Date: 11/25/25 1:54 pm From: Brennan Neill <okcomputer66...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Black Vulture in South Burlington
Black Vulture was on side of Shelburne Rd this morning going at some road kill. While I know they are more present in Vermont, I was surprised to see this today.
Date: 11/23/25 5:57 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Bird silhouettes question
Teage, the book Hawks in Flight has pages and pages of illustrations. The first edition is black-and-white; the second has more elegant photos and even more pages. I’ve got both, if you’d like to borrow one or both. I’ll be in Essex Junction, Winooski and up near Costco tomorrow morning and could meet you, if that works.
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
Date: 11/21/25 8:57 am From: rachel west <rjwest68...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Alaska
I appreciate all this information sharing!
I want to plan a northern trip (Alaska is in the running!) sometime soon as
well, and I love that y'all are also reminding us to connect with local
birding groups, and how to find them.
rachel
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025, 10:27 AM Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
> Hi, everyone - I spent two wonderful weeks on the Kenai Peninsula, but I
> went alone. However, I met several members of the Anchorage Audubon Society
> - and they’re energetic, enthusiastic, and helpful! Contacting them would
> give any visitor to Alaska lots of great ideas!
> Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
>
> > On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:12 AM, Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
> >
> > My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has
> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so
> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
>
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 5:09 PM Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> wrote:
> Also, Katmai Nat'l Park is a premier site for geology as well as birds.
>
> On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM Robert Provost <ropro222...>
> wrote:
>
> > Fantastic tips! Thanks Ted
> >
> > > On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:26 AM, Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > Bob, I spent two summers in AK on assignment for a children's book.
> > Here is
> > > my list of three don't misses:
> > >
> > > 1) Kodiak Island — loaded with *big* bears, black-phased red foxes, and
> > > golden-crowned sparrows.
> > > 2) Denali National Park — leaded with all sorts of mammals (we two two
> > > wolverines, herds of Dall sheep, barren ground caribou, and courting
> > > gyrfalcons among a many other bird species.
> > > 3) Round Island — thousands of male walruses, and seven species alcids
> > >
> > > Ted
> > >
> > >> On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM Robert Provost <ropro222...>
> > wrote:
> > >>
> > >> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
> > >> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the
> group
> > has
> > >> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge
> state
> > so
> > >> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
> > >>
> >
>
I just read an article by Jessica Vaughan in the November/December BWD magazine called Gear Guide. She has recommended several midrange priced binoculars. They are: Hawke Frontier ED x 8x42 binoculars, Zeiss SFL 12x50 binoculars and Celestron Nature DX ED 8x42 binoculars. Maybe one of these would work for you.
Barbara Powers
Sent from my iPad
> On Nov 20, 2025, at 5:44 PM, Nancy Jacobus <000003381e6ae5cf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> I am looking for good binoculars for birding for a gift.
> I have Monarch 7 & really like them, but have had them a long time & don’t know if there is something else folks like.
> Thx
> Nancy
>
> Sent from my iPad
Hi Nancy! This is a perennial question, and it really comes down to one
main factor — your price point.
If you’re looking to buy in the Monarch’s range, the Vortex Diamondback is
probably your best bet. It’s one of the most commonly encountered
binoculars in the field today thanks to its balance of performance, price,
and the well-known lifetime guarantee.
If you’re considering a higher-end option, I’m happy to share some
additional recommendations from other companies.
PS — Keep an eye out for post-Thanksgiving sales, like Black Friday and
Cyber Monday!
Cheers,
Chad Witko
Birding University
Join our community!
https://birdinguniversity.substack.com/
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 5:46 PM Sue Wetmore <
<000006207b3956ac-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Vortex offers a nice variety of options and they come with a lifetime
> guarantee .
> Sue W
>
> Sent from my iPod
>
> > On Nov 20, 2025, at 5:44 PM, Nancy Jacobus <
> <000003381e6ae5cf-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >
> > like.
> > Thx
>
I am looking for good binoculars for birding for a gift.
I have Monarch 7 & really like them, but have had them a long time & don’t know if there is something else folks like.
Thx
Nancy
Also, Katmai Nat'l Park is a premier site for geology as well as birds.
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
> Fantastic tips! Thanks Ted
>
> > On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:26 AM, Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> wrote:
> >
> > Bob, I spent two summers in AK on assignment for a children's book.
> Here is
> > my list of three don't misses:
> >
> > 1) Kodiak Island — loaded with *big* bears, black-phased red foxes, and
> > golden-crowned sparrows.
> > 2) Denali National Park — leaded with all sorts of mammals (we two two
> > wolverines, herds of Dall sheep, barren ground caribou, and courting
> > gyrfalcons among a many other bird species.
> > 3) Round Island — thousands of male walruses, and seven species alcids
> >
> > Ted
> >
> >> On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM Robert Provost <ropro222...>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
> >> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group
> has
> >> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state
> so
> >> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
> >>
>
Agree about Keanu Peninsula. It’s worth it for the eagles alone. Kay in Hinesburg
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, 8:27 AM, Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
Hi, everyone - I spent two wonderful weeks on the Kenai Peninsula, but I went alone. However, I met several members of the Anchorage Audubon Society - and they’re energetic, enthusiastic, and helpful! Contacting them would give any visitor to Alaska lots of great ideas!
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
> On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:12 AM, Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
>
> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
I've had a female Red-winged Blackbird at my feeders most of the afternoon. Not expecting to see one, it took me a few minutes to figure out what it was!
Date: 11/20/25 9:42 am From: mary anderson <maaa7591...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Alaska
i spent over three weeks this summer there and agree with kenai peninsula
and denali...If you want to see northern lights and are at the tail end of
summer go to fairbanks. I can give more details where if you want.
My highlights were kayaking among the icebergs and ice climbing in
cravasses in the glaciers, both with tours out of Seward. Out of glacier
bay I saw a lot of two different puffins, and lots more wildlife. Taking
the ferry from Bellingham washington was fun.
Be in touch if you want more details. Or go to my blog and see the pics...
themarybadass.wordpress.com
mary
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has
> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so
> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
>
Date: 11/20/25 9:07 am From: Robert Provost <ropro222...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Alaska
Fantastic tips! Thanks Ted
> On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:26 AM, Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> wrote:
>
> Bob, I spent two summers in AK on assignment for a children's book. Here is
> my list of three don't misses:
>
> 1) Kodiak Island — loaded with *big* bears, black-phased red foxes, and
> golden-crowned sparrows.
> 2) Denali National Park — leaded with all sorts of mammals (we two two
> wolverines, herds of Dall sheep, barren ground caribou, and courting
> gyrfalcons among a many other bird species.
> 3) Round Island — thousands of male walruses, and seven species alcids
>
> Ted
>
>> On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
>>
>> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
>> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has
>> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so
>> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
>>
We offer occasional birding trips to Alaska during the summer. While we
don't have anything on the calendar for summer 2026, we are putting
together a trip for summer 2027. The itinerary would hit several
highly-coveted birding destinations - Nome, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow),
Saint Paul Island, and Seward. Each part features exciting birds, mammals,
and scenery. Just a few of the many highlights include: Willow and Rock
Ptarmigan, Tufted and Horned Puffin, up to 3 species of murrelets and 4
species of auklets, Red-legged Kittiwake, Bluethroat, Gyrfalcon, Muskoxen,
potentially all three species of bear (polar, black, and brown), glaciers,
reindeer, the arctic midnight sun, Aleutian Tern, American Dipper, Arctic
Foxes, breeding shorebirds, and the potential for Asian rarities on Saint
Paul Island in the Bering Sea.
We plan on offering a diverse array of Alaska trips in the future including
more destinations (such as Adak in the Aleutians) and more times of year
(such as fall for Ross's Gull migration and other rare birds).
We are still finalizing the trip, but if you want to hear more or have us
hold a space for you, please feel free to reach out!
Happy Birding,
--
Sam Darmstadt (He/Him)
Partner and guide
FlyAway Birding <http://flyawaybirding.com/> (802) 477-3667 | <sam...>
521 Saint Paul St.
Burlington, VT 05401
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:27 AM Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> wrote:
> Hi, everyone - I spent two wonderful weeks on the Kenai Peninsula, but I
> went alone. However, I met several members of the Anchorage Audubon Society
> - and they’re energetic, enthusiastic, and helpful! Contacting them would
> give any visitor to Alaska lots of great ideas!
> Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
>
> > On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:12 AM, Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
> >
> > My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has
> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so
> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
>
Date: 11/20/25 7:27 am From: Maeve Kim <maevekim7...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Alaska
Hi, everyone - I spent two wonderful weeks on the Kenai Peninsula, but I went alone. However, I met several members of the Anchorage Audubon Society - and they’re energetic, enthusiastic, and helpful! Contacting them would give any visitor to Alaska lots of great ideas!
Maeve Kim, Jericho Center
> On Nov 20, 2025, at 10:12 AM, Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
>
> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
Bob, I spent two summers in AK on assignment for a children's book. Here is
my list of three don't misses:
1) Kodiak Island — loaded with *big* bears, black-phased red foxes, and
golden-crowned sparrows.
2) Denali National Park — leaded with all sorts of mammals (we two two
wolverines, herds of Dall sheep, barren ground caribou, and courting
gyrfalcons among a many other bird species.
3) Round Island — thousands of male walruses, and seven species alcids
Ted
On Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM Robert Provost <ropro222...> wrote:
> My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some
> birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has
> any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so
> trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
>
Date: 11/20/25 7:18 am From: Robert Provost <ropro222...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Alaska
My wife and I thinking about heading to Alaska next summer for some birding and scenic/wildlife experiences. Curious if anyone in the group has any suggestions regarding tour groups or guides. Know it’s a huge state so trying to pick our spots. Thanks for any tips!
Date: 11/20/25 5:50 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 20 November 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
6:33 a.m. (seventeen minutes before sunrise). Sixteen degrees, wind
West-northwest two miles per hour, gusting to three (noticeable only to the
few stubborn beech leaves still fixed to twigs). The sky lightens, night
foreclosed. A pastel palette of lavender and rose across the east. Hemlock
shadows wane, an owl barks.
Ambiguous mositure—Clouds? River fog?—like waves lap the shores of the New
Hampshire hills ... narrow and mercurial.
6:36 a.m. Driveway ensemble: golden-crowned kinglets (whispering),
black-capped chickadees (reiteratively calling), red-breasted nuthatches
(tricycle-horn toots), and American goldfinches (airborne stammering).
Three chickadees explore the textured bark of a crabapple, an ample tree
whose thick, angular limbs run parallel to ground. Whatever the birds'
breakfast, it isn't big enough for me to see, let alone identify.
6:44 a.m. An excessively chatty crow, caws with abiding certainty. Alone
and headed northwest ... toward Ottauquechee River and Deweys Pond, where
mist rises like dancing ponies.
Barred owl signs off. Red-tailed hawk signs on. High in the crown of the
tallest white pine. A long-distant scream. Trails off then builds up. On
and off like a soundtrack from *Rawhide* or some other 1960s western (a
spellbinding scream often and wrongly attributed to a golden eagle). Then,
redtail bolts pine. Deep, slow flaps (still shrieking). Out of a shadow,
over the road, over the hill, into sunshine, trailing its voice behind. The
dynastic authority of a seasonal visitor ... here until snow buries the
meadows.
Taking a cue from the silence of the owl and the jurisdiction of the hawk,
a raccoon waddles down the road. Heads into the woods. Silent like smoke.
Fourteen mourning doves whir overhead, flapping like their wings are on
fire. The birth of another day.
Dear birders,May I pls intro First Dog whose panels have helped to save my enviro-sanity for years, a Guardian AU cartoonist frequently featured in G's international editions...sorry if de trop but but if not, well, Brenda the civil disobedience Penguin wants to have a word. Every little helps as we used to say though possibly not in beautiful BellowsFalls,FD's last name is On the Moon : ) where mining is on the cards when we've finished here.Thankful for birds! Veer
_ Art became necessary since nothing else helped. _ Máret Ánne Sara, Sami artist
Date: 11/14/25 8:11 am From: Jeanne Elias <moosewoman...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Mad Birders - Winter Bird Count - Seeking Field Team members
The Mad Birders Winter Bird Count will be held this year on Friday December 19th from 8am until 4pm in Vermont’s fabled Mad River Valley, followed by the WORLD’S BEST POT LUCK DINNER!
We seek volunteer Field Team participants for our Warren, Roxbury and Northfield East sectors. Each of those sectors already has an experienced Team Leader familiar with the route.
Reply to this email for an exciting opportunity to bird a new area, meet fun, cool birders like yourself and experience the WORLD’S BEST POT LUCK DINNER!
Thanks a million!!!!!!
Jeannie Elias for the Mad Birders
Date: 11/14/25 5:30 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 14 November 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
6:22 a.m. (twenty minutes before sunrise). Twenty-six degrees, wind
West-northwest four miles per hour, gusting to fifteen.
As the dawn unfolds, descending in the west, the crescent moon, in the
company of stars, bright like polished silver ... then tarnishes, fades,
vanishes. The clear sky chokes, becomes gray and disheveled as the North
Atlantic.
6:24 a.m. Chickadee and red-breasted nuthatch call in the gloom.
6:38 a.m. Six conversive crows head into the wind. A seventh, on the crown
of a maple, screams—a hilltop cryer—over and over, a voice understood by
the woodland multitudes. An agitated bird with a low threshold for boredom,
cawing ... loudly. Perhaps, a nearby owl or a hawk or a bobcat on tiptoes.
(Crow-speak reminds me of Hebrew but in reverse: I recite the language but
have *no *idea what I'm saying.) Every living thing understands crow. (A nd
jay.)
Ripples of cold pink in the east. Then, molten orange ushers the sun. A
red-tailed hawk screams. Screams again. Flushes from an oak. Through a weft
of limbs, I glimpse the big bird, cream-colored undersides, sliding through
a forest clearing. Slow, rhythmic wingbeats. Over the east side of
Hurricane Hill, hawk dips into the river valley. Its vigil over, crow heads
into the wind.
The pulse of goldfinches that arrived three days ago is still here. In the
meadow. On the feeders. Undulating over tired goldenrod. Juncos stick to
the ground, darting across the road, chipping in the shadows. A robin on a
winterberry. A pileated hurls its voice out of the hemlocks. Doves whir.
Titmice chat. At the feeders, a male downy woodpecker dwarfs a red-breasted
nuthatch. Siskins in the treetops, a congested whisper.
Then, late to the party, blue jays awaken. Piercing shouts, everywhere at
once.
Date: 11/13/25 7:58 am From: Sue Wetmore <000006207b3956ac-dmarc-request...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Sparrow
The distinctive smack call of a fox sparrow greeted me on Hollow Rd in Brandon this morning. I did get a brief look at the lovely bird.
This spot under the power line has consistently been where I see them.
Sue Wetmore
Date: 11/10/25 5:21 pm From: Ken Copenhaver <copenhvr...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Missisquoi NWR Bird Monitoring Walk
Please join us for our monthly bird monitoring walks on the refuge. Ken Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti lead the walks on various refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December when it is on the 2nd Saturday). The purpose of the walks is to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Observations are entered into the Vermont eBird database where the Cornell Lab of Ornithology stores the data. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 187 months of walks, we have recorded 166 species of birds.
This month's walk will be on *Saturday, November 15, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM a**t the Black/Maquam Creek Trail*. Meet at the parking lot on Rt 78, about 2.5 miles west of Swanton village.
*Trail Description**: *The walk starts at a gravel parking lot and proceeds on a grassy path. It then goes up a short but fairly steep bank to cross the railroad tracks and back down a similar bank. The rest of the trail through the floodplain forest is level with trail surfaces varying from gravel to a long boardwalk to a somewhat rougher trail near the far end. There are three benches along the trail, including one at the end. Total distance, out and back, is about 2.25 miles.
Trail conditions: Waterproof shoes or boots are advisable, especially after any recent rain.
If you have any questions, contact me at <copenhvr...>
Our son in law did that region and loved it! Enjoy!!
Thanks,
Nancy
> On Nov 8, 2025, at 14:17, David Guertin <00000d40dcd17dfd-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> I'm already signed up for Cedar's trip and can't wait. The Santa Marta Mountains look spectacular.
>
> Dave G.
>
>> On 11/7/25 11:44 AM, Cedar Stanistreet wrote:
>> Hello Larry,
>>
>> When are you thinking of going? I ask because I have one more spot on a tour I’m leading to Colombia this coming March! The tour is through Holbrook Travel, and is an all-inclusive 8 day tour. We’ll be using expert local guides in each area.
>>
>> All the info is on the website here:
>> https://www.holbrooktravel.com/where-we-travel/central-and-south-america/colombia/colombia-birding-atlantic-coast-and-santa-marta-stanistreet <https://www.holbrooktravel.com/where-we-travel/central-and-south-america/colombia/colombia-birding-atlantic-coast-and-santa-marta-stanistreet> >>
>> Would be fun to have another Vermont birder along!
>>
>> Best,
>> Cedar
>>
>>
>> Cedar Stanistreet
>> (they/them)
>> +1 802 451 0822
>> cedarstanistreet.com
>>
>>>> On Nov 7, 2025, at 11:30, Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello VT birders
>>>
>>> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> Larry
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
I just did their tour at the end of March! It was fantastic!! The Lodge itself is amazing and the food incredible and I thought very reasonably priced!! The birding was spectacular! So many cool experiences! Highly recommend it if you are considering it!
Thanks,
Nancy Riggs
> On Nov 7, 2025, at 16:17, SHERYL LARSEN <000009db0fa33dbd-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>
> Just before Covid hit, my husband and I did a weeklong bird tour with Colombia Birdwatch out of their Aracauna Lodge in Cali. It was a terrific tour that went to locations at a variety of elevations. The highlight was seeing several Cocks-of-the Rock.
>
> I just checked the company’s website and saw they have several tour options.
>
> Sheri Larsen
>
> PS I can send you a link to my photos from that trip if you’re interested. Just email me directly at <larsen007...>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Nov 7, 2025, at 11:30 AM, Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>> Hello VT birders
>> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>> Thanks!
>> Larry
>> Sent from my iPhone
Just before Covid hit, my husband and I did a weeklong bird tour with Colombia Birdwatch out of their Aracauna Lodge in Cali. It was a terrific tour that went to locations at a variety of elevations. The highlight was seeing several Cocks-of-the Rock.
I just checked the company’s website and saw they have several tour options.
Sheri Larsen
PS I can send you a link to my photos from that trip if you’re interested. Just email me directly at <larsen007...>
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 7, 2025, at 11:30 AM, Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>
> Hello VT birders
>
> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>
> Thanks!
> Larry
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/7/25 11:58 am From: FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] There is a link to chips fly away birding in the post I am forwarding to you
Hi Larry,
That's right - we won't be offering a SE Arizona trip until 2027.
Cheers, Chip
www.flyawaybirding.com
On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 4:31 PM Larry Morin <lmorin...> wrote:
> I saw that and it looks great. But, my wish is to do a trip to southern New
> Mexico or Arizona. The Flyawaybirding folks led such a trip this past
> spring. Alan Schned participated and enjoyed it a lot, but they don't have
> one scheduled for next year.
>
> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM Katharine Thompson <kthom22...>
> wrote:
>
> > On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 12:34 PM FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Larry,
> > > I'll be leading a FlyAway Birding trip to Colombia next November. We
> > should
> > > have details on our website fairly soon. I'd be happy to keep you
> posted!
> > > Cheers, Chip
> > > www.flyawaybirding.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 1:30 PM Larry Levine <levine5279...>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hello VT birders
> > > >
> > > > I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > > Larry
> > > >
> > > > Sent from my iPhone
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
Date: 11/7/25 11:32 am From: Sue Wetmore <000006207b3956ac-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] There is a link to chips fly away birding in the post I am forwarding to you
Field Guides does Az trips.
Sue Wetmore
Sent from my iPod
> On Nov 7, 2025, at 2:31 PM, Larry Morin <lmorin...> wrote:
>
> I saw that and it looks great. But, my wish is to do a trip to southern New
> Mexico or Arizona. The Flyawaybirding folks led such a trip this past
> spring. Alan Schned participated and enjoyed it a lot, but they don't have
> one scheduled for next year.
>
>> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM Katharine Thompson <kthom22...> wrote:
>>
>> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 12:34 PM FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Larry,
>>> I'll be leading a FlyAway Birding trip to Colombia next November. We
>> should
>>> have details on our website fairly soon. I'd be happy to keep you posted!
>>> Cheers, Chip
>>> www.flyawaybirding.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 1:30 PM Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello VT birders
>>>>
>>>> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks!
>>>> Larry
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>
>>
Date: 11/7/25 11:31 am From: Larry Morin <lmorin...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] There is a link to chips fly away birding in the post I am forwarding to you
I saw that and it looks great. But, my wish is to do a trip to southern New
Mexico or Arizona. The Flyawaybirding folks led such a trip this past
spring. Alan Schned participated and enjoyed it a lot, but they don't have
one scheduled for next year.
On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM Katharine Thompson <kthom22...> wrote:
> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 12:34 PM FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...>
> wrote:
>
> > Hi Larry,
> > I'll be leading a FlyAway Birding trip to Colombia next November. We
> should
> > have details on our website fairly soon. I'd be happy to keep you posted!
> > Cheers, Chip
> > www.flyawaybirding.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 1:30 PM Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
> >
> > > Hello VT birders
> > >
> > > I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > Larry
> > >
> > > Sent from my iPhone
> > >
> >
>
Date: 11/7/25 11:15 am From: Neil Buckley <bucklenj...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] [External] [VTBIRD] Columbia birding
Hi Larry:
I birded in Colombia through Bogata Birding. I had a very enjoyable and
reasonably priced trip.
https://bogotabirding.com/en/
All the best,
Neil
--
Dr. Neil Buckley, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Biology
101D Ward Hall
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518 564 3150
On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 11:30 AM Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
> Hello VT birders
>
> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>
> Thanks!
> Larry
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
Date: 11/7/25 11:14 am From: Katharine Thompson <kthom22...> Subject: [VTBIRD] There is a link to chips fly away birding in the post I am forwarding to you
On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 12:34 PM FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...>
wrote:
> Hi Larry,
> I'll be leading a FlyAway Birding trip to Colombia next November. We should
> have details on our website fairly soon. I'd be happy to keep you posted!
> Cheers, Chip
> www.flyawaybirding.com
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 1:30 PM Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>
> > Hello VT birders
> >
> > I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Larry
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
>
Date: 11/7/25 9:34 am From: FlyAway Birding <flyawaybirding...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Columbia birding
Hi Larry,
I'll be leading a FlyAway Birding trip to Colombia next November. We should
have details on our website fairly soon. I'd be happy to keep you posted!
Cheers, Chip
www.flyawaybirding.com
On Fri, Nov 7, 2025, 1:30 PM Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
> Hello VT birders
>
> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>
> Thanks!
> Larry
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
Date: 11/7/25 8:52 am From: Tim Holland <timothyholland...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Columbia birding
I was once guided by someone named Ivan Lau near Medellin whom I thought
was excellent. He was independent (I can't remember how we got connected).
He may be available or have good connections: Iván Alejandro Lau Lovera <
<ivanlaulovera...>
On Fri, 7 Nov 2025 at 11:44, Cedar Stanistreet <thedancingfiddle...>
wrote:
Date: 11/7/25 8:44 am From: Cedar Stanistreet <thedancingfiddle...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Columbia birding
Hello Larry,
When are you thinking of going? I ask because I have one more spot on a tour I’m leading to Colombia this coming March! The tour is through Holbrook Travel, and is an all-inclusive 8 day tour. We’ll be using expert local guides in each area.
Would be fun to have another Vermont birder along!
Best,
Cedar
Cedar Stanistreet
(they/them)
+1 802 451 0822
cedarstanistreet.com
> On Nov 7, 2025, at 11:30, Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>
> Hello VT birders
>
> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>
> Thanks!
> Larry
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/7/25 8:43 am From: Terry Marron <00000d129fea9673-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] Columbia birding
Partnership for International Birding
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 7, 2025, at 11:30 AM, Larry Levine <levine5279...> wrote:
>
> Hello VT birders
>
> I am seeking advice on bird tour companies for birding in Columbia.
>
> Thanks!
> Larry
>
> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/4/25 9:05 am From: Sean Beckett <sean...> Subject: [VTBIRD] Coastal Maine birding trip - December 5-7
Hi, VT Birders!
If you are lamenting not having enough Harlequin Ducks, Purple Sandpipers, or King Eiders in your landlocked lives, we've got a quick trip coming up in early December that will fix that! Chip Darmstadt will be leading this three-day excursion for North Branch Nature Center to the southern Maine Coast https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/coastalmaine-2025/. Food, transportation, lodging, optics, guide, and a grand ol' time all included. Please reach out to me off-list if you'd like to join! ( <sean...>)
Date: 11/3/25 7:52 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] 03 November 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
Wow! Very cool. I've gone outside several times over the years thinking I
left the car keys in the ignition and the door open only to find a jay
mimicking the electronic beeping of my Toyota.
Thanks, Charlie. I love these stories!
On Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 10:27 AM Charlie Teske <cteske140...>
wrote:
> I recently heard a tale from a Korean War Vet who, as a member of the
> Signal Corps, was sent to Georgia to learn to send Morse Code messages.
> Due to the summer heat that practiced outdoors, and when they stopped for
> cigarette break, the blue jays would screech the code back at them from the
> pines. Early state-of-the-art.
>
>
>
> On Mon, 3 Nov 2025 08:34:18 -0500, Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...>
> wrote:
>
> 5:58 a.m. (half an hour before sunrise). Twenty-four degrees, wind
> South-southeast two miles per hour. Bright, clear sky, color in the east,
> mostly rose and lilac with hints of lemon, leaking through the summit of
> Hurricane Hill—crystalline stripes framing the sober tones of trees.
> Eventually, color turns butterscotch, as sunlight fingers the crown and
> pours down the trunk of roadside maples ... ephemeral but ethereal.
>
> Across the valley, White River fog, a congestion of moisture, halfway up
> the dark hills, like the thick white stripe down the back of a skunk. As I
> walk, the fog dissipates, thins and rises and vanishes. Never reaching the
> summit of Hurricane, an isle of visibility on a frigid morning.
>
> Red-bellied woodpecker in the shadow of hemlocks, an icy chatter. Hovering
> golden-crowned kinglets search for overwintering moth caterpillars in the
> pleated bark of a hemlock. Six mourning doves, wings hissing. Evening
> grosbeaks, ringing trills; three over the road, big heads, tails short as
> though lopped in a paper trimmer. An American robin, reasonably tailed,
> passes from one winterberry to another. And the usual suspects: tufted
> titmouse, black-capped chickadee, red- and white-breasted nuthatches,
> white-throated sparrow, dark-eyed junco, blue jay—ubiquitous and
> long-winded, screaming in the woods, the air, the deck ... blue troubadours
> pacing sunrise. State-of-the-art calls.
>
> Conspicuous by their absences: American crows (nowhere to be seen or heard
> ... a *very* rare morning indeed), slogging it out elsewhere across a
> frosted, gothic landscape.
>
>
Date: 11/3/25 7:27 am From: Charlie Teske <cteske140...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] 03 November 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
I recently heard a tale from a Korean War Vet who, as a member of the Signal Corps, was sent to Georgia to learn to send Morse Code messages. Due to the summer heat that practiced outdoors, and when they stopped for cigarette break, the blue jays would screech the code back at them from the pines. Early state-of-the-art.
On Mon, 3 Nov 2025 08:34:18 -0500, Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> wrote:
5:58 a.m. (half an hour before sunrise). Twenty-four degrees, wind
South-southeast two miles per hour. Bright, clear sky, color in the east,
mostly rose and lilac with hints of lemon, leaking through the summit of
Hurricane Hill—crystalline stripes framing the sober tones of trees.
Eventually, color turns butterscotch, as sunlight fingers the crown and
pours down the trunk of roadside maples ... ephemeral but ethereal.
Across the valley, White River fog, a congestion of moisture, halfway up
the dark hills, like the thick white stripe down the back of a skunk. As I
walk, the fog dissipates, thins and rises and vanishes. Never reaching the
summit of Hurricane, an isle of visibility on a frigid morning.
Red-bellied woodpecker in the shadow of hemlocks, an icy chatter. Hovering
golden-crowned kinglets search for overwintering moth caterpillars in the
pleated bark of a hemlock. Six mourning doves, wings hissing. Evening
grosbeaks, ringing trills; three over the road, big heads, tails short as
though lopped in a paper trimmer. An American robin, reasonably tailed,
passes from one winterberry to another. And the usual suspects: tufted
titmouse, black-capped chickadee, red- and white-breasted nuthatches,
white-throated sparrow, dark-eyed junco, blue jay—ubiquitous and
long-winded, screaming in the woods, the air, the deck ... blue troubadours
pacing sunrise. State-of-the-art calls.
Conspicuous by their absences: American crows (nowhere to be seen or heard
... a *very* rare morning indeed), slogging it out elsewhere across a
frosted, gothic landscape.
Date: 11/3/25 5:34 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 03 November 2025: Hurricane Hill (1,100 feet), WRJ
5:58 a.m. (half an hour before sunrise). Twenty-four degrees, wind
South-southeast two miles per hour. Bright, clear sky, color in the east,
mostly rose and lilac with hints of lemon, leaking through the summit of
Hurricane Hill—crystalline stripes framing the sober tones of trees.
Eventually, color turns butterscotch, as sunlight fingers the crown and
pours down the trunk of roadside maples ... ephemeral but ethereal.
Across the valley, White River fog, a congestion of moisture, halfway up
the dark hills, like the thick white stripe down the back of a skunk. As I
walk, the fog dissipates, thins and rises and vanishes. Never reaching the
summit of Hurricane, an isle of visibility on a frigid morning.
Red-bellied woodpecker in the shadow of hemlocks, an icy chatter. Hovering
golden-crowned kinglets search for overwintering moth caterpillars in the
pleated bark of a hemlock. Six mourning doves, wings hissing. Evening
grosbeaks, ringing trills; three over the road, big heads, tails short as
though lopped in a paper trimmer. An American robin, reasonably tailed,
passes from one winterberry to another. And the usual suspects: tufted
titmouse, black-capped chickadee, red- and white-breasted nuthatches,
white-throated sparrow, dark-eyed junco, blue jay—ubiquitous and
long-winded, screaming in the woods, the air, the deck ... blue troubadours
pacing sunrise. State-of-the-art calls.
Conspicuous by their absences: American crows (nowhere to be seen or heard
... a *very* rare morning indeed), slogging it out elsewhere across a
frosted, gothic landscape.
Date: 10/31/25 8:17 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] 31 October 2025: Hurricane Hill, WRJ
Would love it, Rachel. Give me a call.
On Fri, Oct 31, 2025 at 11:09 AM rachel west <rjwest68...> wrote:
> ted, I loved this "walk thru the woods" with you today!
>
> thank you!
>
> I would love to join you on a morning walk one of these days, if you are
> open to company.
>
> rachel
>
> On Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 9:30 AM Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> wrote:
>
> > 6:58 a.m. (twenty-six minutes before sunrise, the second latest sunrise
> of
> > the year—tomorrow's the latest.) Forty-eight degrees, overcast and
> pouring
> > rain. Umbrella in hand, binoculars zipped inside my raincoat, dog home
> and
> > warm, I trudge uphill under the spell of rain—the rat-a-tat-tatting—the
> > rhythm above my head. No highlights. The banks and skyline across both
> > rivers, gone. Erased by moisture—mist, fog, rain. The summit of Hurricane
> > Hill? Reduced to a suggestion, an overexposed black and white print.
> >
> > Birdless landscape (at the moment), so I focus on the elbow of a twig, a
> > kink in an otherwise horizontal maple, where a raindrop swells, sags,
> then
> > lets go like the bottom falling out of an overstuffed grocery bag. Only
> the
> > shell of the drop remains. One witness is enough ... I move on.
> >
> > The sun, hidden behind rain clouds, brightens the eastern sky, the
> frosted
> > lightbulb effect. (You know it's up there. You can't see it. But the
> world
> > lightens by baby steps.)
> >
> > 7:34 a.m. seventeen crows fly through the gloom, northwest, quiet and,
> > perhaps, contemplative.
> > 7:39 a.m. lone raven barks, first avian utterance of the morning.
> > 7:46 a.m. three mourning doves fly across the road and settle into a
> > leafless maple on the edge of a meadow. Noisy flight draws my attention,
> > 7:58 a.m. pileated laughs (a private joke?), then flies across the road.
> A
> > sharp bird, pointed at all for ends, blinker wings flashing.
> >
> > Robins and a single bluebird strip (well-rinsed) winterberries off a
> > roadside shrub. Juncos and white-throated sparrows in the meadow,
> > dispersing raindrops, gathering seeds. One white-crowned sparrow,
> abundant
> > along the Colorado River, a rare visitor to Hurricane Hill. Of course,
> I've
> > never seen a white-throated sparrow in sage and rabbitbrush.
> >
> > Myrtle (yellow-rumped) warblers and golden-crowned kinglets drift through
> > an aspen, inspecting the crotches and tips of twigs, the last remaining
> > leaves, sunbeam yellow. Kinglets hover. Warblers flit.
> >
> > Back home by eight o'clock, chickadees, titmice, and both nuthatches busy
> > themselves on the feeders and in the woods, back and forth storing
> > sunflowers amid the raindrops. One soaked gray squirrel.
> >
>
Date: 10/31/25 8:09 am From: rachel west <rjwest68...> Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] 31 October 2025: Hurricane Hill, WRJ
ted, I loved this "walk thru the woods" with you today!
thank you!
I would love to join you on a morning walk one of these days, if you are
open to company.
rachel
On Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 9:30 AM Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> wrote:
> 6:58 a.m. (twenty-six minutes before sunrise, the second latest sunrise of
> the year—tomorrow's the latest.) Forty-eight degrees, overcast and pouring
> rain. Umbrella in hand, binoculars zipped inside my raincoat, dog home and
> warm, I trudge uphill under the spell of rain—the rat-a-tat-tatting—the
> rhythm above my head. No highlights. The banks and skyline across both
> rivers, gone. Erased by moisture—mist, fog, rain. The summit of Hurricane
> Hill? Reduced to a suggestion, an overexposed black and white print.
>
> Birdless landscape (at the moment), so I focus on the elbow of a twig, a
> kink in an otherwise horizontal maple, where a raindrop swells, sags, then
> lets go like the bottom falling out of an overstuffed grocery bag. Only the
> shell of the drop remains. One witness is enough ... I move on.
>
> The sun, hidden behind rain clouds, brightens the eastern sky, the frosted
> lightbulb effect. (You know it's up there. You can't see it. But the world
> lightens by baby steps.)
>
> 7:34 a.m. seventeen crows fly through the gloom, northwest, quiet and,
> perhaps, contemplative.
> 7:39 a.m. lone raven barks, first avian utterance of the morning.
> 7:46 a.m. three mourning doves fly across the road and settle into a
> leafless maple on the edge of a meadow. Noisy flight draws my attention,
> 7:58 a.m. pileated laughs (a private joke?), then flies across the road. A
> sharp bird, pointed at all for ends, blinker wings flashing.
>
> Robins and a single bluebird strip (well-rinsed) winterberries off a
> roadside shrub. Juncos and white-throated sparrows in the meadow,
> dispersing raindrops, gathering seeds. One white-crowned sparrow, abundant
> along the Colorado River, a rare visitor to Hurricane Hill. Of course, I've
> never seen a white-throated sparrow in sage and rabbitbrush.
>
> Myrtle (yellow-rumped) warblers and golden-crowned kinglets drift through
> an aspen, inspecting the crotches and tips of twigs, the last remaining
> leaves, sunbeam yellow. Kinglets hover. Warblers flit.
>
> Back home by eight o'clock, chickadees, titmice, and both nuthatches busy
> themselves on the feeders and in the woods, back and forth storing
> sunflowers amid the raindrops. One soaked gray squirrel.
>
Date: 10/31/25 6:31 am From: Ted Levin <tedlevin1966...> Subject: [VTBIRD] 31 October 2025: Hurricane Hill, WRJ
6:58 a.m. (twenty-six minutes before sunrise, the second latest sunrise of
the year—tomorrow's the latest.) Forty-eight degrees, overcast and pouring
rain. Umbrella in hand, binoculars zipped inside my raincoat, dog home and
warm, I trudge uphill under the spell of rain—the rat-a-tat-tatting—the
rhythm above my head. No highlights. The banks and skyline across both
rivers, gone. Erased by moisture—mist, fog, rain. The summit of Hurricane
Hill? Reduced to a suggestion, an overexposed black and white print.
Birdless landscape (at the moment), so I focus on the elbow of a twig, a
kink in an otherwise horizontal maple, where a raindrop swells, sags, then
lets go like the bottom falling out of an overstuffed grocery bag. Only the
shell of the drop remains. One witness is enough ... I move on.
The sun, hidden behind rain clouds, brightens the eastern sky, the frosted
lightbulb effect. (You know it's up there. You can't see it. But the world
lightens by baby steps.)
7:34 a.m. seventeen crows fly through the gloom, northwest, quiet and,
perhaps, contemplative.
7:39 a.m. lone raven barks, first avian utterance of the morning.
7:46 a.m. three mourning doves fly across the road and settle into a
leafless maple on the edge of a meadow. Noisy flight draws my attention,
7:58 a.m. pileated laughs (a private joke?), then flies across the road. A
sharp bird, pointed at all for ends, blinker wings flashing.
Robins and a single bluebird strip (well-rinsed) winterberries off a
roadside shrub. Juncos and white-throated sparrows in the meadow,
dispersing raindrops, gathering seeds. One white-crowned sparrow, abundant
along the Colorado River, a rare visitor to Hurricane Hill. Of course, I've
never seen a white-throated sparrow in sage and rabbitbrush.
Myrtle (yellow-rumped) warblers and golden-crowned kinglets drift through
an aspen, inspecting the crotches and tips of twigs, the last remaining
leaves, sunbeam yellow. Kinglets hover. Warblers flit.
Back home by eight o'clock, chickadees, titmice, and both nuthatches busy
themselves on the feeders and in the woods, back and forth storing
sunflowers amid the raindrops. One soaked gray squirrel.
