Author Archives: Richard

Mnemonic Winter Bird Calls

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Richard

Mnemonic: “assisting or intended to assist memory” is a way that some learn bird calls — most of us have heard the Barred Owl’s “Who Cooks for You?” or the White-throated Sparrow’s “Peabody Peabody Peabody” or “O Canada, O Canada, … Continue reading →

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Regrets – I’m Having a Few

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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That’s a mighty fine pygostyle you’ve got there

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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My African Birding Safari

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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Foresters for the Birds

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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A Snowy but Birdy Day

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Richard

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 →

Posted in Big Year, County Big Year, Vermont Birding | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Tips For Watching & Photographing Wildlife

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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Mergs Chilling Out

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Richard

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 | 1 Comment

Nemesis Bird – Northern Shrike – Yes!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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Thinking About Vagrant Birds

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Richard

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 →

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