Author Archives: Richard
Stuff-A-Truck
Knowing that Monday was the departure date, I started packing the truck three or four days in advance, starting with the trailer spare tire, generator, compressor, solar panel, and two bikes. Right away, I knew I was in trouble, space-wise. … Continue reading
Posted in Southwest trip 4, Tow vehicle
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County Bird #153 — Snowy Owl
As we all know in birding, sometimes you just have to show up. This morning is a case in point: I had a dermatology appointment (nothing like getting your ear frozen to start the day) and afterwards, decided to do … Continue reading
County Bird #152 – Northern Hawk Owl
On her way Sunday to a Christmas Bird Count, Liz Lackey, a skilled birder from Stowe, spotted a Northern Hawk Owl and reported it that evening. It was only 25 minutes from here, so Monday morning, before some scheduled appointments, … Continue reading
Posted in Vermont Birding
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Leg 1 — North Middlesex to Merrimac, MA
After a burst of snow Wednesday night making our driveway interesting to negotiate, I checked weather forecasts and went ahead with my plan to move the Airstream to MA where we can launch after Christmas. It was a blustery chilly … Continue reading
Posted in Jennifer's, MA Birding, Southwest trip 4, winter travel, Yard birds
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Owling Ethics
Last week at Salisbury State Reservation (MA), I saw two photographers trudge across marshland to get really close to a Snowy Owl for the “perfect” shot. It was disturbing to me, and more importantly, to the stressed owl. So this … Continue reading
Posted in birding ethics
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5 Most Viewed Birds in BirdsEye: November 2013
From BirdsEye Newsletter #11: December 2013 1. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck: a famous wanderer and local rarity in many parts of the country, but could it be that it was the most-viewed species in part because it is first on the list when sorted in … Continue reading
Posted in Birding Apps, eBird, Rare birds
Tagged Cornell Lab of Ornithology
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Wandering Birder – a Geocache Travel Bug
I first wrote of my interest in geocaching, and its compatibilty with birding and dog walking, back in February of 2012. Since then, I’ve gone in spells where I am actively seeking caches and months when I hardly think of … Continue reading
Posted in Geocaching, Trip Planning
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Mary’s Birthday
As is sometimes the case in this household, we observed a “rolling” birthday for Mary. There was a family dinner in Massachusetts on Saturday — cooked by Ben and Jen — which was lovely. Adding Thanksgiving dinner earlier, and a … Continue reading
Posted in celebrations
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Some Winter Birds
I took a trip over to Cherry Hill Reservoir a few days ago, braving a strong west wind, and got a good bracing workout for myself and the dog. We also saw some nice birds. Hundreds of Ruddy Ducks are … Continue reading
Posted in Jennifer's, MA Birding, Winter Birds
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Snow Buntings
Salisbury State Reservation has a series of parking lots that are nearly vacant this time of year. In addition to gulls, there were several flocks of one of my favorite birds: Snow Buntings. The pint-sized tundra breeders just seem to be … Continue reading
Posted in MA Birding
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