Vermont Birding
Tagged Northern Shrike, Snow Buntings
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Thinking About Vagrant Birds
Recently, I was given an old birding book by a friend who was culling her library. I have a soft spot for bird books so while my overall collection of books is shrinking, my birding books seem to be breeding. … Continue reading
Posted in migration, Rare birds
Tagged migration, rare birds
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Birding on Backcountry Skis
We’ve had some wonderful powder snow and I’ve been able to break some trails in our woods and adjacent forest with snowshoes. I carry binoculars on every outing but with some sub-zero days and brisk winds, the birds have been … Continue reading