winter 1996-1997 mighty gyrfalcon. indeed, raptors were...

10
WINTER 1996-1997 1 December-Zti February Frederick A. Pratt, Seasonal Editor winter of 1996-97 was ushered in by a L mild December, which averaged a remarkable 9.7°F warmer than usual. Only the last day of the month boasted significantly cold temperatures, so the stage was nicely set for an enjoyable and successful Christmas Bird Count (CBC) season. The 118 species found was the second highest total ever, just 2 shy of the 1984 record. To be sure, individuals totaled only 109,619 - an impressive enough figure but about 13,000 fewer than the record high of winter 1995-96. Fluctuations in numbers for often-abundant species provide the explanation. Six species (Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, Bohemian Waxwing, Snow Bunting and House Sparrow) suffered declines of 3000 or more individuals, while several other common species dropped by 1000. By contrast, only American Goldfinch, Blue Jay and Cedar Waxwing posted increases of 2000 or more birds. Of course, if the truth be told, most CBC's measure success by the number of species found, especially those that are uncommon or rare. By this measure there were reasons enough for smiling faces come the close of business on January 1st. Adorning the CBC roster were such "good" ducks as Green- winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Oldsquaw, Black Scoter and White- winged Scoter, as well as Wood Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye, both of which have become virtual staples of the CBCseason. Sparrows and other half-hardies were also well represented, and included such goodies as Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Rufous- sided Towhee, Chipping Spar- row, Field Sparrow, White- crowned Sparrow and Eastern Meadowlark. Raptors, too, are a special attraction for Christmas counters. Imagine the joy in Middlebury with a Long-eared Owl and 2 NORTHERN HAWK- OWLS, or the excitement in Ferrisburgh with 2 Merlins and a mighty Gyrfalcon. Indeed, raptors were the highlight of the winter - not only for Vermonters but for out-of- state birders as well. An extraordinary 5 Northern Hawk-Owls appeared, and 3 took up permanent (winter) residence. Four Snowy Owls were reported and two of these obliged with lengthy stays, one at Taft Corners in Williston, the other in Charlotte. With multiple sightings of Gyrfalcon at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area and adjacent territory and Short- eared Owls as well, visiting birders with scopes, parkas and coffee mugs in tow soon outnumbered Vermonters at favored sites. It was a scene not soon to be forgotten. There were other rarities as well. A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS off Charlotte Town Beach in mid-December constituted the 10 th state record for this elusive and elegant species, while a SOLITARY VIREO on the Saxtons River CBC was without precedent. In this editor's view, a normally common species found so far out of season is as exciting, even breathtaking, as the extraterritorial rarity birders understandably flock to admire. Finally, no winter report is complete without mention of the vagaries of our friends from the north. Conspicuous by their absence were Bohemian Wax- wing, Pine Grosbeak and Common Redpoll, all so much appreciated when they choose to brighten our winter landscape. Also scarce were both crossbills and the sometimes ubiquitous and always noisy Evening Grosbeak. On the other hand, both Pine Siskin and the ever-popular Purple Finch enjoyed good years, while the American Goldfinch rose to new prominence with its best winter in recorded history. Harlequin Duck

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Page 1: WINTER 1996-1997 mighty Gyrfalcon. Indeed, raptors were ...vtecostudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vce-1996-97-Winter.pdf · mighty Gyrfalcon. Indeed, raptors were the highlight

WINTER 1996-19971 December-Zti FebruaryFrederick A. Pratt, Seasonal Editor

~e winter of 1996-97 was ushered in by aL ~ecidedlY mild December, which averaged aremarkable 9.7°F warmer than usual. Only the last dayof the month boasted significantly cold temperatures,so the stage was nicely set for an enjoyable andsuccessful Christmas Bird Count (CBC) season. The 118species found was the second highest total ever, just 2shy of the 1984 record. To be sure, individuals totaledonly 109,619 - an impressive enough figure but about13,000 fewer than the record high of winter 1995-96.Fluctuations in numbers for often-abundant speciesprovide the explanation. Six species (CommonMerganser, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, BohemianWaxwing, Snow Bunting and House Sparrow) suffereddeclines of 3000 or more individuals, while severalother common species dropped by 1000. By contrast,only American Goldfinch, Blue Jay and CedarWaxwing posted increases of 2000 or more birds.

Of course, if the truth be told, most CBC'smeasure success by the number of species found,especially those that are uncommon or rare. By thismeasure there were reasons enough for smiling facescome the close of business on January 1st. Adorningthe CBC roster were such "good" ducks as Green­winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead,Ring-necked Duck, Oldsquaw, Black Scoter and White­winged Scoter, as well as Wood Duck and Barrow'sGoldeneye, both of which have become virtual staplesof the CBC season. Sparrows and other half-hardieswere also well represented, and included suchgoodies as Ruby-crowned Kinglet,Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird,Yellow-rumped Warbler, Rufous­sided Towhee, Chipping Spar­row, Field Sparrow, White­crowned Sparrow and EasternMeadowlark.

Raptors, too, are aspecial attraction for Christmascounters. Imagine the joy inMiddlebury with a Long-earedOwl and 2 NORTHERN HAWK­OWLS, or the excitement inFerrisburgh with 2 Merlins and a

mighty Gyrfalcon. Indeed, raptors were the highlightof the winter - not only for Vermonters but for out-of­state birders as well. An extraordinary 5 NorthernHawk-Owls appeared, and 3 took up permanent(winter) residence. Four Snowy Owls were reportedand two of these obliged with lengthy stays, one atTaft Corners in Williston, the other in Charlotte. Withmultiple sightings of Gyrfalcon at Dead Creek WildlifeManagement Area and adjacent territory and Short­eared Owls as well, visiting birders with scopes,parkas and coffee mugs in tow soon outnumberedVermonters at favored sites. It was a scene not soonto be forgotten.

There were other rarities as well. A pair ofHARLEQUIN DUCKS off Charlotte Town Beach inmid-December constituted the 10th state record for thiselusive and elegant species, while a SOLITARY VIREOon the Saxtons River CBC was without precedent. Inthis editor's view, a normally common species foundso far out of season is as exciting, even breathtaking,as the extraterritorial rarity birders understandablyflock to admire.

Finally, no winter report is complete withoutmention of the vagaries of our friends from the north.Conspicuous by their absence were Bohemian Wax­wing, Pine Grosbeak and Common Redpoll, all somuch appreciated when they choose to brighten ourwinter landscape. Also scarce were both crossbills andthe sometimes ubiquitous and always noisy EveningGrosbeak. On the other hand, both Pine Siskin and theever-popular Purple Finch enjoyed good years, whilethe American Goldfinch rose to new prominence withits best winter in recorded history.

Harlequin Duck

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RECORDS OF VERMONT BIRDS

Nancy 1. MartinIllustrator

Bryan PfeifferInterim Editor In Chief

Late reports of Great Blue Heron wereagain quite numerous, with severalindividuals lingering into January. Asurprising 3 were at Shelburne Bay on1/4 (TGM) and the last were birds atClarendon on 1/19 (C]F) and at Dorseton 1/30 (EFG).

LOONS THROUGH HERONSIt was a good year for Red­

throated Loon, as three reports fromcontributors nicely supplemented a CBCbird at Ferrisburgh. One individual wasoff Grand Isle on 12/1, 12/18 and 1/4(DJH) , another was at Button Bay on 1/11 (SSW) and, most interestingly, a WATERFOWLsingle was spotted near Woodstock "justupstream of Taftsville Dam" on 12/13 The controversial Mute Swan(KRT,SDF). Also encouraging was the was perhaps too much in evidence,number of Common Loon reports, although a CBC total of just two birds atwhich included a strong CBC tally of 36 the Champlain Islands was well downbirds, as well as December sightings of from the record 8 in 1994. Contributors3 to 5 individuals off Grand Isle (DJH), reported several sightings, with aButton Bay (TGM) and the Trl-town maximum of 5 in Charlotte on 12/14Water District plant in Addison and 12/16 (TGM). Other reports, all of(FAP,EBP). Late-winter records were two birds each, came from St. Albansalso a feature with 3 at Converse Bay in Bay on 12/8 (EMA,RDB) and fromCharlotte, 1 at Meach Cove in Shelburne Converse Bay and McNeil Cove inand 8 off Charlotte Town Beach, all on Charlotte on several dates in February2/1 (TGM). Three were still at Charlotte (DJH,TGM,FAP,EBP,SSW). Snow Geeseas late as 2/18 (DJH). The diminutive lingered into December in smallPied-billed Grebe was a surprise of the numbers only, although a CBC tally ofseason, appearing on the CBC registers 139 was certainly respectable. The lastof Ferrisburgh, Burlington and the reported were 60 in Grand Isle on 12/Champlain Islands. The latter bird was 25 (DJH) and 2 in Shelburne on 12/28still off Grand Isle as late as 12/26 (DJH). Canada Geese were much in(DJH). It was an uneven picture for the evidence during early winter, as a newhandsome Horned Grebe: a no-better- CBC record of 5207 birds was estab-than-average CBC total, but a remark- lished. January reports, however, wereable 160 birds present on 1/4 from more subdued, with flocks of 200 atMeach Cove in Shelburne to Button Bay East Dorset on 1/1 (NAB), 84 at Dorset(TGM). Roughly two dozen were still on 1/12 (EFG), 72 at Grand Isle on 1/15off Shelburne and Charlotte on 2/7 (DJH) , 75 at Shelburne on 1/19(DJH). The Red-necked Grebe enjoyed (FAP,EBP) and 200 at Meach Cove on 1/an excellent season, as a record 5 CBC 24 (TGM). The Wood Duck once againbirds were found, including 3 at the graced the CBC roster as two birdsChamplain Islands. The latter trio was were found at Saxtons River. This lovelystill cruising off Grand Isle on 1/4 species has not missed a CBC appear-(DJH) , while singles were spotted in ance since 1978. A Green-winged TealButton Bay on 1/4 (TGM) and at Meach on the Champlain Islands CBC was aCove on 2/10 (TGM,DJH). There were good find and the only report for thetwo late reports of Double-crested season of this occasional lingerer. TheCormorant, one off Grand Isle on 12/3 American Black Duck enjoyed a good(DJH) and a second padding the but not exceptional Winter, withFerrisburgh CBC roster. Neither is somewhat reduced numbers reported

reason to celebrate in this e/dit~~'S View.//

1/ Pied-billed Grebes

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1 December - 28 FebruaryFrederick Pratt

1 August - 30 NovemberGeorge E. (Terry) Hall

1June - 31 JulySusanne Wetmore

1 March - 31 MayJudith A. Peterson

SEASONAL EDITORS

Linda MirabileDesigner

Sarah B. Laughlin,Whitney D. Nichols

Vermont Bird RecordsCommittee Co-Chairs

Whitney D. NicholsField Card Committee

Chairman

RI!COIIDS OIF VERMONT IIIID5

is published quarterly bythe Vermont Institute of

Natural Science. A one-yearsubscription is $10.

Contributors are advised tosend accounts of rare orunusual bird sightings toVINS as soon as possible,

or to call the Vermont BirdAlert (802-457-2779).

Regional summaries of birdsightings are due to VINS

promptly at the end of eachseason. Sighting cards are

available from the VermontInstitute of Natural Science,

RR2 Box 532, Woodstock, VT05091, or by calling

(802) 457-2779.

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

PAGE 2/ RECORDS OF VERMONT BIRDS

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by Christmas counters and individualcontributors. High counts were 50 at theGrand Isle ferry landing on 1/4 (DJH) ,50 in a cornfield in Pawlet on 1/8(GRB) and 28 in Clarendon on 1/19(C]F). The Mallard was its usualabundant self, judging from anotherstrong CBC showing. A flock of 300 wasfound feeding in meadows in N. Ruperton 1/21 (EFG), while the Burlingtonthrong was numbered at 800 on 2/23(TGM,FAP,EBP). A Northern Pintail atFerrisburgh and another at Hanover­Norwich produced a nice CBC figure,while a drake off Grand Isle tarrieduntil 2/2 (DJH). Early spring migrantsincluded 2 at Grand Isle on 2/20 (DJH) ,4 at Grand Isle on 2/22-2/24(DJH,FAP,EBP) and 8 at Burlington on2/23 (TGM,FAP,EBP). The Gadwall,another occasional lingerer, wasrepresented by 3 reports: a drake atMcNeil Cove in Charlotte on 2/10(TGM), 2 drakes and a hen at ConverseBay in Charlotte on 2/11 (TGM) and the2 drakes again at Converse Bay on 2/20(TGM). A single Canvasback atMiddlebury was unique for the CBCseason, but contributors enjoyed thebiggest winter for this splendid divingduck since 1989. Meach Cove inShelburne hosted up to 17 birds as of1/19 (TGM,FAP,EBP) while other reportsincluded 3 drakes at Willow Point inBridport on 12/18 (FAP,EBP), 6 indi­viduals in Shelburne on 2/8 and 2/12(DJH) and 2 drakes at Blodgett's Beachin Burlington on 2/23 (FAP,EBP,TGM).Four Redhead at Burlington was a greatfind and the best CBC total since 1983,when a like number was found atFerrisburgh. Equally noteworthy were 4drakes and a hen observed from 2/1through 2/12 at McNeil Cove inCharlotte (SSW,TGM,DJH).

The Ring-necked Duck wasalso well represented, with 2 CBC birdsat Middlebury and several otherssighted by contributors. A single drakewas off Grand Isle on 1/15 (DJH) , 3drakes were at Potash Bay in Addisonon 1/15 (FAP,EBP) and a female was at

Common Merganser

McNeil Cove from 2/18-2/22(DJH,TGM). The Greater Scaup had itsbest CBC showing in recorded history,with 397 individuals counted, includinga record 322 at Burlington. Curiously,the mid-winter arial waterfowl surveyon Lake Champlain, conducted byVermont Fish and Wildlife Departmenton 1/9, found no scaup of eitherspecies, but numbers later began tocongregate in Meach Cove inShelburne, where 520 were meticu­lously counted on 2/10 (TGM). TheLesser Scaup. always less common inwinter and easily overlooked ormisidentified, was represented by just 3CBC birds at the Champlain Islands anda late high count of 7 at Meach Cove on2/20 (SSW). The rare HARLEQUINDUCK made its first winter appearancesince 1993, when 2 birds, including asuperb male, were discovered and wellstudied off Charlotte Town Beach on12/15 (TGM). Unfortunately, the birdswere present only briefly, much to thedisappointment of other birders anxiousto admire this Vermont rarity. Moreaccommodating, indeed, was thehandsome Qldsquaw, which waspresent in its best CBC numbers since1983. Among other reports were 10 onthe mid-winter waterfowl survey, 4 atWillow Point on 12/7 (FAP,EBP) and 2at Button Bay on 1/4 (TGM). The BlackScoter was again scarce, with just asingle female off Charlotte Town Beachon 12/15 and 12/16 (TGM) plus atwosome on the Ferrisburgh CBC. TheWhite-winged Scoter was a bit morenumerous, with a total of 5 reports: 15CBC birds at Ferrisburgh, one 9n theMiddlebury CBC, 2 off Grand Isle aslate as 12/17 (DJH), a single at WillowPoint on 12/18 (FAP,EBP) and 2 atMeach Cove in Shelburne on 1/31 and2/11 (TGM). The Common Goldeneyeagain lived up to its name as more than2000 CBC birds were found for thefourth year running. Among numerousreports from readers were 300 offGrand Isle as late as 1/14 (DJH), 300 atMcNeil Cove in Charlotte on 2/16(NAB) and 800 at the South Herorailroad causeway on 2/1 (TGM). TheBarrow's Goldeneye, now a Vermontspecialty in winter, appeared on 2 CBCrosters and probably numbered inexcess of 6 individuals for the season.Meach Cove in Shelburne hosted 2drakes and 2 hens on 2/15 (TGM),while Charlotte Town Beach boasted 3males and a hen on 2/18 (TGM). Otherlocations where this lovely species was

------_._ _------~

spotted include Grand Isle (DJH),McNeil Cove in Charlotte(FAP,EBP,TGM), Converse Bay inCharlotte (TGM), the South Herorailroad causeway (TGM) and Blodgett'sBeach (FAP,EBP).

The dapper Bufflehead alsowas much in evidence, to wit anexcellent CBC tally of 91 birds. Late­winter reports were also impressive,with 31 in Charlotte on 2/11 and 2/16(TGM,NAB) and an additional 19 atConverse Bay on 2/11 (TGM). Equallyhandsome and nearly as numerous wasthe Hooded Merganser, which produceda new CBC record of 78 birds, exactly50 more than one year earlier. Anumber overwintered, to judge from asingle at South Hero on 2/3 and 2/6(DJH), 5 at Converse Bay on 2/1 (TGM)and 4 at McNeil Cove in Charlotte on 2/20 (SSW). The Common Merganserbacked off from last year's record, as amediocre total of 1717 individuals wasfound. Indeed, the mid-winter surveyfor the Atlantic flyway showed thisspecies down by 48%, althoughVermont's survey total of 3275 wascertainly comparable to those of recentyears. Also reassuring was an estimated1000 off the Champlain Islands in mid­January (DJH) and an additional 700birds at Button Bay on 1/4 (TGM).Meanwhile, Red-breasted Mergansernumbers were normal, as Christmascounters came up with 20 birds andreaders added another 7 sightings. Highcounts were 6 at the Tri-town WaterDistrict plant on 12/18 (FAP,EBP) and 6off Grand Isle on 1/13 and 1/15 (DJH).This latter flock was quickly reduced to5, when one bird fell victim to avoracious Black-backed Gull.

RAPTORSThe rising prosperity of the

Bald Eagle was never more apparentthan during the winter of 1996-97. CBCrecords fell as 15 birds were located,including 9 at Ferrisburgh, a newVermont high for a single circle. Evenmore impressive, the midwinter surveyfor Vermont produced 13 eagles - notcounting 2 each at Wilder Dam, BellowsFalls and Vernon Dam that wereclaimed by neighboring New Hamp­shire. When the many reports fromreaders are added to the picture, itseems reasonable to assume Vermontwas the winter home of at least 20 ofAmerica's national bird. Less formidableand perhaps less hardy as well, the

PAGE 3

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Northern Harrier settled for an averageshowing, although 20 CBC birdscompared favorably with the 7 of oneyear ago, Late-winter reports included afemale in Bridport on 1/15 (FAP,EBP), amale along Nortontown Road inAddison on 1/19 (TGM,FAP,EBP) and afemale in South Hero on 2/6 (DJH) ,Three birds in Charlotte on 2/26 (TGM)were presumably new arrivals eager topronounce the arrival of spring. Amongthe accipiters, the Sharp-shinned Hawkoverwintered in good numbers, as 28CBC birds were located while 16 otherswere reported by readers. The Cooper'sHawk fared nearly as well, falling just 4individuals short of last winter's recordCBC tally, Contributors reported another10 birds, including 3 in Grand Isle(DJH) and 2 in Ferrisburgh (SSW).Always less common than its smallerrelatives, the Northern Goshawk settledfor 11 CBC birds and just one otherreport, a single in Sheffield on 1/31(PFW,SAW). As usual, the Red-tailedHawk was both numerous and wide­spread, A CBC total of 252 was thesecond-highest ever, while the maxi­mum count from readers was 23 birdsseen in the Addison and Cornwall areaon 2/15 (TGM), The Rough-leggedHawk, however, could muster up only aso-so CBC performance; still, enough ofthese splendid raptors were around toimpress the many out-of-state birdersvisiting Vermont for our unique hawkand owl show (see below). High countsfrom contributors included 10 on 1/15from Cornwall to Addison (FAP,EBP)and 8 on 2/21 in Addison alone (TGM),Two reports of Golden Eagle arenoteworthy, although details have notyet been received by this editor. One, inGoshen, "flew overhead as we cutChristmas trees" on 12/13 (SSW); thesecond, described as a "possible," wasin Grand Isle on 1/2 (DJH).

The diminutive AmericanKestrel was barely visible as a mere 3CBC birds were found, 1 in Ferrisburghand 2 in Middlebury. Readers fared nobetter with just 3 reports: Singles inFerrisburgh on 1/11 (SSW), in Bridporton 1/12 (NAB) and in Addison on 2/2OMN,EFG,BRJ). The Merlin providedequally surprising but far more wel­come news, as an unprecedented 4CBC birds were found, 2 in Ferrisburghand 1 each in Burlington andMiddlebury. From readers came twofurther reports, a single in Addison on1/4 (TGM) and a second in Florence on2/18 "seen in front yard after catching

PAGE 4/ RECORDS OF VERMONT BIRDS

prey, apparently a smaller bird" (VH).Two Peregrine Falcons at Middleburywere the only CBC birds found - andnearly unique for the entire winter. Justone other was reported, a single birdflying 30 feet above 1-89 in Bolton on2/18 (PCR), Last but hardly least amongthe falconiformes, the rare Gyrfalconwas represented by a near plethora ofreports: a CBC bird at Ferrisburgh, agray-morph individual at Button Bay on12/11 (SSWJAP), an adult (also grey­morph) along Route 17 in Addison on12/28 (SWM), an immature at DCWMAalso on 12/28 (SWM) and, finally, anindividual "gray with white belly" onYoung Island on 2/20 (DJH).

PHEASANTS THROUGHCRANES

The Gray Partridge, more orless a Vermont specialty, was reportedjust once: 8 birds found on theChamplain Islands CBC. Surprisingly,the Ring-necked Pheasant was some­what better represented, although oneis never certain as to its origin. Inaddition to 3 CDC individuals, an"escaped bird" was seen on severaldates on Grand Isle (DJH), a femalewas found in Woodstock on 2/11 OWL)and 4 birds, including 2 males, wereobserved along Slang Road in Pantonon 1/15 (FAP,EDP), The Ruffed Grouseenjoyed the winter in good numbers, asevidenced by a healthy 145 CBC birds,Readers chipped in with severaladditional reports, headed up by 6 atMt. Independence on 12/13 (FAP,EDP),6 at Ripton on 1/4 (CJF), 5 in Readingon 12/16 (EJH,FMH) and 5 in Cornwallon 2/12 (MBN), The Wild Turkey wasalso conspicuous during the season,although numbers were well downfrom last winter's record pace, Highcounts from contributors were 60 inPawlet on 2/4 (NAB), 50 in Chester on2/21 (EJH,FMH), 35 in Fair Haven on 1/19 (DWP) and 30 in Whiting on 1/1(SSW). A Northern Dobwhite on theFerrisburgh CBC was the season's only,but again this species' origin is alwayssuspect. Rather rare in winter, theAmerican Coot was neverthelessspotted in Burlington on threeoccasions: 2 individuals on12/9 and 12/13 (DJH,TGM)and a single bird on1/31 (DJH) ,

Great Black-backed Gull

GULLS AND TERNSReports of the elegant

Bonaparte's Gull were limited to 16CBC birds at the Champlain Islands and2 at St. Albans Bay on 12/8 (EMA,RDB),As for the nearly ubiquitous Ring-billedGull, numbers were comfortablyadequate, as 1250 CBC birds werefound. Reports from contributors wererestrained, although 120 were noted inGrand Isle on 12/20 (DJH) and 200 inBurlington on 1/26 (TGM). In likemanner, the Herring Gull settled for aCBC tally of 1213 and a high countfrom contributors of 200 at ShelburneBay on 1/13 (TGM), Neither figure isparticularly impressive when comparedto those for recent years. A mostcomprehensive report of a Thayer'sGull at Burlington on 12/3 and 12/5(DJH) is certainly noteworthy. Giventhe complexity of gull identification, tosay nothing of the possibility thatThayer's may yet be found not even tobe a species, this editor can onlycommend the observer for his verycomplete description of an intriguingbird. An Iceland Gull at Hanover­Norwich was the only CBC entry, butthe Burlington waterfront producedseveral early reports of single birds (atleast 2 different individuals) between12/3 and 12/13 (DJH,TGM). First-yearbirds were also Sighted at Sandbar StatePark in Milton on 2/1 (TGM) and atBlodgett's on 2/22 (TGM), The largerGlaucous Gull was also well repre­sented, with 4 birds on the CBC roster,including 3 at the Champlain Islands,Others were an immature at Burlingtonon 12/5 and 1/5 (TGM), another atWhite River Junction on 2/12 OMN) and2 immatures at Blodgett's in Burlingtonon 2/22 (TGM), Finally, the GreatBlack-backed Gull retreated slightlyfrom recent highs as a more thansufficient 582 CBC birds were tallied,Interesting to note was the abundanceof this species at Hanover-Norwich ascompared to Burlington or Ferrisburgh.

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However, by 2/22 no less than 280were dutifully counted at the Burlingtonwaterfront (TGM).

DOVES THROUGH

NIGHJARSRock Dove numbers remained

distressingly high - though downsomewhat from last year's record, Thesame held true for the Mourning Dove,although the retreat from high groundwas more pronounced. In Ferrisburghalone the CBC drop-off exceeded 1000individuals. Feeder flocks were pacedby 31 in Danby (NAB) and a likenumber in Swanton (EMA,RDB). A flockof up to 27 birds in Sheffield "fell tomostly single numbers" thanks to thehealthy appetite of a resident Sharp­shinned Hawk. Turning to the Strigidae,the Eastern Screech-Owl produced itspoorest CBC showing (or more accu­rately, audition) since 1989 as just 5individuals were counted. The onlyother report came from Addison, wherea single bird was noted on 2/21 (SSW).The Great Horned Owl also provedelusive as a CBC tally of just 8 birdswas the lowest since 1987. However,readers provided a number of addi­tional reports including a twosome atthe LaPlatte River Marsh on 1/4 (TGM)and another 2 at Grand Isle on 2/10,one of which devoured a goldeneye on1/20 (DJH). Also reported were singlesin Georgia (EMA,RDB), West Rutland(NAB), Clarendon (CJF), S. Londonderry(WJN) and Brandon (SSW), Meanwhile,the majestic Snowy Owl generatedconsiderable excitement far and wide,thanks in great measure to 2 individualsremaining on location for much of thewinter - one at Taft Corners in Willistonand one near Lake Street in Charlotte.Additional sightings were in Bradfordon 12/25 (TNF) and in S. Burlington,also on Christmas Day (PAS),

Yet the undoubted star of theseason was the NORTHERN HAWK­OWL, which staged its first mini­invasion since the memorable winter of1991-92. First on the scene was anindividual found along West Street inCornwall on 11/21 (AP) and subse­quently admired by one and all. Twoother birds also remained throughoutthe winter, one near the Green Moun­tain Club headquarters on Route 100 inWaterbury Center and one at thejunction of Cross and East Streets inBridport. The former was discovered on12/9 (MS) and the latter on 12/5 (TAP).

Also taking part in the invasion was abird in Brandon on 11/28 (SSW) andanother in Craftsbury during earlyJanuary (FO). One would hope allVermont birders now have this splendidowl on their life lists; certainly countlessbirders from other states,

By contrast the Barred Owlwas almost a rarity as just 6 CBC birdswere found, the poorest showing since1989, From readers came reports ofsingle birds in Pawlet (GRB), Tinmouth(CJF), Reading (EJH,FMH), Woodstock(TWL) and Addison (SSW), while"several" were heard in Chittendenduring February (DMM). The only Long­eared Owl of the season was one heardon the Middlebury CBC near its rooston Snake Mountain, The more likelyShort-eared Owl was represented byonly 3 CBC birds, but a number ofothers were reported by contributors: 2at Grand Isle on 1/21 and 1/22 (DJH) ,at least 2 at DCWMA(FAP,EBP,TGM,SSW) and 2 along WestStreet in Cornwall on 1/21 (TGM),Rounding out a great winter for theStrigidae, the ever-popular NorthernSaw-whet Owl produced an averageCBC total of 3 birds, while others werereported from Essex Center (PCR),Mendon (BRJ), Huntington (PAS) andtwo locations in Brandon (SSW).

SWIFTS THROUGHWOODPECKERS

A count of 20 was the bestCBC showing for the Belted Kingfishersince the record-setting year o,f 1991.Overwintering birds were also numer­ous, with February reports coming fromEast Dorset (NAB), Dummerston (NBu),Charlotte Town Beach (TGM) andMeach Cove in Shelburne (SSW). Also,a bird at Grand Isle was present as lateas 1/13 (DJH) , A single Red-headedWoodpecker, presumably from thesmall colony in Bridport, persevered

Northern Hawk-Owl

long enough to enhance the MiddleburyCBC list, while the Red-bellied Wood­pecker chipped in with 2 CBC appear­ances, a single at Rutland and a "countperiod" bird at Springfield. Numbers ofboth Downy Woodpecker and HairyWoodpecker were unremarkable, withCBC totals of 614 and 297 respectively.Feeder visitors of both species wererather limited, with maximums of 4 atDanby Four Corners (NAB) andWoodstock (CRF). The Northern Flickerprovided a commendable 22 CBC birds,including an impressive 8 at Middlebury.Late-winter reports featured singles inGrand Isle on 1/13 (DJH) , in Charlotteas late as 2/13 (TGM,DJH) and inManchester Center on 2/14 (BWP).Finally, the conspicuous but often waryPileated Woodpecker dropped back to69 CBC birds, the poorest showingsince 1989. However, on Grand Isle "atleast two pairs" were seen on variousdates throughout the winter (DJH).

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH

WRENSIn an abrupt reversal, the

Horned Lark dropped from a CBC highof 5010 one year ago to a paltry 732,the lowest tally since 1982. Still, onecontributor reported a flock of 1000along Gage Road in Addison on 1/12(NAB), Other readers settled for muchsmaller numbers, however, such as 45in Bridport on 1/19 (BWP) and 45 inCharlotte on 1/26 (FAP,EBP). The Gray1!Y, one of Vermont's boreal species,settled for just 3 reports: 5 CBC birds atIsland Pond, 3 at Moose Bog on 2/18(PAS) and 3 in Georgia, surprisingly, on1/13 (EMA,RDB). Not a surprise was theconspicuous presence of the Blue Jay,A CBC total of 5313 was typical, whilethe maximum feeder flock was 36 birdsin Sheffield (PFW,SAW). The AmericanCrow was also both seen and heard byall, as it once again surpassed the 6000mark on the CBC tally. Flocks of 50-100were noted in such places as Salisbury(NAB), Newfane (AMD), Clarendon(CJF), Manchester Center (BWP) andGrand Isle (DJH). Less numerous butmore loved, the Common Raven held itsground, as 196 CBC birds were locatedwith all 16 circles contributing. Fromreaders came such reports as 33 inReading on 2/14 (EJH,FMH), fewer than15 in Manchester Center on 12/8 (BWP)and 9 at DCWMA on 2/15 (TGM), Thebrave Black-capped Chickadee wasagain abundant, though in slightly

PAGE 5

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reduced numbers. The winner of thefeeder derby was a station in Dorsetwhere up to 23 birds enjoyed the fare(EFG). The Boreal Chickadee had oneof its better years, with 26 present forthe Island Pond CBe. One observercounted 15 at Moose Bog on 2/18(PAS). Another stalwart of the Vermontwinter, the Tufted Titmouse produced349 CBC birds, down a bit from lastyear but still its second highest total inrecorded history. Numerous feedershosted a pair or so. Both the Red­breasted Nuthatch and the White­breasted Nuthatch came in with ratherordinary results, neither exhilarating norworrisome. Interesting to note was a"complete albino" white nut thatappeared at a feeder in Barnard on 1/3for one day only (BM), Another hardylittle fellow, the Brown Creeperrebounded from an off year to producean entirely respectable CBC total of 140birds, Readers could add just a halfdozen reports, including a twosome inGeorgia on 2/3 (EMA,RDB). A CarolinaWren on the Middlebury CBC wasunique for the season, clear evidencethat this species has yet to recover fromthe harsh winter of 1993-94. Happily,the rugged Winter Wren fared consider­ably better as 4 CBC birds werediscovered, its best total since 1992,

KINGLETS THROUGH

VIREOSA CBC total of 233 individuals

was an excellent showing for theregular but erratic Golden-crownedKinglet. Few reports came from readers,but 8 birds were in Chittenden on 12/23(DMM) and 6 in Putney on 1/4 (M]L),The more difficult Ruby-crownedKinglet was also nicely represented, asa surprising 2 were uncovered on thePlainfield CBC, Meanwhile, the EasternBluebird enjoyed another excellentyear, with 5 circles reporting 101 CBCbirds, Readers added about a dozenother sightings, including up to 5 inPawlet on various dates in December(GRB) and 11 in Cornwall on 1/15(SSW), February reports featured 4 inCharlotte on 2/11 (TGM), 4 in Pantonon 2/2 (JMN,EFG,BRJ), 2 in Addison on2/20 (TGM), 1 in Dorset on 2/21 (EFG)and 2 in Brandon on 2/22 (SSW), AHermit Thrush at Saxtons River was anice surprise, makingIt 3 years in a rowfor this species on a CaC roster. Alsopleasantly surprising was another bigwinter for the American Robin, A CBC

PAGE 6/ RECORDS OF VERMONT BIRDS

tally of 1450 birds was second only tothe extraordinary 2607 in 1994, whilecontributors added a host of additionalsightings. Highlights included 150overwintering robins on Grand Isle(D]H) , 50 in Dorset on 2/11 (EFG), 50in Addison on 2/15 (TGM) and 30 inBrandon on 2/22 (SSW),

The Gray Catbird made it 3years in 4 on the CBC roster as 2 werefound at Springfield, almost certainly arecord for an individual circle. On theother hand, just 18 Northern Mocking­birds were found by Christmascounters, the poorest showing since1982. Readers added a twosome inBridport on 2/15(TGM) and asingle in Putneyon 2/10 (M]L),As for theBohemianWaxwing, itsettled for agrand total of3 birds onthe PlainfieldCBC, thusfollowinglast year'sfeast with avirtualfamine. Ofcourse insomewinters thishighly irruptive ~1l~1IN

species is Bohemian Waxwingtotally absent.On the other hand, there certainly wasno dearth of the Cedar Waxwing as2450 CBC birds were found, including1322 at Middlebury, Reports fromreaders were also impressive andincluded 50 in Georgia on 12/8(EMA,RDB), 80 in Norwich on 2/15(KRT), 170 in Grand Isle on 2/24 and 2/27 (D]H) and 40 in Weybridge on 2/28(MBN). A CBC tally of 29 was anexcellent showing for the NorthernShrike, though no match for last year'srecord high, Another 10 birds werereported by contributors. Meanwhile,the European Starling had the poortaste to establish yet another CBC high,falling just 3 individuals shy of an even21,000, One diligent reader reported ablock of 3000 in Shoreham on 2/9(TGM), Perhaps the most remarkablebird of the winter was the SOLITARYVIREO seen feeding in sycamores alongthe Saxtons River on 12/21. So far asthis editor knows, this was the first

vireo of any kind ever to appear on aVermont CBC roster,

WARBLERS THROUGH

SPARROWSFor the third year in succes­

sion the Yellow-rumped Warbler gracedthe CBC tally sheet, as 3 were found atBurlington and 1 at Ferrisburgh. Alsoreported was a single in Berlin on 12/1(FAP,EBP) and a threesome alongArnold Bay Road in Ferrisburgh on 2/2(TGM). A CBC total of 526 was decid­edly low for the Northern Cardinal, itspoorest showing since 1986. Feederwatchers also reported reducednumbers, with maximum counts 10 inManchester Center (BWP) and 7 inWoodstock (JMN), A Rufous-sidedTowhee on the Woodstock CBC was thefirst in 3 winters, about all we can hopefor in snowy Vermont. No such problemexists with the American Tree Sparrow,which was present in its customary CBCabundance. Later reports were unre­markable, however, although 40 werein Addison on 1/1 (NAB) and 25 werein Clarendon, also on New Year's Day(CJF). A well-described ChippingSparrow in Brattleboro and another inFerrisburgh produced the best CBCshowing for this difficult species since1991. After a hiatus of 3 years, the FieldSparrow returned to the CBC rosterthanks to a single bird at Saxtons River,Also unusual in winter but apparentlyincreasing, the Savannah Sparrow wasreported 3 times: 4 individuals alongHawkins Road in Ferrisburgh on 1/11(JAP,SSW), a single at the DCWMAgoose-viewing pull-off on 1/19(FAP,EBP,TGM) and a threesome alongNortontown Road in Addison on 2/2(JAP,SSW). Yet another good find was alone Fox Sparrow, seen several times ina yard in Danby Four Corners, with itslast visit on 12/10 (NAB), The SongSparrow persevered into winter intypical numbers as 91 CBC birds wererecorded, Overwintering again occurredas 3 birds were seen along Slang Roadin Panton on 2/2 (JMN,EFG,BR]) andanother in Reading on 2/12 wasdescribed as having been "back" fortwo weeks (JDL). In a bit of a surprisethe Swamp Sparrow eluded all observ­ers but the White-throated Sparrowenj~yed its best CBC season since 1992.However, the only February sightingwas of a single bird in Ferrisburgh on2/2 (TGM). The handsome White­crowned Sparrow, never very fond of

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Vermont winters, nonetheless showedup in Bennington and Woodstock, thusmaking it 5 years in a row on the CBCtally sheet. Joining the sparrow brigadewas the Dark-eyed Iunco with itssecond huge CBC showing in the last 3years. Springfield alone tallied 1001individuals, easily a new high for asingle count. Feeder flocks in the 15720

range were reported from Barnard(JNF), Manchester Center (BWP), S.Londonderry (WJN) and Woodstock(JMN). Numbers for the LaplandLongspur were about average, with allreports coming from the Champlainvalley, except for one on the SaxtonsRiver CBC. Maximum counts fromreaders were 8 at the Route 17 goose­viewing area on 1/1 (NAB), 9 atDCWMA on 1/18 (SSW) and 7 alongNortontown Road in Addison on 1/19(TGM,FAP,EBP). However, results forthe Snow Bunting were rather poor,especially in comparison to the previ­ous year. A CBC production of 149birds was the lowest since 1992, butreaders came in with a few good flocks.The largest were 300 birds in Charlotteon 1/21 (TGM), 200 along Slang Roadon 2/2 (JMN,EFG,BRJ) and 150 inPanton on 1/15 (FAP,EBP).

BLACKBIRDS THROUGH

WEAVERSA Red-winged Blackbird count

of 11 for the entire CBC season was lowbut not unprecedented. Only 3 Januaryreports were received, with 1 in Essexas late as 1/3 (RBL), 2 in Cornwall on 1/19 (FAP,EBP) and another in Bridport,also on 1/19 (TGM). February sightingsby contributors gave evidence of agood influx of early migrants from thesouth. Representative were 12 birds inWilliston on 2/15 (RBL), followed by 30in Danby Four Corners on 2/22 (NAB),15 in Charlotte on 2/25 (TGM), 30 in S.Londonderry on 2/27 (WJN), 50 inWoodstock on 2/28 (CRP) and 40 inEssex, also on 2/28 (RBL). Distinctlyuncommon in Winter, the EasternMeadowlark provided a nice CBCsurprise when 4 birds were uncoveredin Burlington. This species has virtuallyboycotted the CBC since back in 1987,when Bennington recorded a recordhigh of 10. Meanwhile, the CommonGrackle was anything but common,with just 7 CBC birds. Lingerers were inDanby Four Corners on 12/7-8 (NAB),in Weybridge on 12/30 and 1/13 (MBN)and at a Brandon feeder as late as 2/4

(SSW). Early birds from the southincluded 1 in Thetford on 2/23 (KRT), 1in Essex on 2/28 (RBL), 2 in Weybridgeon 2/28 (MBN) and 6 in Woodstock on2/28 (CRP). A Brown-headed CowbirdCBC tally of 118 was the lowest since1985; however, the survival of thisspecies seems not in jeopardy. A flockof about 30 was in Cornwall at leastthrough 1/19 (TGM,FAP,EBP), while 7were still there on 2/15 (TGM). Earlymigrants included 2 in Weybridge on 2/24 (MBN), 8 in Brandon on 2/25 (SSW)and 2 in Essex on 2/28 (RBL).

The erratic Pine Grosbeak wasscarce, with just a handful of CBC birds,along with 12 in Sheffield on 2/4(PFW,SAW) and 7 in Woodstock on 2/9(JMN). But the Purple Finch reboundedfrom a dismal season in 1995-96 to posta good CBC tally and also to bring a bitof color and class to a number offeeding stations. High counts fromreaders were 65 in Grand Isle (D]H) , 35in Brandon (SSW) and 30 in Weybridge(MBN). The House Finch declined forthe second year in a row, the victim ofa serious outbreak of conjunctivitis.CBC numbers were down about 60%from 1994 and feeder flocks at least asdrastically. Maximum counts were 30 inBrandon (SSW) and 28 in Dorset (EFG),but most stations hosted fewer than 10birds. It was another off year for theRed Crossbill, generally a ratheruncommon winter visitor. Eight CBCbirds were supplemented by 12 inWeston on 12/14 (TGM) and a lone­some single in Sherburne on 12/27(JMN). The White-winged Crossbill wasonly slightly more numerous, with thebest count 15 in Rochester on 2/2(KRT). Other reports were limited to 22CBC birds, a single in Ripton on 1/21(WBK), a pair in Sheffield on 1/26(PFW,SAW) and 4 at Moose Bogon 2/18 (PAS). Yet another of the

Snow Buntings

northern finches in short supply wasthe Common Redpoll. The only reportscame from the CBC with Plainfield's 20birds easily the high count. At least thePine Siskin came through with respect­able numbers, especially during theCBC. The most favored feeder appearsto have been in Georgia, where up to100 birds were visitors (EMA,RDB). Notsatisfied with its high established justtwo years ago, the American Goldfinchstormed the gates in record numbers,paced by 819 birds on the SpringfieldCBC. Feeder flocks in the 50-60 rangewere widespread, but by late winternumbers were noticeably reduced. AEuropean Goldfinch at a feeder in NewHaven on 12/22 (AK) must have been asurprise and a delight, but one can onlyassume it was an escapee. The some­what mystifying decline of the EveningGrosbeak continued into its fifth winter,as an unprecedented low of 358 CBCbirds were found. As recently as 1991the figure stood at 5892, while countsduring the 1980s on four occasionsexceeded 8000 birds and only oncedipped below 2000. However, readersdid report a few feeder flocks of note:up to 54 in Reading (EJH,FMH), amaximum of 45 in Sheffield (PFW,SAW)and perhaps 25 in Barnard (JAK).Perhaps out of sympathy, the~Sparrow also went into retreat. A CBCtally of 6843 was down about 4000 fromthe prior year and was the secondlowest total since 1979.

~.:".,L;;.' ,;::~l' ...

.-~_..~~..'" ~.' ......:;::;:-' ~ARTIN

PAGE 7

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Joyce AlexanderTed Allen"Elizabeth AltonKen AltonJim Andrews"Jean ArrowsmithRay BarnesGordon BrownNancy BrownNance BurkePolly CarterMike CassaraDon Clark"William CrenshawDan Crook"Allison DeenBonnie Dundas"Eleanor Ellis"Walter Ellison"Steve FaccioJean FlemingC}, FrankiewiczBetty GilbertHam GillettChet GreenwoodKate GriegsVerna HarveyDavid HoagEdna HuntFred HuntBetty JillsonTait JohanssonAllen KarnatzJean KillamWarren KingMark Labarr"

Jay LashDavid LaughlinSally Laughlin"

Michael LittleGeorge LisiHeidi MarioDonna MartinNancy Martin"Betty McGuireScott MorricalTed MurinMarjorie NelsonWhitney Nichols"Julie Nicholson"William Norse"

CONTRIBUTORSJATSAEMAKA

JSAJRARDBGRBNABNBuPCMCDCWJCDHCAMDBCDEEWGESDFJNFC]FEFGHCCGKGVH

DJHEJHFMHBRJTEJAKJAKWBKMSL]WLJDLSBLMJLGPLHMDMMNLMBMSWMTGMMBNWDN

JMNWJN

PAGE 8/ RECORDS OF VERMONT BIRDS

SN Sue NostrandFO Frank Oatman"MP Michele Patenaude"DP Dave PetersonJAP Judy PetersonRWP Roy Pilcher"AP Alan Plstorius"CRP Carol PowellBWP Barbara PowersPWR Pen Reed Jr.CCR Chris RimmerPCR Peter RileySJS Jean SangdahlWS Warner SheddPAS Pete SmithMS Michael SweetmanPAT Pat TaberKRT Kevin TaftTOT Tim TraverCWa Carol WagnerPSW Paul WagnerSAW Shirley WagnerSSW Sue WetmoreCW Charles Wiley·JW Jon Wood

*Christmas count compiler.

NOTES ON THE

DOCUMENTATION OF

RARE BIRD SPECIES

The Vermont Bird RecordsCommittee (VBRC) emphasizesthe importance of detailed,descriptive documentation of allrarities, rare nesting species orout-of-season species. It isfrustrating for both the observerand the committee to have atantalizing sighting of a rarespecies rejected for listing dueto insufficient details.

The committee is anxious toinvolve all Vermont birders inproducing as accurate a Ver­mont state list as possible. Thislist and all documentation mustbe credible to future ornitholo­gists who will use the materialfor research.

In the field, writing down thesalient points of identification,talking into a tape recorder,making a sketch or taking aphotograph are ways to helpwith accurate recounting later.

The Rare Species Documenta­tion (RSD) form is both for filingthe reports and is intended as aguide for the informationneeded. After completing thefirst page, reporters may preferto write the description of thebird on a separate sheet of paperwhile also checking the form forthe details requested. The com­mittee welcomes suggestions forimproving the reporting andvoting process.

Again, the VRBC expresses itsthanks to all observers who havecontributed valuable informationto the Vermont state list.

The VermontInstitute of NaturalScience is a nonprofit

organization that recognizesscientific research and environ­mental education are the mosteffective ways to appreciate andprotect the natural world.VINSmembers receive free admissionto the Vermont Raptor Center,subscriptions to our naturalhistory publications, privileges atthe Olin S.Pettingill naturalhistory library and discounts onnature programs, workshops,courses, field trips and itemsfrom our gift shops.

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Vermont Christmas Counts 1996-1997

~W ~OJ Ul en ~~ ~.g> ~::2:o I

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Red-throated Loon 1 1Common Loon 24 1 4 7 36Pied-billed Grebe 1 1 1 3Horned Grebe 81 16 11 1 109Red-necked Grebe 1 1 3 5Double-crested Cormorant 1 1Great Blue Heron 1 4 1 2 1 1 cp 10Mute Swan 2 2Snow Goose 20 cp 112 7 139Canada Goose 569 953 132 752 985 1645 56 115 5207Wood Duck 2 2Green-winged Teal 1 1American Black Duck 18 2 76 38 165 105 25 3 15 3 27 30 11 518Mallard 174 22 210 10 1199 640 33 20 2 98 39 106 2553Northern Pintail 1 1 2Mallard Hybrid 1 1 1 3Canvasback 1 1Redhead 4 4Ring-necked Duck 2 2Greater Scaup 322 1 74 397Lesser Scaup 3 3Oldsquaw 2 5 1 8Black Scoter 2 2Scoter sp. 16 16White-winged Scoter 15 1 16Common Goldeneye 22 180 2 626 1196 41 2 2 2071Barrow's Goldeneye 1 1 2Bufflehead 48 1 34 3 5 91Hooded Merqanser 6 3 22 18 20 4 5 78Common Merganser 9 14 73 26 271 1188 1 18 2 3 8 18 86 1717Red-breasted Merganser 15 2 2 1 20Duck Sp. 6 6Bald Eagle 9 1 4 cp 1 15Northern Harrier 9 cp 2 9 20Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 cp 6 2 4 2 5 1 1 1 1 1 3 28Coooer's Hawk 1 1 5 3 co 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 21Northern Goshawk cp 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 11Accipiter Sp, 1 1Red-tailed Hawk 49 6 49 20 1 15 8 60 12 5 1 2 14 3 7 252Rouqh-leqqed Hawk 30 2 2 9 1 3 47ButeoSp. 1 1Hawk Sp. 2 2American Kestrel 1 2 3Merlin 2 1 1 4Peregrine Falcon 2 2Gyrfalcon 1 1Gray Partridge 8 8Rina-necked Pheasant 1 2 3Ruffed Grouse 4 12 12 2 4 11 6 20 6 12 5 18 11 13 9 145Wild Turkey co 37 20 41 35 10 11 46 cp 64 264Northern Bobwhite 1 1Bonaparte's Gull 16 16Ring-billed Gull 1 385 1 656 145 53 2 7 1250Herrina Gull 2 44 769 25 188 120 6 5 1 1 52 1213Iceland Gull 1 1Glaucous Gull 3 1 4Great Black-backed Gull 24 110 4 153 47 3 1 240 582GuliSp. 83 14 97Rock Dove 1527 108 645 42 457 160 919 671 538 1297 400 277 331 685 333 659 9049Mourning Dove 438 208 402 18 441 76 277 393 943 660 358 45 158 541 102 335 5395Eastern Screech-Owl 3 1 1 5Great Horned Owl co 1 2 2 2 1 8Snowy Owl cp cpNorthern Hawk Owl 2 2

Page 1 cp =observed duringcountperiod

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Vermont Christmas Counts 1996-1997

~l1? ~Cll ....It,~ (J) ~O

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Barred Owl 1 1 1 2 cp 1 6Lone-eared Owl 1 1Short-eared Owl 2 1 3Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 1 1 3Owlsp. 1 1Belted Kinqfisher 4 1 1 5 1 2 1 1 3 1 20Red-headed Woodpecker 1 1Red-bellied Woodpecker co 1 1Downy Woodpecker 26 8 74 8 30 8 60 62 85 53 32 13 26 39 21 69 614Hailv Woodpecker 12 5 18 10 8 7 21 25 25 18 19 13 40 12 28 36 297Northern Flicker 4 2 4 1 8 2 1 22Pileated Woodpecker 1 cp 10 2 2 1 13 4 6 4 4 3 5 7 3 4 69Horned Lark 4 389 150 189 732Gray Jay 5 5Blue Jay 265 82 299 160 332 207 164 165 291 814 465 66 418 452 466 667 5313American Crow 346 86 554 19 399 22 611 553 524 528 153 155 386 728 499 474 6037Common Raven 4 4 12 21 4 5 7 4 11 30 10 11 40 7 20 6 196Black-capped Chickadee 341 145 1020 394 639 343 611 554 609 1181 1481 584 1447 1023 594 1614 12580Boreal Chickadee 26 26Tufted Titmouse 25 21 18 41 3 69 9 15 63 21 24 40 349Red-breasted Nuthatch 4 2 37 7 16 6 4 4 21 79 33 117 28 24 28 410White-breasted Nuthatch 35 15 136 4 32 21 75 45 90 77 83 9 41 96 17 83 859Brown Creeper 3 11 2 6 4 15 3 1 6 30 3 19 12 4 21 140Carolina Wren 1 1Winter Wren 1 1 1 1 4Golden-crowned Kinglet 11 7 17 11 7 4 2 27 42 11 69 4 7 14 233Ruby-crowned Kinqlet 2 2Eastern Bluebird 29 3 34 31 4 101Hermit Thrush 1 1American Robin 20 822 1 122 22 457 cp 1 1 2 1 1 1450Gray Catbird 2 2Northern MockinGbird 1 2 2 7 3 1 1 1 18Bohemian Waxwing 3 3Cedar Waxwing 51 34 423 79 111 1322 164 48 191 27 2450Northern Shrike 4 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 3 2 4 29European Starling 2748 138 2800 56 1331 67 1355 3065 4250 881 381 738 373 2151 193 470 20997Solilary Vireo 1 1Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 3 4Northern Cardinal 49 16 42 3 42 2 66 32 48 65 20 5 18 62 56 526Rufous-sided Towhee 1 1American Tree Sparrow 167 19 425 4 81 5 75 157 435 84 6 24 85 85 47 97 1796Chipping Sparrow 1 1 2Field Sparrow 1 1Song Sparrow 4 3 4 38 11 8 7 7 1 4 4 91White-throated Sparrow 27 1 8 20 10 11 1 1 4 1 1 8 93White-crowned Sparrow 1 1 2Dark-eyed Junco 308 112 120 10 278 34 71 61 224 1001 173 19 66 91 39 321 2928Lapland Longspur 17 1 16 34Snow Buntinq 43 25 20 20 12 1 8 20 149Red-winced Blackbird cp 6 3 cp 2 11Eastern Meadowlark 4 4Common Grackle 2 1 1 3 7Brown-headed Cowbird cp 13 2 2 cp 15 49 5 20 2 10 118Pine Grosbeak 1 5 3 9Purple Finch 19 3 253 12 2 79 40 112 19 19 5 142 59 24 9 797House Finch 155 40 286 195 11 152 485 445 369 74 20 39 192 13 202 2678Red Crossbill co 1 4 3 8White-winged Crossbill 2 8 2 10 cp 22Common Redpoll 13 2 2 20 2 39Pine Siskin 116 417 44 37 113 85 216 17 69 425 133 133 115 1920American Goldfinch 181 267 666 85 360 101 198 730 661 819 379 319 436 369 526 615 6712Evening Grosbeak cp 105 26 2 5 10 54 76 1 61 18 358House Sparrow 322 134 872 17 806 17 441 865 799 586 207 195 184 792 159 447 6843Finch so, 12 12TOTAL INDIVIDUALS 7955 1728 13969 1079 6122 1193 10230 12908 14313 9165 4523 2731 5123 8084 3512 6984 109619TOTAL SPECIES 41 39 78 29 54 31 60 69 77 50 42 35 44 46 36 48 118

Page 2 cp =observed duringcountperiod