This being the end of the holiday season, many of us have probably already said our goodbyes to relatives whom we welcomed into our homes over the holidays. Aunt Fanny has gone back to Florida, Uncle Jim is off on another business trip, and the in-laws are far away. However, just when we last expected it, we have to prepare to welcome our Canadian cousins. Well, not our cousins—the birds’ cousins, down from the North.
Over the past few weeks, and in recent days here in the Northshire area, there has been an increasing and unusual surge in birds coming down from Canada. Case in point: I saw a small flock of Hoary and Common Redpolls, both uncommon south of the Canadian border just yesterday feasting on some newly-scattered sunflower seeds. These fluffy little birds closely resemble sparrows, except they sport deep red patches on their foreheads. So, the next time you think you see a bunch of sparrows, take a closer look; it might be a group of redpolls.
Redpolls are not the only ones coming down to Southern Vermont. According to an article in The Keene Sentinel from Western New Hampshire, record numbers of pine grosbeaks, snow buntings, and redpolls were counted in the annual Christmas bird count. This phenomenon, commonly called irruption, results from an increasing number of birds fly south to find reliable food sources. With the bitterly cold temperatures and abnormally high amounts of snowfall in Canada this year, many of our Canadian cousins have clearly decided to spend their winter vacation in more temperate climates.
In addition, during our brief thaw last week, I was pleasantly surprised to spot a Great Blue Heron wading through the rather chilly waters of the Dorset Pond. I had certainly never seen a blue heron after autumn here in Vermont, and sure enough, upon checking my field guide, I affirmed that herons do indeed migrate. While I have no explanation for this sighting, I suppose the heron was a straggler who decided to do a little ice fishing instead of traveling to warmer regions.
Have you had any interesting sightings to start the New Year right? If so, I’d love to hear all about them, as well as any comments or questions you might have. Make sure to e-mail me at chickadee@att.net Happy birding!
Over the past few weeks, and in recent days here in the Northshire area, there has been an increasing and unusual surge in birds coming down from Canada. Case in point: I saw a small flock of Hoary and Common Redpolls, both uncommon south of the Canadian border just yesterday feasting on some newly-scattered sunflower seeds. These fluffy little birds closely resemble sparrows, except they sport deep red patches on their foreheads. So, the next time you think you see a bunch of sparrows, take a closer look; it might be a group of redpolls.
Redpolls are not the only ones coming down to Southern Vermont. According to an article in The Keene Sentinel from Western New Hampshire, record numbers of pine grosbeaks, snow buntings, and redpolls were counted in the annual Christmas bird count. This phenomenon, commonly called irruption, results from an increasing number of birds fly south to find reliable food sources. With the bitterly cold temperatures and abnormally high amounts of snowfall in Canada this year, many of our Canadian cousins have clearly decided to spend their winter vacation in more temperate climates.
In addition, during our brief thaw last week, I was pleasantly surprised to spot a Great Blue Heron wading through the rather chilly waters of the Dorset Pond. I had certainly never seen a blue heron after autumn here in Vermont, and sure enough, upon checking my field guide, I affirmed that herons do indeed migrate. While I have no explanation for this sighting, I suppose the heron was a straggler who decided to do a little ice fishing instead of traveling to warmer regions.
Have you had any interesting sightings to start the New Year right? If so, I’d love to hear all about them, as well as any comments or questions you might have. Make sure to e-mail me at chickadee@att.net Happy birding!
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