Category: Vermont Birding

Transitions

When Mary died, I decided to act on some ideas I had been considering for a while, partially as an alternate to the heavy thoughts I had been wrestling with for months, and downsize our travelling equipment. It has happened quite fast and Penny and I are in Florida getting ready to camp our way home.

I sold the Airstream to the first guy who contacted me and held off dozens of suitors as he got his act together. It was bittersweet to see the rig rumble, down the driveway – we had made many long trips with it – but I felt good that a nice guy with lots of plans for family trips hauled it off to Maine. Penny was a bit confused by the transaction.

At the same time, I was working with folks in Florida and Ohio on finding a used Airstream Interstate. The trick was to unload my new Ford truck in the deal. After a couple of weeks of back and forth, I put a deposit on a 2011 rig that was listed by a small dealer in Florida. I asked my brother’s brother-in-law to take a look at it (He and his wife winter close by) and they went right over and gave me a positive report. So, last Friday, we launched early for a three day adventure down to Florida.

Let me tell you, it’s a bit nerve-racking to drive a vehicle that you are going to trade. We ran into a lot of construction, starts and stops, crazy drivers, and all I could think was, "if I even have a minor fender-bender, this deal is dead."

We stayed at a Motel 6 (cheap but ratty) and a couple of La Quintas – averaging 9-10 hours travelling a day. That’s enough for me.

I rank Florida drivers the worst I’ve seen, even worse than Massholes. I was very glad that I just had the truck but even then, small darty cars just flew past on both sides, when I’m holding a steady 75.

The transaction Monday was long but easy. The temperature was high and Penny spent a lot of time waiting in the shade. We had some insurance issues – problems at the company – but after three hours, we’d switched all our gear and I was tentatively heading out into I-75 traffic.

I had decided to stick around, check systems out, and try to get some Florida birds so we lumbered over to Myakka State Park which is quite lovely.

I have got everything stowed away, learned a bit more about the systems, and done some great birding. I have a lot of photos I need to go through but no wifi and very weak cell provide the normal state park challenge. Penny finds the aisle very comfortable although we so trip over one another. She’s digging the air conditioning on the 90 degree humid days.

Wednesday, we’ll head northward, perhaps to Savannah. I’m planning a rather liesurely trip back probably arriving Sunday. Now, if I can just remember where that fuel cap is – oh yes, inside the driver’s door. Don’t ask.

Second Try Is The Charm

One of the things that grieving does to me is make me more forgetful — “Where are those truck keys?” “I just had that shopping list, Penny, did you eat it?” It’s just part of the territory these days and why I’m glad I keep good lists on my iPhone. “Where’s the $#@& iPhone?

Yesterday afternoon, the weather was wonderful for a change and I decided to take Penny out for a walk to see if we could see the Northern Goshawk again. I’d seen a pair a couple of days ago and hoped that they might be sticking around to nest.

We started out with dozens of chickadees, like this one, chattering away, probably reminding me that the feeders were getting low.

One of our Black-capped Chickadees who is believes in eating local food.
One of our Black-capped Chickadees who believes in eating local food.

As we got up to the place where we have seen goshawks, I sat down on a leafy knoll, head up against a tree, and relaxed in the sun, listening to nuthatches and chickadees. The dog flopped down for a bit and it was nice, until my cellphone dinged. I thought we were out of 3G range but a message, unimportant, made it through.

I returned to the house, started getting organized for a shopping trip, loaded the dog, and could not find my iPhone. I looked everywhere. My last resort was to look out in the woods where I had been sitting. So off we trudged, back up the hill, Penny wondering what was up but game for any outing. Just as we approached the spot, I heard a Pileated Woodpecker – first of the year — and then saw it flying through the pines. I then saw my iPhone on the leaves up ahead. Things were looking much better.

Then, I heard a goshawk calling and sure enough, the same bird I that I had seen before perched and called from a tree quite far away. I pushed the limit of my SX-50 point and shoot camera but it sat in the sun for me, and then flew off to a more distant perch.

Northern Goshawks are beautiful birds. I think this is a female since its companion the other day was smaller.
Northern Goshawks are beautiful birds. I think this is a female since its companion the other day was smaller.

So what was lost was found and I got a neat bonus plus more exercise. I’m going to be traveling a lot for the next few weeks so it will give these birds, if they choose to stay, a chance to be undisturbed. I am concerned by their noisiness and am not posting information on their location — other than it is somewhere within walking distance of the house. Let’s leave them be and see if they nest. Good birding to all.

A Welcome Surprise

If you have been following my posts on Caring Bridge, you know that my cherished wife Mary died of lymphoma on March 21st. The days since then have been filled with grief, joy at remembering our great love for one another, and details of planning. The wonderful memorial service is over, the house filled with family and friends is getting quiet, and I am looking at what lies ahead for my life as a widower.

Having an exercise-needy dog helps get me out in the brisk air and yesterday afternoon, we took a long walk up in the forest land that surrounds us. It was cold and spitting snow, I had binoculars and walking poles, and we had a nice workout climbing up into the pine woods and revisiting some trails we haven’t been on in four months. My hands were freezing in my work gloves and the birds were few but it was a good outing.

Then, as we neared the house, a large raptor flew through the pines toward me calling loudly at Penny who was up ahead. It perched very close to me, continuing its “kak, kak, kak, kak” call as I watched it through the binoculars.  Light grey breast, yellow talons, broad white stripe of the eye, long tail — big bird. It sat there focused on the dog, until she moved back towards me, and off it flew, still calling. Wow.

A Northern Goshawk - photo credit Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
A Northern Goshawk – photo credit Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

I hoped it might be a Northern Goshawk, having eliminated a lot of the others raptors, but had to wait until I got home to check the bird book and iPhone. The image was convincing and then when I played the call, it was definite.  Life bird #434.

It’s fitting since last Fall I got a “Goshawk” license plate for my truck. At the time, I’d never seen a Northern Goshawk but thought the plate might bring me luck. Well, whatever the reason, our paths crossed and the wonderful bird gave me a nice lift in spirits after a long journey with my beloved Mary.

An Abrupt Change of Plans

If you follow this blog, you know that we planned an extensive trip to the Southwest and California this winter with our Airstream. We have completely cancelled the trip. Mary has just been preliminarily diagnosed with lymphoma and we are readying ourselves for the final results and the road ahead to recovery. We’ll learn more this week and I’ll likely post something to follow this. I suspect that there won’t be a lot of birding posts or photos here for a while – we have a challenge ahead.

It is comforting to see the local birds at the feeder — the Black-capped Chickadees give us great delight as do the many woodpeckers and nuthatches — even the ravenous Blue Jays that come to our back deck. We’ll soon have juncos, pine siskins, and some of the other winter birds.

Here are a few shots I took this afternoon of our chickadee friends.

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Stuff on Trees

I try to get out for a long walk with Penny every other day at least, in addition to her regular loops that we do in our woods. Yesterday afternoon, we hiked two and a half miles up on our adjoining forest land. It was a great early fall day but bird activity was very light so after spotting this fungal growth, I decided to focus on what I could find on trees.

One nice thing about fungi is that they stay still for photographs. The cauliflower-like growth is apparently called Sparassis (also known as cauliflower mushroom)
One nice thing about fungi is that they stay still for photographs. The cauliflower-like growth is apparently called Sparassis (also known as cauliflower mushroom)

The route we took climbs up into some pretty rough country which is pretty damp and filled with soft maples and other trees very susceptible to growths and deformities.

Penny loves to explore openings like this, hoping that a critter is home.
Penny loves to explore openings like this, hoping that a critter is home.
This tree is doomed from all the fungal growth.
This tree is doomed from all the fungal growth.

At the high point of our hike I began to look for a growth that has fascinated me for years. The first time I saw it I thought it was a small bear — and when the grandkids were young, took them up by it with some made-up story about it.

In this long election season, this now reminds me of an old elephant, with many options for analogies which I'll keep to myself.
In this long election season, this now reminds me of an old elephant, with many options for analogies which I’ll keep to myself.
This looks like a Pileated Woodpecker was at work.
This looks like a Pileated Woodpecker was at work.
Fungus killed this tree which was down across the trail.
Fungus killed this tree which was down across the trail.
This deformity is called a burl (I think.) It was much larger than it appears in the photo.
This deformity is called a burl (I think.) It was much larger than it appears in the photo.

One of the things I notice about naturalists on bird walks that they are interested in about everything. It’s a good lesson for me to keep in mind, especially in transition seasons when the birds are sparse. The fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and watching our old Vizsla romping through the woods made it a great outing. We are blessed.

The sign marking the end of our jaunt -- made many years ago by the first owner of the property.
The sign marking the end of our jaunt — made many years ago by the first owner of the property.

A Jaunt to Chickering Bog

After a hospital lab visit and some errands yesterday morning, I decided to visit a local area where I have never birded: Chickering Bog Natural Area located on the border of Calais and East Montpelier. It’s not too hard to find: see the directions at the end of this article.

The scenery along Lightning Ridge Road is lovely.
The scenery along Lightning Ridge Road is lovely.
You have to look carefully for the entrance trail – I have missed it in the past.
You have to look carefully for the entrance trail – I have missed it in the past.
The trail is on private land at the start and also follows a snowmobile track. It's easy walking with some debris from falling trees.
The trail is on private land at the start and also follows a snowmobile track. It’s easy walking with some debris from falling trees.

A friend reading this post wrote me to let me know that pets are not permitted on Conservancy sites — she had read the guidelines (which I had not) so Penny was a scofflaw. I must say that I don’t buy the policy at all – a least they could require leashes. In any case,so that you don’t make the same mistake, here are the guidelines:

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Penny loved the woods and cavorted, as best as an eleven-year-old Vizsla can, as we moved up the trail. Bird activity was light with an inquisitive Downy Woodpecker following us chirping away. We flushed two Ruffed Grouse which always gets the bird dog excited.

The trail's wet spots are well-covered with planking. Here Penny is crossing a tiny brook.
The trail’s wet spots are well-covered with planking. Here Penny is crossing a tiny brook.

After fifteen or twenty minutes, we entered the Natural Area which is managed by The Nature Conservancy.

Sign

The foliage is starting to turn and there were some pretty spots along the route.

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This tree alongside the trail has a problem. I always wonder what caused the blemish to form.
This tree alongside the trail has a problem. I always wonder what caused the blemish to form.

After a little over a half hour (it’s about a mile), we arrived at the bog and went out on the boardwalk looking for wildlife.

The bog was beautiful with fall colors starting, no bugs, no noise, no people - just a guy and a dog.
The bog was beautiful with fall colors starting, no bugs, no noise, no people – just a guy and a dog.
The only wildlife that I saw at the bog was this big turtle on the far edge of the open water.
The only wildlife that I saw at the bog was this big turtle on the far edge of the open water.

From The Nature Conservancy page:

Chickering Bog began to form when glaciers receded from Vermont over 10,000 years ago and left behind a bedrock basin that filled with water. The pond that was formed slowly filled in with vegetation. As these plants died, they accumulated and only partially decomposed, forming a layer of peat that has continued to thicken over the years, reaching an impressive 30 feet deep in the northern part of Chickering Bog. It is the peat that gives the area its semi-solid, “quaking” quality. A small patch of open water is all that remains of the original pond.

Chickering Bog is actually misnamed; this so-called bog is really a fen. The difference between the two wetland types has to do with the water source and the acidity of the site. Bogs tend to be acidic and poor in dissolved minerals; fens are more alkaline and rich in dissolved minerals. Water enters bogs solely through rainwater, while fens like Chickering Bog are also fed by calcium-rich groundwater and springs.

Screen Shot 2015-10-01 at 8.24.47 PMTo get there from Montpelier, take Route 2 east 6.5 miles to East Montpelier. Then take Route 14 north about 3.2 miles to North Montpelier where you will see North Montpelier Pond on your right. Continue on Route 14 for 1.1 miles until you see Lightening Ridge Road on the left, which is marked by a sign for the Calais Elementary School. Turn left and go 1.6 miles to George Road on the right. Park on Lightening Ridge Road on the right a little past George Road. The Conservancy trail begins to the left of the private driveway. You have to look hard, but there is a green post with the initials “TNC.” A snowmobile trail starts here and goes up the hill to the entrance of the natural area and the trail to Chickering Bog. Look carefully for the sign that marks the Conservancy’s Chickering Bog trail after crossing a wetland on the snowmobile trail.

Winhall Brook Campground

On our first night at Winhall Brook Campground, a crisp fall temperature taxed our puny electric heater so we cranked up the radiant heater in the early morning to take off the chill. Penny loves it; she curls up right in front of the heater, toasting herself.

After a morning walk ( Broadwing Hawk and Winter Wren best birds), I sat in the sun outside the welcome center checking emails and blogs.

This is the water/electric loop. We are at S19 which is nice. The units are closer together than many of the no-hookup sites.

There was a lot of turnover in the loop today with three big rigs showing up. Foliage season is starting to attract many visitors. The colors are improving each day.

We took a mid-day drive a few miles up to the local cemetery where my Dad and Mom, and both my Pearson grandparents are buried. It is a beautiful site with a view of Glebe Mountain and a number of maples starting to show brilliant orange and red. Mary and I weeded and cleaned up around the gravestone – it was a good visit. Many of my aunts and uncles are buried there as well.

After fueling the truck in Londonderry, we bought a Vermont Apple pie and some local ice cream for supper.

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This place has been in business for 20 years and while a tourist attraction, makes a mean apple pie.

Last night, we had a delightful young couple from North Carolina over for dinner. It was simple: salad, spaghetti with meat sauce, bread, apple pie and ice cream. We never socialize but this was fun: they are tent-camping for three weeks around the Northeast and in the midst of car problems so this was a nice break for them.

I checked out the north loop this morning (Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbirds) which was empty. There are some excellent lean-to sites along the brook and the West River. I wasn’t impressed by any of the RV sites although some looked fine. There are no hookups on the North loop but a clean restroom, nice playground, and an attractive pavilion.

The West River looking south. Winhall Brook enters from the right. Water levels are low.

We have showers in the forecast today and serious weather system hitting later on. At first, we planned to  just hunker down and read – and be glad that we are not tent-camping in the wet. Been there, done that.

Taking a closer look at the forecast once we found 4G coverage, we decided to hook up and headed home early rather than slog home tomorrow in heavy rain. We’ll definitely be back.

An Early Fall Road Trip

After several weeks of repairing a rotted area of the front entry to our house, with the wonderful help and guidance of my brother Barry, I decided that a change of scenery might be nice. I had been wanting to check out a campground in southern Vermont so when Mary said that she was all for a getaway, and I checked availability, we were reserved for three nights at Winhall Brook Campground in South Londonderry.

This is our first experience with Corps of Engineers sites so it was great, if unusual for federal areas, to find that they had a section with water and electric hookups, which given the nighttime temperatures in the forties, were important to us.

The Airstream had been sitting down under the pines for a month so I moved it up to the house, removed some road dust outside and cobwebs inside, and then began the process of restocking it for the trip.

The trip down Sunday was easy – a beautiful Vermont day with light traffic. We picked up Route 100, Vermont’s ski highway which runs through the heart of the state, and saw dozens of motorcyclists and many a cyclist out for a Sunday ride. The meandering road and scenery is fun, even while hauling a trailer.

No one was at the campground’s welcome center so we headed out to our site, having pre-registered. I was concerned about the narrow bridge we’d have to cross (limited to vehicle 42′ or shorter – our truck and trailer is 45′) but it we had no problems. It was tight and I tucked in my mirrors.

We met the host, found our level spot in amongst the trees, and set up with ease. The power is strong, the water tastes, great, and the neighbors our quiet.

There is no cell coverage but the office has a good wifi signal. After a good night, we have warmed up the trailer and Penny and I are heading out for a chilly bird walk.

Put this campground on your “to-do” list. Did I mention that with the interagency pass that it’s only $13 per night? Best deal we’ve seen in years – for one of the best campgrounds we’ve visited. What’s not to like?

Ricker Pond Camping

We do most of our camping in the winter but usually take a couple of local trips each summer to check out Airstream systems and enjoy some of Vermont’s state parks. This past mid-week, we reserved a spot at Ricker Pond State Park in the Groton State Forest and had a wonderful three days.

We headed out Wednesday morning ahead of some thunderstorms.
We headed out Wednesday morning ahead of some thunderstorms.

Ricker Pond SP is like essentially all Vermont parks — aimed more at tent and lean-to campers than RV’s. There are no hook-ups nor is there any internet — wifi or 4G. There are only about five sites where we can fit our twenty-five foot Airstream in.

One thing Vermont parks have going is great attention by the staff.
One thing Vermont parks have going is great attention by the staff.
The flags were at half-mast for the servicemen shot in Chattanooga.
The flags were at half-mast for the servicemen shot in Chattanooga.

We infrequently camp when school is out and when we do, we avoid the weekends. Even so, there were tons of kids around. It’s a pretty-safe park for them, with limited traffic and long smooth dirt roads for bike riding, but because of all the recent rains, the bacterial level at the swimming area was high and the beach was closed.  We enjoyed the squeals and yells of kids although a few carried on rather late. It was nice to see no electronic devices — we had Kindle books on our iPad but other than that, radio silence. It didn’t kill us.

Our site was #17 which is probably the best for a trailer. We even good decent solar inspite of all the trees.
Our site was #17 which is probably the best for a trailer. We even good decent solar inspite of all the trees.

Here are some shots that I took while out on birding/dog walks.

I love this big piece of granite. I tried to get Mary to put her head inside for a photo but she declined.
I love this big piece of granite. I tried to get Mary to put her head inside for a photo but she declined.
This young angler had a small bass on the other end of her pole.
This young angler had a small bass on the other end of her pole.
There were a number of first-year Mallards which have been tamed by feeding by the campers. Penny was quite interested in these two.
There were a number of first-year Mallards which have been tamed by feeding by the campers. Penny was quite interested in these two.

This park has 27 campsites, 23 lean-to shelters, 5 cabins and a couple of waterfront cottages. The lean-tos are very popular and people reserve the same one year after year.

Many of the lean-tos have great locations right near the water.
Many of the lean-tos have great locations right near the water.

I did a lot of birding and in spite of mid-summer and heavy foliage, heard and/or saw most of the usual suspects. Red-eyed vireos seemed to be holding a convention there. The highlight was the pair of Common Loons who have nested there and have a couple of chicks. I took some photos from the canoe but stayed well away from them. You can see one of the youngsters in the photo.LoonsWIt’s a pretty little body of water and it is easy to see why so many folks, many who have camped all over Vermont, come back. If you have a larger RV, there are several sites up at the next campground, Stillwater, which can handle large units. You’ll need a generator or solar system — it’s boondocking at about $20 a day. But look at this shot of Ricker Pond – it’s pure Vermont.

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