We are nearing the end of species moving out of state for the winter. One of the last to leave, American Woodcock should be just about gone by now. If you missed it, WCAX Wildlife Watch recently featured an American Woodcock tracking project. Meanwhile, winter arrivals to look for include Northern Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Horned Lark, Bohemian Waxwing, Common Redpoll, and more.
—Doug Morin doug.morin@vermont.gov
What to Look For in the Next Two Weeks
Snow Geese continue moving through the Champlain Valley. Reports are up to 3,000 at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area. They will likely hit peak numbers in the next few weeks. They are likely near peak numbers now, though sightings will typically continue through mid-December. While at Dead Creek WMA, observers may also find Short Eared Owls and Northern Harriers over the open fields.
Now is a great time to pull out the feeders, give them a thorough cleaning, and buy some feed before the start of the season. Feeders are an excellent way to attract winter seed-eating birds. Black-oil sunflower seed is a great all-around option, while “thistle” (or “nyjer”) seed is the favorite of Goldfinches, Siskins, and Redpolls. We recommend bird feeders be placed outside no sooner than December 1, to minimize conflicts with bears. Also, to protect the birds you are feeding we recommend cleaning and sanitizing feeders weekly and keeping domestic cats indoors.
Fish and Wildlife is for the Birds
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department staff are reviewing monitoring results from the 2021 season with their partners at Audubon Vermont and the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Ongoing projects studying Eastern Whip-poor-will, Common Tern, Chimney Swift, and Grasshopper Sparrow underscore causes for concern for many species in Vermont. At the same time, it was a good year for other species with at least 52 Peregrine Falcon pairs, 45 Bald Eagle pairs, and 109 Common Loon pairs—records or near-records for each. These results speak to the conservation successes possible with sustained effort from federal and state agencies, conservation groups, and individuals.
Upcoming Events
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Birds of Vermont Museum: monthly bird monitoring walks
- Rutland County Audubon: Multiple events
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Friends of the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge: monthly bird monitoring walk
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Christmas Bird Counts are right around the corner, starting in early-mid December
Do you have an event you would like posted here? Content you would like covered? A question answered?
Contact Doug at doug.morin@vermont.gov, with the subject line “Birding Report.”
See Also:
- Vermont ebird
- Vermont Wildlife Management Areas
- Bird Watching
- Vermont Audubon
- Vermont Center for Ecostudies
- Birds of Vermont Museum