Happy New Year to all! Along with the arrival of the New Year came a bundle of fun surprises: skiers and resort owners clapped their hands in glee with the advent of nearly a foot of beautiful powder, thousands of international visitors stood it out in Times Square to watch the 100th crystal ball drop and signal midnight, and I was pleased to have a few very special bird sightings.
Naturally with all the beautiful snow we have had, there has been a spike in bird activity as our feathered friends search for food. Watching the snow fall from the warmth of the living room, I was pleased to see a smattering of slate-colored juncos, hopping through the newly-fallen powder and trying to avoid sinking into the fluff. The regulars have been making their rounds as well; the cardinal family usually stops by at least once a day, as well as the chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches. The backyard is just like a picture-postcard, with birds darting between the snow-covered fir trees and hopping through the powder.
In addition to the regulars, however, on Christmas Eve my family and I were overjoyed to see a less common winter visitor—a fluffy Barred Owl perched in one of the willow trees in the backyard. Just as twilight began to creep over the mountain, I glimpsed the beautiful bird landing for a rest before it flew off into the woods a few minutes later. What luck to have been looking out the window just in time to see such a magnificent creature! This of course, is the beginning of mating season for most of our Vermont species of owls. Therefore, they will be more vocal and more visible for the next few weeks, which is great for birdwatchers who are willing to withstand the cold and seek them out.
For some post-eggnog fun, bundle up and walk near the woods at night and try your hand at some owl calls. The best time to do this is when the weather is clear and the temperature is in the thirties. Making owl calls at this time of year is a great way to attract and see various owls, who will investigate the call. Who knows, you might get lucky and see a few nocturnal beauties or at least get a hooty reply!
Lastly, on the way back from my cousin’s wedding in New Brunswick, Canada, we were making our way through Maine when I spotted an impressive wingspan in the sky ahead of the car. Operating on a hunch, I looked carefully at the bird and was delighted to see the telltale white head of none other than a majestic Bald Eagle, soaring over the frozen landscape! Later on, we spotted another perched in a tall pine at the side of the road. While I have heard of people spotting Bald Eagles in the Dorset-Manchester area, I, myself, have never been fortunate enough to see one in the wild. What a great way to end the 2007 birding year.
What was your most special sighting of 2007? 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 (and warm) birding!
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