I think it is now safe to say that Fall has come to Vermont. To the delight of anxious leaf-peepers and residents alike, the hills are now a patchwork quilt of luscious orange, reds, and yellows and there is an autumnal chill in the air, just perfect for taking a walk outside. Fall is always a wonderful season for bird-watching, not only because of the variety of migrating species that pass through the region, but because you always have an excuse to venture into the great outdoors to witness nature for yourself.
Having decided to seize the opportunity to take a walk down the road, I was most definitely rewarded for my efforts. First of all, I was pleased to see a small flock of White-Crowned Sparrows making their way down from Northern Canada to the Southern US. Every year in early fall these pretty little birds always make their annual pit-stop in Dorset over the span of about a week. With their white crowns and distinctive black bands on their heads, they are always a welcome sight in the garden. Later in the day I saw two giant flocks of Canada Geese, in the tradition V-formation, noisily making their way across the sky. After all, can one truly say it is autumn until the change in season has been heralded by the honks of hundreds of migrating geese? Yes, it seems that all of our feathered friends are in pre-winter mode. Even the hundreds of goldfinches have shed their buttery yellow feathers for a duller grey counterpart.
On another note, I was pleased to receive an e-mail from Rick, an avid nature and bird photographer, regarding my most recent two-part column, “The Birding Revolution.” If it is at all possible, make sure to check out Rick’s website and nature blog at www.bugdreams.com and click on the link for birds. You won’t be disappointed! His photos of birds in flight, performing dazzling aerial maneuvers are simply stunning. Rick’s work is a prime example of how the Internet has changed the way we bird. “I think the Internet has helped me reach more people with my bird images,” Rick wrote, “but I still spend hundreds of hours just watching them in my backyard.”
Do you have any questions regarding any of my columns or any birds you have seen in your backyard? Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at chickadee@att.net. Until next time, Happy Birding!
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