Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Janet Delaney,
Tom Delaney, Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
73. Thanks to Steve & Rich, Brian & Pat, and David!
Weather:
Mostly cloudy with a light breeze. Temperatures ranged from 37 °F to 44
°F. There was a light shower during the 2 o'clock hour and another during
the 4 o'clock hour. A brilliant rainbow appeared after the second shower.
Raptor Observations:
Great diversity of raptors, with 10 species counted. An exciting highlight
was the sight of four goshawks flying overhead during the 11 o'clock hour,
with three visible in the sky at the same time. Other highlights included a
beautiful Merlin landing on a spruce tree out in front of the hawkwatch and
another Merlin chasing after a sharpie.
Non-raptor Observations:
Many of the usual songbirds about including juncos, white-throats,
Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Purple Finches.
Predictions:
Northwest wind tomorrow with increasing clouds. Could be another nice day
for migration!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/24/25 7:00 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Next Wednesday: Stories of the Saltmarsh Sparrow
Just wanted to share this opportunity to learn about Saltmarsh Sparrows from PhD Student, Talia Kuras, at UNH. Please see below. This event is hosted by the NH Coastal Adaptation Working Group, UNH, and Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Life on the Edge of the Tide: Stories of the Saltmarsh Sparrow
When: 4 - 5pm, Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Where: Chapmans Landing, 85 College Rd, Stratham, NH 03885
Who: Anyone interested in birds, birdwatching, and the impacts of rising tides on our coastal habitats.
Join us to explore the hidden wonders of the Squamscott River and the beautiful salt marsh at Chapman's Landing in Stratham. Hear from a local researcher who studies the ecology, behavior, and genetics of the imperiled Saltmarsh Sparrow-a secretive songbird whose life is intimately tied to the tides. During the visit, you'll have time to walk around, photograph this unique landscape, and visit the nearby Great Bay Wildlife Garden.
During this site visit, you'll hear from:
* Talia Kuras, UNH PhD student studying the ecology, behavior and genetics of the Saltmarsh Sparrow in NH in partnership with the Kovach lab<http://www.kovachlab.com/> at UNH and the Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program<https://tidalmarshbirds.org/>.
* Lynn Vaccaro, Training and Engagement coordinator with Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, who is working to enhance the resilience of this and other marshes in NH using tools such as the NH Salt Marsh Plan<https://greatbay.org/salt-marsh-plan/>.
This site visit is sponsored by the Coastal Adaptation Workgroup to help promote the Picturing Rising Tides Photo Campaign<https://www.nhcaw.org/2025-picturing-rising-tides/> that is running November 5 - 8, 2025.
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Nikko Gagnon, Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
106 including a school group from Wells Memorial School.
Weather:
Partly sunny and breezy. Cloud cover increased at times, and the wind was
from the southwest. Temperatures ranged from 36 °F to 50 °F.
Raptor Observations:
Among today's migrants were a Black Vulture heading south, a goshawk flying
over during the 1 o'clock hour, and a Peregrine soaring by in the late
afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations:
Songbird sightings included 1 Eastern Bluebird, 1 Hermit Thrush, 5 Tufted
Titmice, 28 Common Ravens, and 1 American Crow.
Predictions:
Light wind from the west tomorrow, with wind direction shifting to the
northwest this weekend!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/23/25 10:05 am From: 'Susan' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Black vultures
Yesterday at 11:30 just after the rain stopped, I saw 8 Black Vultures lifting off from the big trees behind the YMCA Allard Center in Goffstown. They were low enough to see them clearly. Susan Hunter, Bedford
Observation start time: 11:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Chuck Carlson
Visitors: 32.
Weather: Rain and fog delayed the start of the count. Then it was partly sunny for a bit before switching to a highly variable cloud cover. A short shower at 2pm brought a beautiful rainbow over Crotched Mountain. Temperatures were in the forties, and wind was from the southwest.
Raptor Observations: Migrants consisted of a few sharpies, one adult Bald Eagle, and one Turkey Vulture. One of the sharpies was cautiously mobbing the Bald Eagle. Local red-tails were very active, often kiting right near Pack.
Non-raptor Observations: Other sightings included two Red-breasted Nuthatches, two chickadees, two Blue Jays, two robins, and two rabbits.
Predictions: Tomorrow looks partly sunny with more wind from the southwest. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Julie Brown, Phil Brown
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Mark Wilson, Miki Foley, Tom Delaney
Visitors: 73. Many hikers and local day-trippers admiring the still-spectacular foliage. Good to see Scott Hecker and Mass Audubon friends, who chose good timing to witness a close goshawk. A big thanks to Tom Delaney, who rounds out the Tuesday team and was a steady presence the full day, as usual.
Weather: Clear and crisp to start and end with some hazy clouds to the north in the midday hours. Steady, but moderate, west to southwest breeze. Temps 39-52 F.
Raptor Observations: A smattering of late October migrants, ones and twos of vultures, eagles, merlins, and red-tails migrating. In the 2 o'clock hour, a juvenile American goshawk briefly alighted below the summit, sparring with a red-tail. Evenly matched in length, wingspan, and power, the duo dropped out of sight. The gos was refound several minutes later and gave observers a longer and more conclusive view of its identity.
Non-raptor Observations: A sizeable flock of juncos and white-throated sparrows continuing; several purple finches migrating in small groups; two cottontails and several chipmunks stashing away seed for winter. A red, heart-shaped mylar balloon, deemed a migrant heading northeast.
Predictions: A rainy morning, but the afternoon could bring some clearing. Winds seem to stay sw until later Thursday or Friday, when the next wave of migration is expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/20/25 3:25 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Morning migration (1,315 Gannets and a Parasitic Jaeger)
The strong storm today pushed out some nice southeasterly winds (ideal
direction for pelagic birds). Jane and I got out just a bit after
sunrise and had a nice morning push of Gannets, but not a whole lot of
other migrants:
Oct 20, 2025 7:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Checklist Comments: Strong front to the west brought strong (25
knot) winds out of the SE. Cloudy with some light mist. Good
visibility. Rain held off until after count. Three hours at north side
of Great Boar's Head. 1/2 hour at Little Boar's Head and Ragged Neck.
Count of birds MIGRATING SOUTH only
----------------------------------------------------
Greater Scaup 2
Common Eider 57
Surf Scoter 117
White-winged Scoter 38
Black Scoter 17
Long-tailed Duck 3
Red-breasted Merganser 17
PARASITIC JAEGER 1 Adult bird seen flying south from Little Boar's
Head. Relatively close. 2/3 of the way out to green channel marker.
Watched off-and-on for 20 seconds. White breast with dark breast band.
Not bulky. Tail not clearly seen, but appeared to have short points.
Not blunt at all.
large alcid sp. 2 Two consistent with Razorbills. Seen by Jane only.
Bonaparte's Gull 17
Laughing Gull 5 All adults. All moving south.
Ring-billed Gull X Clearly some migrating.
American Herring Gull X Modest movement of migrating AHG.
Great Black-backed Gull X Smaller numbers, but clear movement of GBBG.
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Pretty sure I had a juvenile migrating by.
Horned Grebe 1
Red-necked Grebe 1
Red-throated Loon 28
Common Loon 27
shearwater sp. 1 Brief views of distant bird.
NORTHERN GANNET 1,315 Counted with clicker. Tremendous flight in
first two hours. Then dying down. After 3 hours just a slow trickle.
710 in first hour; 400 in second hour; 205 in third hour. This is
typical behavior for migrating Gannets on NH coast. Compare to past
years....2,131 on 10/15/17, 1,727 on 10/20/18, 1,591 on 10/24/17, 1,400
on 10/13/22, 1,355 on 10/30/24.
Double-crested Cormorant 84
Observation start time: 14:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers:
Visitors: 5.
Weather: Right around 9 C, overcast with moderate winds from the south. Rain prevented counting for most of the day. Mostly dry during the count, other than a quick downpour about an hour before the count ended.
Raptor Observations: No migrants, one local red tail being robbed by a raven at one point.
Non-raptor Observations: A couple of titmice and an American Crow were some unusual visitors from the lowlands. A bunch of White-throated Sparrows and juncos made the time up there lively, along with two cottontails and the usual chipmunks.
Predictions: Winds still from the south but not raining so better than today for sure. I predict greater than 0 migrating raptors? ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/20/25 10:30 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, October 20, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 20th,
2025.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on October 15th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Pickering Pond in Rochester on the 16th.
A LESSER YELLOWLEGS was seen at Pickering Pond in Rochester on October 14th,
and 2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were seen at the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury
on the 17th.
A GREAT CORMORANT was seen at the Wilder Dam on the Connecticut River in
Lebanon on October 14th.
13 LAUGHING GULLS were seen flying south at Ragged Neck in Rye on October 13
th.
Single CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS continued to be seen at Goss Farm in Rye, at
Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, and at Appledore Avenue in North Hampton.
A NELSON’S SPARROW was seen at Pickering Pond in Rochester on October 19th,
and a FOX SPARROW was seen in Londonderry on October 14th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October 18th. 1
was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on the 19th, 1 was seen at Star Island on the
15th, and 1 was seen at Holly Avenue in Manchester on the 13th, 1 was on
Myrica Avenue in Rye on the 15th, 1 was seen at the Birch Community Gardens
in Concord on the 17th, and 1 was seen at World End Pond in Salem on the 17
th.
A BOBOLINK was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 18th. and an INDIGO
BUNTING was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on the 19th.
10 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were reported from Pack Monadnock in
Peterborough on October 18th.
A HOODED WARBLER was seen in Francestown on October 14th.
Migrating warbler species that were reported from various locations during
the past week included: OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, TENNESSEE WARBLER,
NASHVILLE WARBLERS, YELLOW WARBLER, WILSON’S WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN
WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and NORTHERN PARULA.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was heard at the Upper Coos Recreational Trail in
Colebrook on October 19th.
A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was seen along Lake View Drive in Strafford on
October 15th.
2 TREE SWALLOWS were seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord on October 18th.
2 NORTHERN HOUSE WRENS were seen in Madbury on October 13th, 1 was seen in
Canterbury on the 17th, and 1 was seen in Lyme on the 14th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen in Lancaster on October 13th, and a
CAROLINA WREN was seen in Gorham on October 18th. Far north!
A SWAINSON’S THRUSH was heard in Penacook on October 19th.
2 GOLDEN EAGLES were seen flying over Pack Monadnock in Peterborough on
October 15th.
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen Keene, 3 were seen in Goffstown, and 2 were seen
in Hollis all during the past week.
A few late-migrating BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported during the past week.
Fall season hawk migration observation continues and observers have counted
over 8,000 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding6
Available NOW!
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dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each issue). This
quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the work of many
volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all NH Audubon
members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mike Gebo
Visitors:
242. Hello to Nathan, Bob, Malcolm, Tommy, and Liz!
Weather:
Warm October day with temperatures ranging from 47 °F to 62 °F. Light
wind mostly from the south. Cirrus clouds covering much of the sky, and
haze in the distance.
Raptor Observations:
Slow day for migrants but in the afternoon, a flock of Turkey Vultures came
by and Mike Gebo spotted a Black Vulture coming in from the east and moving
west. Local red-tails were often enjoying the breeze with the ravens and
nine Bald Eagles came by late morning, heading north.
Non-raptor Observations:
Two rabbits and several white-throats hopping about, some cormorants flying
by, and a Purple Finch eating mountain ash berries.
Monarchs: 2/511
Predictions:
Showers likely tomorrow with wind from the southwest and temperatures in
the fifties.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/19/25 2:07 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] 1/2 Day Boat trip out of Cape Ann this Friday, October 24th
For those interested, there is a Brookline Bird Club pelagic bird trip
out of Cape Ann. It is a HALF DAY trip.
Details below,
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
> *Rescheduled October 24 Pelagic*
>
> Due to weather conditions, our half day pelagic trip from Gloucester
> is/rescheduled to Friday, October 24/and there is still time to sign up.
>
> The trip will be dedicated to searching for pelagic seabirds in
> offshore waters. We will also keep eyes out for sea mammals and other
> pelagic life. The voyage will be a private charter on 7 Seas Whale
> Watch with Captain Jay Fronteiro.
>
> * *Open to All*
> * *Cost:*$60
> * *Date:*Friday, October 24
> * *Meeting time:*7:30 AM check-in for 8:00 AM departure.
> * *Meeting spot:* 7 Seas Whale Watch, Seas Wharf, 63 Rogers St,
> Gloucester, MA.
> * *Parking*: There is a public parking lot close to the boat dock.
> (Pay at a kiosk – all day for about $5).
> * *What Else You Need to Know*: This trip will sail rain or shine.
> Food and beverages will be available for purchase on board. This
> is a reserved private charter. Cancellations are limited to
> emergencies and incur a small cancellation fee ($5). If weather
> causes the captain to cancel, full refunds will be issued to all
> participants.
>
> *REGISTER
> HEREhttps://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=316
> <https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/mailing/url&u=1864&qid=202670>* >
Observation start time: 07:15:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Andre Moraes, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman,
Mike Gebo
Visitors:
306. Thanks to Nathan, John, Pat & Brian, and many others for spending time
with us!
Weather:
Partly sunny with a light variable breeze at times. Temperatures getting up
to 57 °F. Visibility all the way to Mt. Washington.
Raptor Observations:
Another nice flight of sharpies with more red-tails on the move, too. The
last birds of the day were two juvenile harriers drifting by over the
valley. Passed 8000 today for the season's total count of migrants.
Non-raptor Observations:
A flock of about 10 White-winged Crossbills flew overhead in the afternoon.
Other highlights included 40 Pine Siskins, 22 Dark-eyed Juncos, 12
White-throated Sparrows, 10 Purple Finches, 2 Common Loons, 1 Red
Crossbill, and 1 Pileated Woodpecker.
Predictions:
Even warmer tomorrow with wind coming from the south.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Dot Currier, Mark Wilson, Mike Gebo, Nancy Moreau
Visitors:
97 including a group of teachers attending a workshop led by Harris Center
teacher-naturalists Karen, Jaime, and Jenna.
Weather:
Gorgeous day with clear skies and light northwest wind. Temperatures
ranging from 35 °F to 51 °F. Visibility to Mt. Washington for part of the
day.
Raptor Observations:
First bird of the day was a beautiful adult sharpie flying by close, its
dark blue and orange colors standing out in the morning sunlight. It was a
good day for sharpies with 36 of them spotted. Other migrants including
several adult and juvenile red-shoulders, a few red-tails, a handful of
Cooper's, a couple of Turkey Vultures, one Bald Eagle, one kestrel, and one
Merlin. The highlight of the day was a lovely adult goshawk that soared
high in the sky before flying down through the valley. Local red-shoulders,
red-tails, and Bald Eagles often put on a show.
Non-raptor Observations:
White-throated Sparrows singing, Purple Finches warbling, White-breasted
Nuthatch flying by, and a skein of geese passing directly overhead were
among the day's non-raptor sightings.
Monarchs: 3/509
Predictions:
Sunny and warmer tomorrow with a calm wind.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Mike Gebo, Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
74 including six-year-old Rowan who wisely remarked, "When you see a
Golden, you know it's cold."
Weather:
Partly sunny with cloud cover ranging from 20% to 55%. Strong breeze from
the northwest all day. Temperatures starting at 31 °F and ending at 41
°F.
Raptor Observations:
A small but dedicated group of hawkwatchers braved the chilly wind today.
There was a nice diversity of species on the move. The season's first
Golden Eagle came by during late morning and drifted quickly past Mount
Monadnock. A second Golden Eagle, brought on by sacrificial birders,
appeared late in the afternoon. This one, a stunning immature with bright
white wing patches and black tail band, came up suddenly in front of the
hawkwatch and was subsequently escorted away by ravens.
Non-raptor Observations:
At least 30 ravens were often playing in the wind above Pack, North Pack,
and Crotched Mt. Many chipmunks, several white-throats, some juncos, two
Blue Jays, one Mourning Dove, and one rabbit enjoyed the snacks we put out
for them.
Predictions:
Sunny tomorrow with slightly warmer temperatures. More wind from the north!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: David Wiedner, Janet Delaney, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Tom Delaney
Visitors: 53. Thanks to Richard for coming down from Maine to spend the day with us.
Weather: Mostly cloudy with strong northwest winds. Misty and cool in the morning, with temperatures remaining in the low forties throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Steady flight of birds in the morning after the fog cleared, with activity slowing down in the afternoon. Many birds were flying low through the valley. Mostly Cooper's and sharpies on the wing, along with a few other species mixed in. At one point, a Merlin chased a raven above the hawkwatch.
Non-raptor Observations: Other bird sightings included skeins of geese, a charm of Purple Finches, three species of woodpeckers (downy, pileated, & flicker), and one Common Loon. Blue Jays: 3/182
Predictions: Sunnier tomorrow with more wind from a northerly direction. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/15/25 12:59 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Complete set of "Birds of North America" available
Well that was quick! I already heard from TWO interested parties, so the
offer is off the table!
And while I have your collective attention, anyone in the birding community
who has a habit of communicating with me via email should note this change
of address. <biodiva63...> (note the typo in my original post) will be
my new address moving forward, and <biodiva...> will be retired
by the end of the end of the year if not sooner.
Pam
On Wed, Oct 15, 2025 at 2:43 PM Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> People familiar with Cornell's "Birds of the World" online resource may
> not necessarily be aware of its predecessor. The "Birds of North America"
> was a set of individual paper "life histories" for all the species breeding
> in North America, and was written by hundreds of authors in the 1990s
> through 2000s. There were over 700 of these printed, and as an author on
> two of them I got an entire set for free. But given the transition to the
> online (and updated) "Birds of the World," plus my upcoming move, I don't
> have the needs or space to keep my set. If anyone wants it I'm happy to
> arrange an in-person transfer (either delivery or pick-up, not worth
> shipping) at NO COST. Otherwise it'll be destined for the recycling bin,
> but I'd love it to go to a new home - perhaps someone who appreciates the
> old pre-digital days and wants to add this to their collection.
>
> The total set is housed in 18 cardboard slipcases that are about a foot
> tall. All lined up they occupy a horizontal space of 76 inches.
>
> You can see an set for sale at
> https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31767077313&ref_=ps_ggl_17738760402&cm_mmc=ggl-_-COM_Shopp_Rare-_-product_id=bi%3A%2031767077313-_-keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17181841339&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjL3HBhCgARIsAPUg7a6niPlv5c_p-myKOeuQbd9t9Od42jmFMdww9Awrow9PvYkIrlcJerYaAoVFEALw_wcB,
> but remember that this one is absolutely FREE!
>
> Interested parties can contact me at <boidiva63...> You have 4-5
> weeks before I reach the recycling tipping point. Feel free to forward this
> offer to folks in other states that might not be on the NH.Birds email list.
>
> Enjoy,
> Pam Hunt
> Penacook, NH
>
>
Date: 10/15/25 11:43 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] Complete set of "Birds of North America" available
Greetings all,
People familiar with Cornell's "Birds of the World" online resource may not
necessarily be aware of its predecessor. The "Birds of North America" was a
set of individual paper "life histories" for all the species breeding in
North America, and was written by hundreds of authors in the 1990s through
2000s. There were over 700 of these printed, and as an author on two of
them I got an entire set for free. But given the transition to the online
(and updated) "Birds of the World," plus my upcoming move, I don't have the
needs or space to keep my set. If anyone wants it I'm happy to arrange an
in-person transfer (either delivery or pick-up, not worth shipping) at NO
COST. Otherwise it'll be destined for the recycling bin, but I'd love it
to go to a new home - perhaps someone who appreciates the old pre-digital
days and wants to add this to their collection.
The total set is housed in 18 cardboard slipcases that are about a foot
tall. All lined up they occupy a horizontal space of 76 inches.
Interested parties can contact me at <boidiva63...> You have 4-5
weeks before I reach the recycling tipping point. Feel free to forward this
offer to folks in other states that might not be on the NH.Birds email list.
Observation start time: 13:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Phil Brown
Observers:
Visitors: Five.
Weather: Fog and drizzle never cleared the summit today.
Raptor Observations: Absent.
Non-raptor Observations: Junco bonanza, with an estimated 150. An audible 'whoosh' through the forest when an alarm call went off gave me the impression my estimate was a bit low! A swamp sparrow among a fair number of white-throats, too. Pine siskins and purple finches moving around the summit in the fog, presumably feeding on the abundant spruce cone crop.
Predictions: The fog will lift, and the wind will blow strong from the northwest, ushering in some backed up migrants. Could be a good day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/14/25 2:03 pm From: '<hbaue......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] November Field Trips
The Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon is sponsoring two field trips in November. On the evening of the 1st we will make a visit to a Saw-whet Owl banding station and on the 5th we will travel to the Maine coast to look for late migrants and early sea duck arrivals. Please visit our website for more information and the link to sign up: https://www.seacoastchapter.org/field-trips. We hope you can join us.
On Wed, Oct 8, 2025 at 11:30 PM Cameron Johnson <camjohnsonphoto...>
wrote:
> There had been several requests in the NH RBA groupme for some sort of map
> for the birding locations in Odiorne, and since one did not really exist I
> went ahead and made one! Thanks to Steve Mirick and James Smith for the
> help putting this together.
>
>
> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1V8RX2aMpDYr-Tlq0MDHRyi774A5gXbA&usp=sharing >
>
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Observation start time: 14:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 1.5 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers:
Visitors: 6. Sorry to Chuck who I misled by saying it wouldn't clear up at all. Happy 11th birthday to Isaiah who came up looking for hawks and managed to see a peregrine.
On this day in Pack history: "2023: Sometimes good birds come if you just start talking about them. Katrina Fenton: ""Glen mentioned Snow Geese this morning, and lo and behold, one was mixed in with a flock of Canada Geese this afternoon. This was the first Snow Goose to be seen at the hawk watch since 2015. It was a good day overall for waterbird migration, but the wind was a bit too brisk for songbirds."""
Weather: Nor'easter! Forecast had looked like a wash but cleared enough for a short watch in the afternoon. 15 C with stiff NE winds and variable visibility.
Raptor Observations: Not much going on, but a couple peregrines and a sharpie made it worth the trek.
Non-raptor Observations: Big flock of juncos moved through at one point, I estimated about 60.
Predictions: Chance of rain is much lower with weaker winds from the northeast. Could be a decent day if it's dry and not clouded in, and Wednesday is looking good! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/14/25 3:39 am From: Cynthia Nichols <cnichols...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] The passing of Don Stokes
Thank you for letting us know Steve.
Don was always so welcoming on Pack and especially kind with young
birders:) I’ll never forget how he would enthusiastically support the kids
when they spotted birds - Ravens,, TVs, or hawks - he cheered them along.
Such a nice person
Cynthia Nichols, MS, BSN, RN
Volunteer & Board Member:
New Hampshire Healthy Climate: nhclimatehealth.org
Certified Climate Change Resilience, Antioch University
(603) 508 - 1594
*Please Text Me *if you're not getting a quick response and need to reach
me - it's a challenge to get to my email these days!!
On Sun, Oct 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <
<nhbirds...> wrote:
> It is with great sadness that I post the passing of Don Stokes. Don and
> Lillian lived in SW New Hampshire in latter years and for a while and I
> believe were somewhat regular on Pack Monadnock. I can not add to the
> fantastic tribute given to him by his wife Lillian.
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
> 10/7/25 - On a beautiful October day, after a
> harvest-full-moon-Great-Horned-Owls-calling night, my beloved husband, Don,
> age 78, died, then a Raven flew over my head. After a long 9-year decline,
> Don died of Lewy Body Dementia in a dementia facility he had been in for
> three plus years. I was with him in the afternoon, and even though he was
> unconscious, I think he heard me when I asked for two things: that he wait
> to die until my daughter got there (she did, and my son had visited in the
> morning) and that he send me a Raven, his favorite bird, after he died.
> After I had visited him, I had to run an errand, and my daughter, who was
> with him, then called to say he was gone. I drove back, and when I pulled
> into the parking lot and got out of the car, a Raven swooped down, flew low
> right over my head, and landed briefly on a nearby building, and then was
> gone. Rest in peace, Don, may you fly with the Ravens.
>
> You all know him as a loving, kind, humorous, gifted teacher and deeply
> spiritually connected to nature. In place of a formal obit, let me tell you
> some things about Don you may or may not know.
>
> Don was born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family and went to Germantown
> Friends School, then Swarthmore College, majoring in Comparative Religions.
> He was a talented musician who could sing, play the piano, and was an
> excellent tabla hand drum player. He even spent time in Calcutta, India,
> studying with a tabla guru there.
>
> After college, Don moved to Berkeley, California, and in the hills kept
> careful and beautiful journals of the nature he encountered. He soon
> realized he was seeing things that little was known about. That planted the
> seed that later led him to begin writing about nature. After returning to
> Massachusetts, he taught at the Warehouse Cooperative School, where he met
> Bill Phillips, an editor at Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, whose
> daughter attended the school. Bill accepted Don's first book, Nature in
> Winter, and went on to become Don's editor for many years.
>
> Don then began teaching at the Massachusetts Audubon Society and was in
> the process of writing a bird behavior guide when he met Lillian (already
> an avid hawk-watcher who came from a background in animal behavior and
> psychiatric social work), who took his course on Bird Behavior. As they
> say, the rest is history. Don and Lillian got married and over more than 30
> years produced 35 Stokes Guides, including 3 volumes on bird behavior
> (instrumental in introducing a holistic approach to birds), backyard books
> such as the Bird Feeder, Hummingbird, and Bluebird books, beginner's
> guides, and the national The Stokes Field Guide to Birds of North America.
> Stokes' books have sold over 6 million copies. Don and Lillian produced and
> hosted the first PBS national television series on birds, Birdwatch with
> Don and Lillian Stokes, as well as Stokes Birds at Home, which 40 million
> viewers saw. They gave keynote talks and taught at birding festivals and
> Audubon societies across the country for many years. They were Duck Stamp
> Judges and received a Partners in Flight National Conservation Award. Don
> belonged to many nature and conservation organizations, including the
> Nuttall Ornithological Club.
>
> Befitting his beautiful, spiritual side, Don was a student of Haiku
> poetry, writing it for many years. Here is a fitting example.
>
> Entering the wilds
>
> Equipped to look at nature –
>
> Wait! I am nature.
>
> Don will be buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in MA (a famous birding hotspot)
> on Goldfinch Path (how fitting!!). There will be a private family
> Celebration of Life as per his wishes. If you would like to do something in
> remembrance of Don, send a contribution to the nature, birding, or
> conservation organization of your choice. Thank you.
>
> Lillian Stokes
>
>
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<b507154f-9757-467c-af08-896073a93351...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<b507154f-9757-467c-af08-896073a93351...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/13/25 3:04 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, October 13, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 13th,
2025.
3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen at Lackie Farm in Bath on October 10th.
2 BLACK-BILLED PLOVERS were seen at fields on Route 155A in Durham on
October 8th.
2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS
were seen at the Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area on October 8th.
A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, and 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen at Pickering
Ponds in Rochester during the past week.
2 RAZORBILLS, 23 RED-THROATED LOONS, and 13 LAUGHING GULLS were seen along
the coast on October 12th.
A CORY’S SHEARWATER was seen at Jeffrey’s Ledge on October 10th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at Grey Rocks Conservation Area in Hebron on October
9th.
3 CACKLING GEESE were seen along Roberts Road in Rollinsford on October 12th
.
A juvenile LECONTE’S SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 7th.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 12th.
2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 11th, and
1 was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on the 12th.
A NELSON’S SPARROW was seen at Airport Road in Keene on October 7th.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 7th, and 1
was seen at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on the 11th.
A VESPER SPARROW was seen at Reed Road in Colebrook on October 12th.
A FOX SPARROW was seen in Bartlett on October 9th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Seabrook Town Forest & Wellfield on October 8th, 1
was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, 2 were seen at Goss Farm in
Rye on the 11th, 2 were seen at Star Island on the 10th, and 1 was seen at
Holly Avenue in Manchester on October 12th and 13th.
2 WHITE-EYED VIREOS were seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October
10th and 1 was seen at the Dover Community Trail on October 12th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury on
October 10th.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen in Durham on October 10th.
A TENNESSEE WARBLER was seen in Freedom, 1 was seen in Rye, and 1 was seen
in Rochester, all during the past week.
An AMERICAN REDSTART was seen in Gorham, 1 was seen in Rye, and 1 was seen
at Star Island, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN PARULA was seen at Star Island, several were seen in Rye, 1 was
seen in Durham, and 1 was seen in Hampton.
A MAGNOLIA WARBLER was seen in Hampton, 1 was seen in Charlestown, 1 was
seen in Durham, 1 was seen in Portsmouth, and 1 was seen on Star Island.
A BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER was seen in Durham on October 10th.
3 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were seen flying low over Wheelock Park in Keene on
October 12th.
2 BOBOLINKS were seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 11th, and 1 was seen
at Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on the 12th.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was reported from Pondicherry National Wildlife
Refuge in Jefferson on October 11th.
An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was seen at Charlestown on October 11th. An EASTERN
KINGBIRD was seen in Concord on the 10th, a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was seen
in Hampton on the 9th, a WARBLING VIREO was seen in Sandwich on the 10th,
and a RED-EYED VIREO was seen in Andover on the 12th.
A TREE SWALLOW was seen in TUFTONBORO on October 11th.
A SCARLET TANAGER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October
10th.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen in Durham on October 8th, 1 was seen in
Antrim on the 10th, and 1 was seen in Concord on the 8th.
2 NORTHERN HOUSE WRENS were seen in Madbury on October 13th, and 1 was seen
in Seabrook on the 11th, A MARSH WREN was seen in Manchester on the 12th,
and a CAROLINA WREN was seen in Lancaster on the 10th. Far north!
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Claremont on October 7th, 2 were seen in
Durham on the 8th, and 1 was seen in Lee on the 8th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SHORT-EARED OWL heard in Grantham on
October 10th.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 7,700 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding6
Available NOW!
Birding Northern New Hampshire By Robert A. Quinn. Boreal birds and
dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
copy, check out this link:
Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each issue). This
quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the work of many
volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all NH Audubon
members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
Date: 10/13/25 6:12 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] The passing of Don Stokes
Lousy, rotten news. I will miss him.
I can confirm he was a regular at the Pack Monadnock hawkwatch for
several years -- the first few years I went there, that would be
2005-10, he and Lillian were often there on the occasions that I was
able to get there.
-- Jon Woolf
Manchester, NH
On 10/12/2025 7:03 PM, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds wrote:
> It is with great sadness that I post the passing of Don Stokes. Don
> and Lillian lived in SW New Hampshire in latter years and for a while
> and I believe were somewhat regular on Pack Monadnock. I can not add
> to the fantastic tribute given to him by his wife Lillian.
>
> Steve Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
>> 10/7/25 - On a beautiful October day, after a
>> harvest-full-moon-Great-Horned-Owls-calling night, my beloved
>> husband, Don, age 78, died, then a Raven flew over my head. After
>> a long 9-year decline, Don died of Lewy Body Dementia in a
>> dementia facility he had been in for three plus years. I was with
>> him in the afternoon, and even though he was unconscious, I think
>> he heard me when I asked for two things: that he wait to die
>> until my daughter got there (she did, and my son had visited in
>> the morning) and that he send me a Raven, his favorite bird,
>> after he died. After I had visited him, I had to run an errand,
>> and my daughter, who was with him, then called to say he was
>> gone. I drove back, and when I pulled into the parking lot and
>> got out of the car, a Raven swooped down, flew low right over my
>> head, and landed briefly on a nearby building, and then was gone.
>> Rest in peace, Don, may you fly with the Ravens.
>>
>> You all know him as a loving, kind, humorous, gifted teacher and
>> deeply spiritually connected to nature. In place of a formal
>> obit, let me tell you some things about Don you may or may not know.
>>
>> Don was born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family and went to
>> Germantown Friends School, then Swarthmore College, majoring in
>> Comparative Religions. He was a talented musician who could sing,
>> play the piano, and was an excellent tabla hand drum player. He
>> even spent time in Calcutta, India, studying with a tabla guru there.
>>
>> After college, Don moved to Berkeley, California, and in the
>> hills kept careful and beautiful journals of the nature he
>> encountered. He soon realized he was seeing things that little
>> was known about. That planted the seed that later led him to
>> begin writing about nature. After returning to Massachusetts, he
>> taught at the Warehouse Cooperative School, where he met Bill
>> Phillips, an editor at Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, whose
>> daughter attended the school. Bill accepted Don's first book,
>> Nature in Winter, and went on to become Don's editor for many years.
>>
>> Don then began teaching at the Massachusetts Audubon Society and
>> was in the process of writing a bird behavior guide when he met
>> Lillian (already an avid hawk-watcher who came from a background
>> in animal behavior and psychiatric social work), who took his
>> course on Bird Behavior. As they say, the rest is history. Don
>> and Lillian got married and over more than 30 years produced 35
>> Stokes Guides, including 3 volumes on bird behavior (instrumental
>> in introducing a holistic approach to birds), backyard books such
>> as the Bird Feeder, Hummingbird, and Bluebird books, beginner's
>> guides, and the national The Stokes Field Guide to Birds of North
>> America. Stokes' books have sold over 6 million copies. Don and
>> Lillian produced and hosted the first PBS national television
>> series on birds, Birdwatch with Don and Lillian Stokes, as well
>> as Stokes Birds at Home, which 40 million viewers saw. They gave
>> keynote talks and taught at birding festivals and Audubon
>> societies across the country for many years. They were Duck Stamp
>> Judges and received a Partners in Flight National Conservation
>> Award. Don belonged to many nature and conservation
>> organizations, including the Nuttall Ornithological Club.
>>
>> Befitting his beautiful, spiritual side, Don was a student of
>> Haiku poetry, writing it for many years. Here is a fitting example.
>>
>> Entering the wilds
>>
>> Equipped to look at nature –
>>
>> Wait! I am nature.
>>
>> Don will be buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in MA (a famous birding
>> hotspot) on Goldfinch Path (how fitting!!). There will be a
>> private family Celebration of Life as per his wishes. If you
>> would like to do something in remembrance of Don, send a
>> contribution to the nature, birding, or conservation organization
>> of your choice. Thank you.
>>
>> Lillian Stokes
>>
>>
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "NHBirds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
> an email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<b507154f-9757-467c-af08-896073a93351...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<b507154f-9757-467c-af08-896073a93351...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Katrina Fenton
Visitors: 70. Nice number of visitors for a foggy day. Hello to John and Eric!
Weather: The summit was covered in fog all morning. It remained foggy throughout mid-day, and then a light drizzle finally ended the count. Wind was from the northeast and temperatures were in the low forties. There was visibility to North Pack for one very brief moment.
Raptor Observations: Despite the fog, we managed to observe one sharpie and one Merlin moving through. Both were easily seen with the unaided eye.
Non-raptor Observations: The White-throated Sparrows and chipmunks were eagerly awaiting our arrival as it meant lunch was served. A Blue Jay also appreciated the birdseed we put out. Purple Finches and Pine Siskins occasionally flew over in the fog or landed in nearby conifers.
Predictions: Cloudy and windy tomorrow with showers expected. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/12/25 4:03 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] The passing of Don Stokes
It is with great sadness that I post the passing of Don Stokes. Don and
Lillian lived in SW New Hampshire in latter years and for a while and I
believe were somewhat regular on Pack Monadnock. I can not add to the
fantastic tribute given to him by his wife Lillian.
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
> 10/7/25 - On a beautiful October day, after a
> harvest-full-moon-Great-Horned-Owls-calling night, my beloved
> husband, Don, age 78, died, then a Raven flew over my head. After
> a long 9-year decline, Don died of Lewy Body Dementia in a
> dementia facility he had been in for three plus years. I was with
> him in the afternoon, and even though he was unconscious, I think
> he heard me when I asked for two things: that he wait to die until
> my daughter got there (she did, and my son had visited in the
> morning) and that he send me a Raven, his favorite bird, after he
> died. After I had visited him, I had to run an errand, and my
> daughter, who was with him, then called to say he was gone. I
> drove back, and when I pulled into the parking lot and got out of
> the car, a Raven swooped down, flew low right over my head, and
> landed briefly on a nearby building, and then was gone. Rest in
> peace, Don, may you fly with the Ravens.
>
> You all know him as a loving, kind, humorous, gifted teacher and
> deeply spiritually connected to nature. In place of a formal obit,
> let me tell you some things about Don you may or may not know.
>
> Don was born in Philadelphia into a Quaker family and went to
> Germantown Friends School, then Swarthmore College, majoring in
> Comparative Religions. He was a talented musician who could sing,
> play the piano, and was an excellent tabla hand drum player. He
> even spent time in Calcutta, India, studying with a tabla guru there.
>
> After college, Don moved to Berkeley, California, and in the hills
> kept careful and beautiful journals of the nature he encountered.
> He soon realized he was seeing things that little was known about.
> That planted the seed that later led him to begin writing about
> nature. After returning to Massachusetts, he taught at the
> Warehouse Cooperative School, where he met Bill Phillips, an
> editor at Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, whose daughter
> attended the school. Bill accepted Don's first book, Nature in
> Winter, and went on to become Don's editor for many years.
>
> Don then began teaching at the Massachusetts Audubon Society and
> was in the process of writing a bird behavior guide when he met
> Lillian (already an avid hawk-watcher who came from a background
> in animal behavior and psychiatric social work), who took his
> course on Bird Behavior. As they say, the rest is history. Don and
> Lillian got married and over more than 30 years produced 35 Stokes
> Guides, including 3 volumes on bird behavior (instrumental in
> introducing a holistic approach to birds), backyard books such as
> the Bird Feeder, Hummingbird, and Bluebird books, beginner's
> guides, and the national The Stokes Field Guide to Birds of North
> America. Stokes' books have sold over 6 million copies. Don and
> Lillian produced and hosted the first PBS national television
> series on birds, Birdwatch with Don and Lillian Stokes, as well as
> Stokes Birds at Home, which 40 million viewers saw. They gave
> keynote talks and taught at birding festivals and Audubon
> societies across the country for many years. They were Duck Stamp
> Judges and received a Partners in Flight National Conservation
> Award. Don belonged to many nature and conservation organizations,
> including the Nuttall Ornithological Club.
>
> Befitting his beautiful, spiritual side, Don was a student of
> Haiku poetry, writing it for many years. Here is a fitting example.
>
> Entering the wilds
>
> Equipped to look at nature –
>
> Wait! I am nature.
>
> Don will be buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in MA (a famous birding
> hotspot) on Goldfinch Path (how fitting!!). There will be a
> private family Celebration of Life as per his wishes. If you would
> like to do something in remembrance of Don, send a contribution to
> the nature, birding, or conservation organization of your choice.
> Thank you.
>
> Lillian Stokes
>
>
Date: 10/12/25 3:34 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] 22,960 Cormorants!!! (Massive migration plus some coastal migrants)
Jane and I spent the day on the coast today and got treated to (by far)
my best day ever for Double-crested Cormorants. They unloaded from up
north and we ended up with nearly 23,000 birds. AMAZINGLY, our previous
high count (and highest count previously for NH?) was 10,404 on this
same date of October 12 back in 2013!
Oct 12, 2025 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM
Checklist Comments: Strong coastal storm to our south and strong high pressure to the north combined to give moderate NE winds of 20 to 30 knots. Unfortunately, the wind direction didn't produce many sea birds, but helped to give us an incredible migration of Double-crested Cormorants. Overcast with NE winds and excellent visibility all day except for a brief period of light rain and fog. About 4 hours at Ragged Neck in Rye (with Ben Griffith and Robyn Prieto) and then 3.5 hours at Little Boar's Head.
Count of birds migrating south only except for Razorbills.
----------------------------------------------------------
Brant 1 Close single bird migrating.
Canada Goose 3 Remarkably few migrating.
American Wigeon 1
American Black Duck 7
Northern Pintail 3
Green-winged Teal 23
Common Eider 44
Surf Scoter 97
White-winged Scoter 16
Black Scoter 10
scoter sp. 179
Long-tailed Duck 1 First of fall.
Red-breasted Merganser 8
Razorbill 2 Two birds together flying north. Large alcids with lots of white on face and heavy bill.
Laughing Gull 13 Steady slow trickle in afternoon of just about all single birds. Mix of adults and juveniles.
Ring-billed Gull X Some migrating in afternoon.
American Herring Gull X Some migrating in afternoon.
Red-necked Grebe 2
Red-throated Loon 23 Not terribly unusual this early, but this is a high count. Steady count of single birds and twos. Compare 42 on 10/12/20. Some close views, a couple not counted on water.
Common Loon 113 Good migration of birds with as many as 5 in groups. Some high overhead, some offshore.
loon sp. 14
Northern Gannet X 20 to 50 birds in view most of morning; foraging and diving offshore. In afternoon, a southbound movement was noted, but not big and mostly single birds. With the cormorants moving and without a clicker, no count was obtained. A (relatively) high percentage of juveniles was noted.
Great Cormorant 2 Migrating with DCCO.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT 22,960 Mega-Migration! Twice my highest count for NH and likely twice the highest count for NH! From 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM a respectable count of 3,359. Then between 12:30 and the end of the day, an explosion of birds; many moving directly down Rt. 1A with birds flying close and fast with a great tail wind. As we parked pointing north from Little Boar's Head, flock after flock flew by right overhead with occasional big flocks offshore. Between 2 and 3 PM, 12,320 were counted in complete madness as we attempted to estimate flocks! Largest "flocks" (combined close flocks) of 1,200, 1,050, 1,000, 820, 800, 650, 500, 500.
Great Blue Heron 4
Peregrine Falcon 1
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/checklist/S279020805
Observation start time: 05:30:00
Observation end time: 17:00:00
Total observation time: 11.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Kate McKay, Katrina Fenton,
Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Nikko Gagnon, Phil Brown
Visitors:
285.
Weather:
Variable cloud cover with a light breeze mostly from the southwest,
temperature range of 39°F to 56°F, and decreasing haze throughout the
day.
Raptor Observations:
It was a nice day for the Big Sit. We had excellent species diversity with
11 raptor species migrating including several kettles of Turkey Vultures,
another late immature broad-wing, a juvenile harrier, and a single Osprey.
It was also the first triple-digit day of October (with the last 100+ bird
day being two weeks ago).
Non-raptor Observations:
The complete bird list for the day reached 33 species. In addition to the
migrant and local raptors (consisting of the 11 species plus 1 Barred Owl),
we recorded 18 Canada Geese, 2 Common Loons, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1
Downy Woodpecker, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 4 Blue Jays, 7 American Crows, 10
Common Ravens, 3 Black-capped Chickadees, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2
Golden-crowned Kinglets, 4 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 2 Brown Creepers, 1
Hermit Thrush, 1 American Robin, 23 Purple Finches, 20 Pine Siskins, 4
Dark-eyed Juncos, 15 White-throated Sparrows, 1 Blackpoll Warbler, and 8
Yellow-rumped Warblers.
American Crows: 2/2
Monarchs: 3/506
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks cloudy with wind from the east and chance of rain late.
There's potential for low visibility, which might shorten the count.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/11/25 9:58 am From: John Edmondson <johnhedmondson...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Pelagic trip for Monday CANCELED
Confirmed I have received the notification. Hoping for a future trip.
Thanks
John Edmondson
On Sat, Oct 11, 2025, 10:40 AM Jon Woolf <jsw...> wrote:
> Sadly, I have to announce that the NH Audubon pelagic birding trip
> scheduled for Monday has been CANCELED due to a forecast of extremely high
> wind and seas all day.
>
> Because we are canceling due to weather, all registrants will receive full
> refunds.
>
> If you are registered to go, then please email me and/or Devin Guilfoyle
> at NH Audubon (<dguilfoyle...>) to confirm that you’ve seen this
> notice.
>
> I hope to have better luck next time.
>
> Thanks to all who signed up,
> —Jon Woolf
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<2DDA2C91-D8BE-4AE0-BE3A-7C65499C95DE...> > .
>
Date: 10/11/25 7:40 am From: Jon Woolf <jsw...> Subject: [NHBirds] Pelagic trip for Monday CANCELED
Sadly, I have to announce that the NH Audubon pelagic birding trip scheduled for Monday has been CANCELED due to a forecast of extremely high wind and seas all day.
Because we are canceling due to weather, all registrants will receive full refunds.
If you are registered to go, then please email me and/or Devin Guilfoyle at NH Audubon (<dguilfoyle...>) to confirm that you’ve seen this notice.
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Mark Wilson, Meade Cadot,
Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
172 including a bride and groom getting their pictures taken.
Weather:
Beautiful sunny day with great visibility, a light southwest wind, and
temperatures ranging from 36°F to 49°F.
Raptor Observations:
Highlights included several close Merlins, a late immature Broad-wing, a
colorful adult Red-shouldered Hawk, and a group of migrating Turkey
Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations:
Other birds included a Mourning Dove at the hawkwatch, a couple of
Golden-crowned Kinglets in the spruce trees, and a few Yellow-rumped
Warblers flying by. Non-bird finds included two Common Drone Flies and a
roadkill Ring-necked Snake.
Blue Jays: 2/179
Monarchs: 2/503
Predictions:
Partly sunny with a breeze from the southwest.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/10/25 2:26 pm From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Vultures and Ravens
Crazy day here at the house, turkey vultures (13) and Northern ravens (18) "hanging" around. Calling, chasing each other, soaring, roosting.... It was odd, never seen that here before and the ravens, never seen those numbers, they didn't appear to be migrating, just as I said hanging around, like a social gathering of two species. Randy Meredith
I've got a couple of reef glimpses of a very large and very light colored hawk at cheshire medical center on court street in keene
It\nSeems a lot paler than your typical red tailed hawk , and i'm wondering if it could be one of those lighter colored color morphs of it that aren't too common around here
Visitors:
150 visitors from near and far including a couple of school groups.
Weather:
Clear and sunny with a stiff breeze from the northwest. Temperatures
starting at 32°F and increasing to 42°F by late afternoon. Visibility to
Mt. Washington for the latter half of the day.
Raptor Observations:
Nice diversity of species today. The leucistic Red-tail made a brief
reappearance mid-day and a Peregrine put on a show by flying up and down
with a raven in front of the hawkwatch. At the end of the day, a really big
Cooper's came in to attack Gina (the decoy owl) and was subsequently
attacked by a really small sharpie.
Non-raptor Observations:
Many flocks of Canada Geese seen flying by throughout the day.
White-throated Sparrows and Black-capped Chickadees were singing despite
the cold. We also saw a few hardy Monarchs, thereby passing 500 for the
season's total.
Blue Jays: 7/177
Monarchs: 4/501
Predictions:
Looks to be a bit warmer tomorrow with abundant sunshine and a light breeze
from the southwest.
Coming up on Saturday, we plan on participating in the Big Sit!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/9/25 12:32 pm From: Keith Chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red Bellied Woodpecker / Ashland
We've had a red-bellied woodpecker male for the last 2 days coming to our feeder station. It has found our peanut butter and our peanuts. We have also had two yellow-bellied sapsuckers drilling into our maple tree for the last week. Keith and Kris Ashland NH
Date: 10/9/25 10:26 am From: Christian Martin <cmartin...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Really cool photos from Odiorne, Bruce!
With the old anatum subspecies wiped out by DDT, Peregrine breeding and reintroduction efforts in the 1970s and 1980s relied on eggs from a variety of mostly captive falcons from all around the globe. Our current eastern U.S. breeding population is multiple generations removed from those original reintroduced birds, but what genes work best in today’s environment is still being sorted out by differential reproductive success and survivorship. Natural selection and time are slowly working to shape a ‘new’ mid-latitude subspecies of eastern Peregrine. What we do already know is that most eastern U.S. breeding Peregrines either migrate short distances (100-400 miles) or remain on breeding territories year-round, unlike their Arctic cousins who travel the entire length of the U.S. east coast.
- Chris
New Hampshire Audubon - Protecting New Hampshire's natural environment for wildlife and for people.
From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 11:50 AM
To: <nhbirds...>
Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Remarkable photos Bruce! A Herring Gull is a huge prey item for a Peregrine Falcon.
The "Arctic Peregrine Falcon" is a subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius). Immatures are identified by the pale buffy crown of the bird. This subspecies is the most common one seen in migration along the coast.
Peak migration time for Peregrine Falcons is right now in early October. The local breeding population is different, but I'm not sure how. Possibly a mix of subspecies? Chris Martin?
Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA
On 10/8/2025 9:38 PM, Bruce Conti wrote:
Had an interesting visit to Odiorne Point this afternoon (October 8) after the rain had passed through. At least 80 Bonaparte's Gulls in the cove near the science center. Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Black Ducks, a Killdeer, a Great Blue Heron, among others encountered. The most exciting encounter was a Peregrine Falcon, first spotted dragging its prey across the water because it was too heavy to take flight. The prey was a gull upon which the falcon feasted once it got perched on a rock. The Raptor ID group in Facebook suggests that its a subspecies Arctic Peregrine Falcon. A rare bird? Take a look at the photos in the eBird checklist at https://ebird.org/checklist/S278073839
Date: 10/9/25 8:50 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Remarkable photos Bruce! A Herring Gull is a huge prey item for a
Peregrine Falcon.
The "Arctic Peregrine Falcon" is a subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus tundrius). Immatures are identified by the pale buffy
crown of the bird. This subspecies is the most common one seen in
migration along the coast.
Peak migration time for Peregrine Falcons is right now in early
October. The local breeding population is different, but I'm not sure
how. Possibly a mix of subspecies? Chris Martin?
Date: 10/9/25 8:35 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Arctic Peregrine Falcon at Odiorne
Had an interesting visit to Odiorne Point this afternoon (October 8) after
the rain had passed through. At least 80 Bonaparte's Gulls in the cove
near the science center. Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Black Ducks, a Killdeer,
a Great Blue Heron, among others encountered. The most exciting encounter
was a Peregrine Falcon, first spotted dragging its prey across the water
because it was too heavy to take flight. The prey was a gull upon which
the falcon feasted once it got perched on a rock. The Raptor ID group in
Facebook suggests that its a subspecies Arctic Peregrine Falcon. A rare
bird? Take a look at the photos in the eBird checklist at
https://ebird.org/checklist/S278073839
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Mark Timmerman
Visitors: 33.
Weather: After rain in the morning delayed the start of the count, cloud cover gradually decreased and the sun came out. Windy and gusty throughout the day with temperatures not getting above 50 degrees F.
Raptor Observations: Mostly small raptors on the wing today with several sharpies drifting by, a few Merlins zooming through, and one kestrel flying sideways against the wind. At one point, a beautiful adult sharpie came in to attack Gina, the decoy owl, and another time, a lovely dark-blue male Merlin flew low by the hawkwatch.
Non-migrant raptor highlights included a juvenile Red-shoulder playing with the local ravens, a Peregrine soaring high above North Pack late in the day, and a young Red-tail diving repeatedly at Edgar Allan Pole, the decoy raven.
But the 'bird of the day' was a stunning leucistic Red-tail which appeared at five o'clock. Mostly white with a golden-brown face, this amazing bird drifted into view above the spruce trees, giving hawkwatchers only enough time to exclaim in awe and snap a few quick pictures before it flew southwest into the sun. A minute later, however, the bird circled back and spent some time near the hawkwatch, kiting directly above us and allowing for better pictures. It shone a beautiful snowy white in the sunlight as it turned circles in the sky. Eventually, it disappeared again behind Pack.
Non-raptor Observations: A group of 30 ravens were enjoying the wind today. Other songbird sightings included the season's first Pine Siskin, one Swainson's Thrush, and lots of White-throated Sparrows. Blue Jays: 4/170
Predictions: Tomorrow looks sunny and cold. It could be a good day for migrants as there will be more wind from the northwest. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/8/25 4:30 pm From: Cameron Johnson <camjohnsonphoto...> Subject: [NHBirds] Interactive Birding Map for Odiorne State Park
There had been several requests in the NH RBA groupme for some sort of map for the birding locations in Odiorne, and since one did not really exist I went ahead and made one! Thanks to Steve Mirick and James Smith for the help putting this together.
Hi all, Had a female purple finch on my feeder yesterday. She was back again today Still get the YB sapsuckers every morning. 2 white throated sparrows showed over a week plus ago. Today I had many show up. Too many to count properly. Usually have 8 to 12 winter over. Also today the leucistic chipping sparrow was back. Last seen a month ago.
Observation start time: 11:15:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: Just 3, too cold and windy.
Weather: A late start on account of rain ahead of the cold front; overcast followed by clearing with mostly clear skies by 2:00 pm; moderate to strong NW turning N/NW; 53 - 59 F, high of 62 F.
Raptor Observations: No raptors until after 1:30 then pretty steady for the count, a good falcon day, first Peregrine Falcon of the season. Northern Harriers came by close overhead. One Turkey Vulture escaped the local flock heading south.
Non-raptor Observations: I did indeed visit mt cross-state rival hawk watch yesterday. How did Julie know of my ulterior motives? Maybe it was the secret hidden camera. You should see all the stuff they have down there: scoreboards, billboards, photo galleries, data charts and smart plaques. And their personnel: greeters, public liaison officers, mathemeticians, economists, statisticians, and a staff meteorologist. That's not a hawk watch, it's a Think Tank!
Predictions: Appointments tomorrow keep me from the count, returning Friday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Date: 10/8/25 2:11 pm From: Catherine Fisher <catherineckx...> Subject: [NHBirds] Goodby and hello: Black-throated blue warblers, juncos, Lee
Allens Ave was busy with warblers this morning, with several black-throated blues, both male and female gleaning on the upper branches of viburnums and grape vines. This afternoon small flocks of juncos wing up whenever anyone walks down the avenue; nice to see them again
Date: 10/8/25 6:16 am From: Lori Charron <lpcharron...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sparrows!
I am having a great feeding flock of sparrows in my yard in Errol this morning! Best count of white- throated sparrows is 60! A mix of juncos, chipping, and song sparrows. One lonely fox sparrow mixed in so far! Happy Birding! Lori Sent from my iPad
Date: 10/7/25 9:14 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 PM Program - Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 pm Program – Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration
The Monarch is a formerly abundant butterfly species that has experienced dramatic and widespread declines since the early 1990s. Conservation efforts are underway across the US to understand and take action to stop this decline. In this presentation by Lindsay Herlihy we will examine the natural history of Monarchs, explore some of the cutting-edge technologies and methods used to track Monarch movements and discuss the tracking data NH Audubon biologists have gathered from migrating Monarchs.
Bio: Lindsay Herlihy is a biologist and naturalist-educator with NH Audubon. She has been tagging Monarchs with NHA for three years and is taking the lead on the Monarch Motus tagging program in 2025.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday October 8, 2025 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps, Seacoast Science Center) There will be refreshments starting at 7 pm. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 pm. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Thank You! Dunkin’ of 14 Central Ave (exit 7 off of Rte 16), Dover, NH (603) 740-9649 donates hot coffee and more for our programs. When you visit the location mention a thank you!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Julie Brown, Phil Brown
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Miki Foley, Rob Woodward, Tom Delaney
Visitors: 90, including hawk watching friend (and spy??), Rob Woodward, of the Alton Bay Hawk Watch up on Lake Winnipesaukee. Welcome, Rob, and we hope you'll utilize some of Pack's most coveted trade secrets to improve data and deliverables from NH's 'other' fall hawk watch. Great spending time with Jan and Kevin Kolk of Texas, a fine group of friends from the Lakes Region, and many other folks from near and far.
Weather: Continued unseasonable warmth with southwest winds that strengthened in the afternoon. Temps 55-72 F, with winds to 15 mph and some stronger gusts. Cloud cover returned today, providing some contrast in the sky, but haze limited visibility, especially early and later in the day.
Raptor Observations: A good day for flying, but not for migrating into the moderate headwind. A Peregrine was added in the 2 o'clock hour only to be subtracted in the 3 o'clock hour. Sharpies sparred their way across the sky, first south, then north, one diving at Gina before turning its attention to unseen songbirds below the summit. The local juvenile Red-shoulder siblings drifted far out of their home territories, later returning to the safety of the skies over North Pack, where Red-tails tassled with Ravens endlessly. A Merlin rocketed past the watch just before 1 pm, not leaving its migratory status in any doubt.
Non-raptor Observations: A modest list of passerines, a few late darners, plenty of scope spiders and stinkbugs, and a pair of cottontail rabbits late in the day.
Predictions: Looks like rain, at long last, possibly to clear in the early afternoon with northwest winds. But Pack often holds onto clouds and moisture a bit longer. Thursday looks promising, but bundle up! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
LeConte’s Sparrow 1 continuing (thanks to Jim Nealon for re-locating) Bird offered good views as it flew from low bush into a tree about 10 feet up into nearby tree and remained for over 10 minutes
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 ( found by James Cornelius ) bird remained hidden behind leaves of red maple but rufous scapulars and yellow lower mandible eventually seen
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
N. Flicker 1
Common Raven 1
Cooper’s Hawk 1
A. Crow x
Bobolink 2
Lincoln’s Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow x
Song Sparrow x
Swamp Sparrow 7 (undercount?)
White-throated Sparrow 3
Chipping Sparrow x
American Goldfinch x
House Finch x
House Sparrow x
Eastern Bluebird x
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped W. 4
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers: Chuck Carlson
Visitors: 99 visitors today. Despite it being slow on the raptor front, it was a great day for raptor education, with many curious visitors. Thanks to Steve, Mary, and Chuck for keeping me company at the hawkwatch and scanning empty skies for raptors.
On this day in Pack history... 2011: Eagle time! Ken Klapper: "Holy cow. Two immature Golden Eagles (at 10:50 and 16:15) making for an astounding two-day run for the first week of October. The first bird "returned" a few minutes after we lost sight of it, to attack a 3rd year Bald Eagle that was doing its best to imitate another immature Goldie. Soon a 1st/2nd year Bald Eagle appeared near Crotched Mountain - 3 eagles of two different species were simultaneously visible from Pack! A pair of Peregrine Falcons, an immature Goshawk, and an Osprey rounded out our "big bird" day."
Weather: Seasonably warm, clear skies, slight haze, and a steady breeze from the southwest. Temps cracked 24 C at the summit and stayed there for most of the afternoon. Other than the temperature, conditions stayed consistent other than a few wispy clouds in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: This was the second day of unproductive winds, and most of the motivated birds must have moved yesterday. By 11:30, the excitement was that we might beat the recent record of no raptors observed until 12:38, but a sharpie moved through to put a migrating raptor on the board. Other than a few sharpies, a few eagles and an Osprey were the only clearly migrating raptors today.
Non-raptor Observations: Today was my first day on the mountain since last Monday, and the number of White-throated Sparrows and juncos has increased significantly. A tiger swallowtail making a quick appearance was nice to see, maybe the last of the year!
Monarchs: 1/496
Predictions: Similar to today but cloudy, with a chance of precipitation. Might be another snoozer for migrating hawks, but you never know... ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/6/25 6:18 pm From: F Keenan <fkeenanhome...> Subject: [NHBirds] vireos at Odiorne
Inspired by the previous day's Seacoast chapter field trip report, and the lingering summery weather, I stopped by Odiorne Pt. SP yesterday afternoon. Managed to find and photograph both white-eyed and blue-headed vireos. Also saw a small bird that I THINK was a least flycatcher. Let me know if you think otherwise from the photo.
Date: 10/6/25 6:02 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, October 6, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, October 6th,
2025.
A juvenile LECONTE’S SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 4th-6th
.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 6th.
2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 5th, and 1
was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye also on the 5th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at the Wilder Wildlife Management Area in
Lyme on October 3rd.
A NELSON’S SPARROW was seen at Bedell Bridge State Park in Haverhill on
October 6th.
A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 5th, and 1
was seen at the Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield on October 1st.
2 FOX SPARROWS were seen in Pittsburg on October 2nd.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Goss Farm several times during the past week, and
1 was seen at Star Island on October 4th.
A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 2nd.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October 6
th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen in Moore Fields along Route 155A in Durham on
September 30th.
A juvenile RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and a HOODED WARBLER were seen at the
Isles of Shoals on October 4th.
A HOODED WARBLER was seen at Lake View Drive in Strafford on September 30th
and October 1st.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on October 4th, and
1 was seen at the Wilder Wildlife Management Area in Lyme on September 29th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
October 2nd.
A MOURNING WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on October 2
nd.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was seen in Dover on October 6th, and 1 was seen
at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on the 4th.
3 BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS were seen at the Freedom Town Forest, 1 was seen in
Gorham, 1 was seen in Bartlett, 1 was seen in Tuftonboro, 1 was seen in
Madbury, and 1 was seen in Lee, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH was seen in Keene on October 3rd.
6 TENNESSEE WARBLERS were seen in the Freedom Town Forest, 1 was seen at
Goss Farm in Rye, 1 was seen in Pittsburg, 1 was seen Durham, 1 was seen in
Merrimack, 1 was seen in Penacook, and 1 was seen in Marlborough, all
during the past week.
A BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER was seen in Freedom Town Forest, and 1 was seen in
Dover, both during the past week.
A YELLOW WARBLER, and a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER were both seen at Star
Island, one of the Isles of Shoals, during the last week.
An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was seen at Wagon Hill Farm in Durham on October 2nd,
and 1 was seen at Elm Brook Recreation Area in Hopkinton on October 1st.
An EASTERN KINGBIRD was seen at Bullard Drive in Lyndeborough on October 6th
.
A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
October 4th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Pittsburg on October 1st. Far north!
Birders on a Granite State whale-watch cruise out of Rye on October 5th saw
a COMMON MURRE, and 28 CORY’S SHEARWATERS.
2 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on October 1st.
A WHIMBREL was seen at the Isles of Shoals on October 2nd.
3 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen at Hampton
Salt Marsh Conservation Area on October 1st.
5 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen in a backwater of the Magalloway River in
Errol on October 1st.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at Hebron Marsh in Hebron on October 4th.
More than 200 GREAT EGRETS have been seen roosting at the beaver pond on
Route 107 in Seabrook where the power lines cross the road on October 4th.
A flock of 14 BLACK VULTURES was reported from Lyndeborough, and 2 were
seen at Pack Monadnock, all on October 5th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE from Dover on
October 1st.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 7,500 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon web site, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding6
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Someone, anyone, help! Ladybugs by the hundreds if not thousands all over the yard all over the house in the house everywhere. They came out of nowhere they're everywhere. Yes we get them every fall but not like this what happened today? thoughts? Regards Randy Tucker Mountain Road Meredith
Date: 10/6/25 5:28 am From: Barbara Horton <byrder101...> Subject: [NHBirds] Yard birds Derry NH
Hi all,
Still getting YB sapuckkers daily. One on my crabapple tree right now. This past Tuesday the bluebird pair returned. They disappeared mid July which was a first. Usually here year round. Finally had an adult male YB sapsucker eating crabapples on Thursday. Friday was a wonderful surprise. After not seeing any Cedar Waxwings in my yard for maybe15 years or more, I had a small group of juveniles, 5 to 8. Yesterday morning I had a male eastern towhee. Still seeing RB kinglets and YR warblers in the crabapple. Popular spot! Yesterday I spotted the Great Blue Heron walking along the side yard near the brook. I did notice there was a squirrel not too far away, I have seen that behavior before going after chipmunks and eating them. Not sure if the squirrel was a target. Or a chipmunk I did not see.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Levi Burford
Observers: Alan Chretien, Andre Moraes, Brian Rusnica, Chuck Carlson, Glen Chretien, Glen and Alan Chretien, Katrina Fenton, Mike Gebo
Visitors: We had 248 visitors to the watch on a warm foliage weekend. It was great to have Brian and Lizzie show up from Watatic. It's really nice connecting!
Weather: The weather was pretty stable through the day, with only the temperature changing by the hour. Starting at about 62 degrees (F), the temperature at the summit of Pack Monadnock rose to a balmy 77 degrees.The wind remained light from the WSW and nary a cloud could be seen in the sky at any point today.
Raptor Observations: Right off the bat a tiercel Peregrine was observed sliding from North Pack by the watch and that one bird started a rather nice day of hawk watching. While the temps rose and wind remained light, the morning remained steady with approximately 10 birds an hour. Things slowed in the afternoon and hawk watchers fought off warm sun-induced naps between birds. The thought occurred to me that we might need random blasts from an air horn to liven the watch up enough to stay awake but really there was enough vigilence at any one point to maintain reasonable data.
Interesting notes for the day included 12 Northern Harriers (all aged/sexed: eight Juveniles, three males, one female), one straggler Broad-winged Hawk, and two Black Vultures heading south.
Non-migrants today included at least five Red-tailed Hawks, and one Red-shouldered Hawk, one Bald Eagle.
The area around the watch was busy when we arrived this morning with many White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. The sound of White-throateds could be heard throughout the day.
Notable for the count was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that flew through in front of the watch.
Predictions: Looks like more similar weather with a little more wind from the Southwest. It's not the most inspiring weather forecast for watching migrant raptors but if you throw your margarita in a blender and scurry it up to Pack, you might have a good time keeping Nate company anyway! I bet there will be a few birds to see at least! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Levi Burford (<lbburford...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Zeke Cornell and I went on a whale watch today on the Granite State out of Rye, NH and were joined by Jon Woolf. We had good bird and whale activity. The rarest bird for the date was a Common Murre and there was a Northern Fulmar plus good numbers of Cory's and Great Shearwaters.
Date: 10/5/25 8:06 am From: Sandy Turner <tmsprgrn...> Subject: [NHBirds] Fwd: eBird Report - Lyman Hurd Hill Rd, Oct 5, 2025
Always grand to see
Sandy Turner
Lyman
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Lyman Hurd Hill Rd, Oct 5, 2025
To: <tmsprgrn...>
Lyman Hurd Hill Rd, Grafton, New Hampshire, US
Oct 5, 2025 8:07 AM
Protocol: Incidental
Checklist Comments: landed on pine on small island in Dodge Pond
1 species
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Mark Timmerman, Meade Cadot, Mike Gebo, Nora Hanke, with many more...
Visitors: 215. Great to see Dave, Nathan, and many others.
Weather: Mostly sunny and hazy with a light variable breeze and temperatures ranging from 60 to 73 degrees F.
Raptor Observations: Mostly sharpies today but there was nice diversity with ten species of raptors migrating.
Non-raptor Observations: Two Herring Gulls flew by high overhead in the afternoon. Blue Jays: 2/166 Monarchs: 1/495
Predictions: Warm and sunny again with a light southwest breeze. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
The Great Egrets were arriving in singles or as groups no larger than six. The Snowy Egrets had already been roosting by the time I got there, and no more had flown in. Next count, I plan on getting there before any birds arrive so that I can get the most accurate count possible.
Most of the trip was spent on a long walk around Odiorne Point State
Park, but we offered a trip extension to Goss Farm in Rye. The weather
was sunny, calm, and cool at the start, but quickly warming up and
becoming hot for the date reaching 82F. There were almost zero
migrating birds (no hawks, loons, sea ducks, hardly any cormorants).
But we had a nice variety of warblers with 14 species for the day and a
couple of nice rarities highlighted by a very rare LeConte's Sparrow!
Below are the two eBird checklists with photos and a complete list follows.
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Spotted Sandpiper
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Late bird at Odiorne.
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW - Literally, the first bird that I called out to
the group. Great long extended scope views by everyone in the group as
it foraged along the shoreline with 2 White-throated Sparrows (NOT with
the Chipping Sparrows today).
White-throated Sparrow
LECONTE'S SPARROW - The bird of the day! A drab looking juvenile bird
at Goss Farm. Unfortunately most of the field trip participants had
gone home when we found it. EXTREMELY hard to get a look at, but those
present got at least glimpses of this reclusive and rare bird. I
believe the 8th record for NH....all since 2000.
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Black-and-white Warbler
TENNESSEE WARBLER - 1 at Goss Farm. Brief views, but nicely
photographed by Cameron.
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - 1. Nice views by all at Odiorne.
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler (Western)
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting - 1 at Goss Farm.
Date: 10/4/25 2:06 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ducks, sandpipers, Black-backed Woodpecker and Canada Jays at Umbagog
Athree-night/four-day paddle trip on gorgeous Lake Umbagog in Errol NH this pastweek had these highlights.
Wood Duck- 30+
Black Duck- 60+
BLUE-WINGED TEAL- eleven
Green-winged Teal- 20
Northern Pintail- three
RING-NECKED DUCK- one flock estimated at 450 birds!
scaup species- at least seven
Common Goldeneye- two
[Common Merganser- zero!]
Common Loon- at least 15
Double-crested Cormorant- two
Bald Eagle- easily 10-12
Greater Yellowlegs- one
Pectoral Sandpiper- five (regular at Umbagog when there are some mudflats)
Snipe- four
Black-backed Woodpecker- one along the Magalloway River and another on the Maine side of the Lake
Canada Jay- at least six in two different spots
Rusty Blackbird- four
NOTES:These totals are on the low side, except for the Ring-necked Ducks, due to strongN and E winds limiting my time on the water the first two days and to a lesserextent because of the beginning of the waterfowl hunting season on day 3 of myvisit. Somewhat ironically, I discovered the big flock of Ring-necks etc. atthe far end of Black Island Cove where there were no hunters. BIC is a bit outof the way.
Thewater was low enough to have hundreds of exposed rocks but not much in the wayof mudflats. The shorebirds were in one backwater of the Magalloway River and therewere undoubtedly others I did not reach.
Sunrisesand sunsets on the Lake were stunning, serene, and sublime. Until next time…
BobQuinn, Webster,NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
Date: 10/4/25 8:17 am From: Linda Charron <lindacharron071...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagle in New Boston
Watched him soar around over our house for 5 min. or so. A smaller bird following him that I couldn't identify with my bins. Amazing to watch! Never saw one here before.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Meade Cadot
Visitors: 183 visitors including a couple all the way from Scotland and a wedding party posing for pictures. Great to see Matt and Christie again. And thanks for your company, Dave!
Weather: Beautiful sunny day with a light breeze and decreasing clouds. Warmer than the past couple of days with temperatures ranging from 42 to 65 degrees F. Wind direction was mostly southwest.
Raptor Observations: The first migrant of the day, an adult Cooper's Hawk, came by at half past noon. Then there was a light trickle of birds for the rest of the afternoon. Highlights included some beautiful male Northern Harriers and a close immature Broad-winged Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Many White-throated Sparrows, juncos, and chipmunks spending time near the hawkwatch. Blue Jays: 18/164
Predictions: Sunny and warm with a slight northwest breeze. With this more favorable wind direction, there might be more birds moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/3/25 5:43 pm From: Alfred Maley <alfredmaley...> Subject: [NHBirds] OK, So It’s Not NH, But Monhegan Was Pretty Interesting This Week
Monhegan Island in Maine is well known to many NH birders, but it can
sometimes be dull, especially on east winds. But this past week or so it
was pretty darn good on SW winds.
The first bird of note was a Black-backed Three-Toed Woodpecker
photographed on one of the trails. The next day Linda stepped out of our
rental house and photographed an adult male Hooded Warbler, then proceeded
to the Village Garden where she saw a Mourning and a Prothonotary Warbler,
found there by others. The next day a Yellow-throated Warbler was found by
Derrick Lovitch which was seen by many over the next two days. A Western
Kingbird made an appearance and, oddly, was mobbed by a pair of local
Eastern Phoebes on their territory. The next day, a Bell’s Vireo claimed
the headlines for two days. Derrick came through yet again by spotting a
Black-throated Gray Warbler, which was seen by many around the village for
the next two days.
Date: 10/3/25 8:16 am From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] *** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 PM Program - Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Please note the following:
* Check the chapter website (http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs) for any changes that may impact the in person program.
* There will be refreshments from 7-7:30 pm. Feel free to bring in refreshments for others to enjoy at the program. Thank you!
Wednesday October 8, 2025 7:30 pm Program – Butterflies Without Borders: Tracking Monarch Migration
The Monarch is a formerly abundant butterfly species that has experienced dramatic and widespread declines since the early 1990s. Conservation efforts are underway across the US to understand and take action to stop this decline. In this presentation by Lindsay Herlihy we will examine the natural history of Monarchs, explore some of the cutting-edge technologies and methods used to track Monarch movements and discuss the tracking data NH Audubon biologists have gathered from migrating Monarchs.
Bio: Lindsay Herlihy is a biologist and naturalist-educator with NH Audubon. She has been tagging Monarchs with NHA for three years and is taking the lead on the Monarch Motus tagging program in 2025.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday October 8, 2025 program which is free of charge at the Seacoast Science Center (wheelchair accessible), Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye NH (click here for Google maps, Seacoast Science Center) There will be refreshments starting at 7 pm. Meetings begin at 7:30 pm. Entrance doors will be locked at 7:45 pm. Cancellations will be announced on http://www.seacoastchapter.org/programs and this Google group.
Thank You! Dunkin’ of 14 Central Ave (exit 7 off of Rte 16), Dover, NH (603) 740-9649 donates hot coffee and more for our programs. When you visit the location mention a thank you!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Phil Brown, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 166 including school groups from Wilkins Elementary and Jaffrey Grade School. Thanks to Matt & Christie for help spotting birds!
Weather: Another nice, sunny day with temperatures ranging from 41 to 54 degrees F. The light breeze in the morning decreased by afternoon, while the high cloud cover increased. Visibility all the way to Mt. Washington. In the late afternoon, we saw "sundogs" in the sky, a phenomenon where two bright, rainbow-colored spots appear on the either side of the sun.
Raptor Observations: Several sharpies, some kestrels, a good amount of Turkey Vultures, a few Bald Eagles, and others on the move today. Highlights included a Merlin zooming by in front of the hawkwatch and an adult sharpie coming straight in towards Gina (the decoy owl) and landing in the spruces nearby.
Non-raptor Observations: Other bird highlights included a single Common Loon flying over North Pack, a flock of ten Cedar Waxwings by the summit, a singing Blue-headed Vireo by the hawkwatch, and a couple of Blackpoll Warblers flying overhead. Blue Jays: 14/146 Monarchs: 2/494
Predictions: Partly sunny with slightly warmer temperatures and a breeze from the southwest. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: 34. Nice people all but lady, do I have to overhear all the details of your liver ailment. If I hear the word "gelatinous" one more time....The second half of the UNH wildlife studies class resumed the good work of their predecessors of 2 days ago. After taking a picture of and for them I asked their overseer and Forest Society staff member Steve Junkin if for their next project they could construct for me a raptor scoreboard, displaying daily and year-to-date totals. Visitors would love to see what is being seen and in what numbers.
Weather: Another cloudless sky, at least to start, with increasing high thin clouds moving in from the west; calm (too calm?) winds at times otherwise primarily light from the NE turning NW by 1:20; 48 - 63 F with a high of 67 F.
Raptor Observations: A Sharp-shinned Hawk awaited me at the summit as I arrived but did not presage a big flight for that species. A good variety if not a big count. Many Bald Eagles were followed while they made their slow leisurely ascents on thermals, only to see them fly off in the wrong direction.
Non-raptor Observations: One flock of migrating Canada Geese and 35 Yellow-rumped Warblers. Today Monarch hit 0/65.
Predictions: Favorable winds give way to unfavorable SW winds tomorrow but I may as well do at least a partial day, we need more kestrels and Ospreys. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Mark Timmerman, Meade Cadot, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 107. Lovely to see Brian & Pat and Tom & Ginny, and thanks Dave for your help!
Weather: Sunshine and clear skies with temperatures ranging from 40 to 54 degrees F. Brisk breeze from the Northeast, shifting to the North at times. Nice visibility, with Mt. Washington in view all day.
Raptor Observations: Most birds moved in the morning, with migration slowing down in the afternoon. First bird of October was an American Kestrel cruising high overhead, and the last bird of today was a beautiful Red-tail who flew right in to take a close look at Gina, the decoy owl. Sharpies were the most abundant migrants of the day, followed by kestrels, and then harriers, along with two Cooper's, one Merlin, one Bald Eagle, and zero broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: Several Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-throated Sparrows stopped by throughout the day. Blue Jays: 7/132 Monarchs: 1/492
Predictions: Similar conditions in the forecast for tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 10/1/25 11:26 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Squam Lake Five Finger Point
Lots of good birds still in the area. Main part of the lake I spotted two bald eagles, two common loon, one turkey vulture and three unknown Raptors, too far away to identify.
In Rattlesnake Cove I currently have four common loon, two turkey vulture soaring over Rattlesnake Mountain along with one broad Wing Hawk.
I've heard common raven American crow blue jay and Pileated woodpeckers calling throughout the afternoon.
Pretty cool sight to see are the F-35 Raptors dog fighting over the Squam range. Regards Randy
Visitors: 86 including 42 students from the Wilkins School in Amherst plus 10 teachers and parents. Trish and Walt joined for the afternoon show.
Weather: The day started with moderately clear skies with high thin clouds. The wind was light from the NW and gradually increased until about noon when it subsided a bit. Temps increased and the sky cleared by the end of the count.
Raptor Observations: There were no raptors for the first two hours. Then four red-tails began cavorting with 11 ravens. The raptors started to move and there were about 10 each of the next three hours. Among the migrants were red-shoulders, peregrines, and five lonely broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: 4 Monarchs, 44 Blue Jays, and 15 Canada Geese.
Predictions: Brisk and north winds should usher migration through. Be on the lookout for a big sharpie day soon and more vulture movement. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: A total of 29 including 23 from a UNH wildlife studies class, not here to study wildlife but to engage in physical labor cutting brush with hand saws and clippers. After an hour, many students fatigued and returned to their gadgets and snacks. As a result of all the good work clearing obstructions to my view, I may count fewer passerines but more raptors.
Weather: Essentially clear skies to start with high thin clouds to the south giving way to some cumulus by 12:00 then clear by 3:00; calm to light N/NE winds all day; 64 - 75 F.
Raptor Observations: At least one bird counted almost each hour starting at 10:00 with 5 more added by staying until 4:00. Surely these 3 will be the last Broad-winged Hawks of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: 38 Yellow-rumped Warblers with peak numbers to come; Monarch still flying 3/65.
Predictions: Too many chores tomorrow but favorable northerly or westerly winds prevail at least through Saturday. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
On my way home from work tonight, I decided to pull over and observe the egret roost along Route 107.
When I arrived at 6:13pm, I counted 148 Great Egrets and 1 Snowy Egret in the roost. I stayed until dark and counted the birds as they flew in, bringing the final count to *215* Great Egrets and *13* Snowy Egrets. Interestingly, 11 of the Snowy Egrets circled around before heading south, joined by 4 Great Egrets.
It was an incredible sight. Does anyone know what the record count is for this roost? I would love to know!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Meade Cadot, Mike Gebo, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 57, including a class from the High Mowing school.
2014: The record is set for the most Peregrine Falcons counted in a day (12). Iain MacLeod: "Excellent day. Very quiet for first two hours then a nice push of birds. The highlight was the amazing show of Peregrines late in the day. During the last 90 minutes there was never a time when there wasn't a Peregrine visible. Two were hunting just below the lookout for an hour, then others would appear over North Pack and zip south. On four occasions I had four Peregrines in the air at once.The Merlin repeatedly strafing one of them was cool."
Weather: Clear with light winds from the WNW for most of the day, with temps from 15-19 C. Thin clouds increased starting around noon, reaching 80% around 1500.
Though there was a slight northerly component at the summit, at lower elevations the winds were mostly from the west and southwest, which may have impacted movement.
Raptor Observations: A slow morning with nice pulses of birds in the afternoon. Several groups of 3-4 sharpies were a highlight, with a steady flow of harriers (all juveniles) toward the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Our most notable sighting of the day was an unfortunate one; a spotted lanternfly flew in and landed on our decoy owl, Gina's, pole. Attempts were made to capture it, but unfortunately it flew off and could not be relocated. A report of the observation was made to UNH's NHbugs.
Other than that, a pair of towhees visited our little watering hole, some yellow-rumps and blackpolls were around, and a tiger swallowtail was observed.
Blue Jays: 1/81 Monarchs: 7/487
Predictions: Mostly sunny with winds from the north, it could be a good day! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/29/25 2:09 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, September 29, 2025.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, September 29th,
2025.
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, a CAPE MAY WARBLER, a BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, a
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, a NELSON’S SPARROW, 2
DICKCISSELS, a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, and a COMMON NIGHTHAWK were all
seen at Star Island, one of the Isles of Shoals, during the last week.
A CONNECTICUT WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
September 27th, and a MOURNING WARBLER was seen in Sandwich on the 29th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen along Bog Road in Penacook on September
28th.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at West Foss Farm in Durham on September 28th,
and 29th.
A LARK SPARROW was seen at the Joslin Gravel Pit in Surry, and 1 was seen
at Goss Farm in Rye, both on September 23rd.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at Goss Farm in Rye, 1 was seen at Odiorne
Point State Park, 1 was seen at Pickering Ponds in Rochester, 1 was
reported from Merrimack, and 2 were seen at Star Island, all on several
days during the past week.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Birch Street Community Gardens in Concord
during the past week.
There was an unconfirmed report of a COMMON REDPOLL from Moose Hill Road in
Hudson on September 24th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen in Moore Fields along Route155A in Durham on
September 27th, and a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen here on the 28th.
5 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were seen at the Isles of Shoals on September 28th
.
A HUDSONIAN GODWIT continued to be seen in Hampton Harbor and was last
reported on September 29th.
A SANDERLING was seen at Moore Reservoir in Littleton on September 22nd.
A PARASITIC JAEGER was seen along the coast on September 25th. A POMARINE
JAEGER, 4 WILSON’S STORM-PETRELS, 6 CORY’S SHEARWATERS and a COMMON TERN
were seen at Jeffrey’s Ledge on the 26th.
A BLACK VULTURE was reported from Milford, and 1 was reported from Concord,
both on September 27th.
Stormy weather on September 25th appeared to have stimulated migration
along the coast. Highlights were 82 CASPIAN TERNS, 23 LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULLS, and 48 LAUGHING GULLS.
Upward of 170 GREAT EGRETS have been seen roosting at the beaver pond on
Route 107 in Seabrook where the power lines cross the road.
There was an unconfirmed report of a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE from Canaan on
September 22nd.
Fall season hawk migration observation has started and observers have
counted over 7,100 raptors so far (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack
Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit and help the
official counters!
An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was reported from Gorham, 2 were reported from
Hopkinton, and 1 was reported from Durham, all during the past week.
A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was seen at Center Harbor on September 27th.
Several LEAST FLYCATCHERS and EASTERN KINGBIRDS were seen at the Isles of
Shoals during the past week.
8 TREE SWALLOWS were seen at West Foss Farm in Durham on September 27th.
A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO and 3 WARBLING VIREOS were seen at Odiorne Point
State Park in Rye on September 27th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Pittsburg on September 28th. Far north!
A BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was seen in Pittsburg, 1 was seen in Merrimack, 1
was seen in Durham, 1 was seen in Seabrook, 1 was seen in the White
Mountains, and 2 were seen in Wolfboro, all during the last week.
There were reports of YELLOW WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, PRAIRIE
WARBLER, CANADA WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, and ROSEBREASTED GROSBEAK
from scattered locations during the past week.
A WOOD THRUSH was reported from Hinsdale, 1 was reported from Durham, and 2
were reported Strafford, all during the past week.
A late-migrating CHIMNEY SWIFT was seen at Goss Farm in Rye on September 27
th.
Lingering RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were reported from Gorham, Webster,
Hollis, and Strafford.
This message is also available by phone recording: call (603) 224-9909 and
press 4 as directed or ask to be transferred.
If you have seen any interesting birds recently, you can leave a message at
the end of the recording or send your sightings to the RBA via e-mail to:
<birdsetc...> Please put either "bird sighting" or "Rare Bird
Alert" in the subject line and be sure to include your mailing address and
phone number. The RBA is also available on-line at the New Hampshire
Audubon website, www.nhaudubon.org
Thanks very much and good birding6
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dramatic vistas await you most any time of the year in New Hampshire’s
North Country. Follow birder and naturalist Robert A. Quinn’s detailed new
guide, *Birding in Northern New Hampshire* to the best birding in northern
Coos County. All proceeds go to NH Audubon. For more info and to order a
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Learn more about birds and birding in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Bird
Records: www.nhbirdrecords.org (read a free article in each issue). This
quarterly publication is produced by NH Audubon thanks to the work of many
volunteers. It is available for free in digital format to all NH Audubon
members, and also by print for an additional fee:
https://nhbirdrecords.org/join-or-donate/
NH Audubon received a report today (9/29/25) from George Gavutis of upward of 170 Great Egrets at the beaver pond on Rt 107 in Seabrook where the power lines cross the road.
Observation start time: 06:45:00 Observation end time: 16:15:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, Cliff Seifer, Mark Timmerman, Mike Gebo, Nate Marchessault, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: A total of 183 visitors stopped by today including members of the Monadnock Bird & Nature Club and South Shore Bird Club. Hello to Chip, Austin, Molly & James, David, and many others!
Weather: Beautiful sunny weather with temperatures getting up into the seventies. Steady breeze throughout the day and hazy in the distance. Fog was covering the summit in the morning.
Raptor Observations: The day started with two sharpies mobbing Gina (the plastic owl) and ended with a sharpie mobbing Gina. Migrants included 23 sharpies, a couple of Peregrine Falcons, some Cooper's Hawks, several Merlins, and less than 10 broad-wings.
Non-raptor Observations: Songbird highlights included several Purple Finches, a couple of Blue-headed Vireos, and an Eastern Phoebe. Blue Jays: 5/80
Predictions: Similar conditions expected tomorrow: warm and sunny with a breeze from the west. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/28/25 8:31 am From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] White-eyed Vireo, Durham
Birders
There was an immature White-eyed Vireo at West Foss Farm in Durham. West Foss farm is accessed from a parking lot just past the railroad overpass on Mill Road as you head west from the center of town. Walk in about .15 miles to a wet area, and maybe it will still be there! I had it just about 9:15, but could not relocate it when I came back out about 45 minutes later.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Amy Maurer, Chuck Carlson, Judd Nathan, Mark Timmerman
Visitors: 212. Thanks to Dave, Nathan, Cynthia, Kat & Jamie, Dani, and many others for observing with us!
Weather: Partly sunny early with a slight breeze and temperatures in the fifties and sixties. It became mostly cloudy in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: A nice diversity of raptors. Highlights included 10 harriers (our highest day count for this season so far), several Bald Eagles, some really beautiful male kestrels, and a migrant Red-tail.
Non-raptor Observations: Several songbirds about including a colorful male Purple Finch posing for photographs. We also observed a Common Drone Fly, Spring Peeper, and Eastern Cottontail. Monarchs: 12/480
Predictions: Tomorrow looks mostly sunny and warm with temperatures in the sixties and seventies. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/27/25 5:40 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lapland Longspur in Durham
Birders
I spent about an hour at Moore Fields today on NH 155A in Durham, with the highlight being a very early Lapland Longspur. It was skulking along the edge of the eastern plowed field, and I was right on top of it when I first noticed it. I was unable to measure the length of its spur. It flew off a short distance, making its distinctive rattle call, and I lost it in the grass. A few minutes later it popped up, made a mix of rattling and musical calls, and flew off in the direction of Tecce's, presumably in search of the apple crumble. It landed in the grass closer to the road, so I expect that it will be there tomorrow.
Other birds present were at least 2 Lincoln's Sparrows, 17 Savannah Sparrows, 3 Meadowlarks, 30 Pipits, and a Merlin hunting the pipits.
Goose hunters have been present there, and there were two dead geese in the field. I have no idea what their cause of death was, but hunters had means and motive.
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Rob Woodward
Observers:
Visitors: A busy mild fall day with 57 visitors. One very good 4 year old got a Hawk ID handout.
Weather: Mostly clear to start with some high thin clouds and no cumulus to speak of followed by increasing cloudiness in the afternoon finishing with mostly overcast skies; light to moderate NW wind turning W/NW by 1:30; 63 - 71 F.
Raptor Observations: A very nice diversity of raptors today with showings by some of the "minority" species like Osprey, Northern Harrier, and falcons (2nd highest Merlin count). These may be the last Broad-winged Hawks I see until next April; the latest date here is 29 Sept.
Non-raptor Observations: More pipits and siskins, 2 flocks of migrating Canada Geese.
Monarch 2/62.
Predictions: No count tomorrow but favorable weather continues through most or all of next week. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rob Woodward (<toucanrob...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Janet Delaney, Meade Cadot, Nate Marchessault, Nora Hanke, Tom Delaney, Tom Momeyer
Visitors: 112 visitors came by including students from Antioch's Ornithology class.
Weather: Partly sunny and breezy with temperatures in the high fifties to high sixties.
Raptor Observations: A good day with a steady trickle of birds in the morning and a few kettles of broad-wings in the afternoon. Nice views of a pair of Merlins flying close together right above the hawkwatch and of local red-shoulders, red-tails, and Turkey Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: A small flock of White-throated Sparrows, several Purple Finches, and both species of kinglets were around today. Blue Jays: 44/75 Monarchs: 16/468
Predictions: Forecast is partly sunny with similar temperatures and a breeze starting out from the northwest, so there should be some more migrants. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 9/26/25 10:46 am From: <jim...> Subject: [NHBirds] Birds of the Second Half of Summer 2025 -- PHOTOS
I put many bird photos from NH and VT in a blog post: birds in flight (nighthawks, kestrels, waxwings, hummingbirds, and others), waxwings feeding young, merganser with a huge fish, great blue herons, warblers (redstart, black-and-white, Blackburnian, black-throated green, blackpoll. common yellowthroat, magnolia, pine, Wilson's, yellow-rumped), sparrows, wrens, and others.
That's the story of the day along the NH coast as a huge, record
breaking migration of Caspian Terns took place today during the stormy
weather with SE winds.
I didn't get to the coast until late and didn't start looking for
Caspian Terns right away. So it really took me by surprise when I was
driving north at about 10:45 AM along Hampton Beach when a HUGE flock of
16 Caspian Terns flew over the buildings along the strip. I quickly
pulled over by Great Boar's Head and saw another flock of 5! I knew it
was going to be a good day, so I called Jane and she quickly got up at
12:30 PM.
We met up at Ragged Neck at Rye Harbor State Park and found shelter at
the rest rooms and sat there and watched a parade of Caspian Terns fly
by. I ended up with a total of 82 birds in 4 hours! With migrating
flocks as follows:
16,5,2,3,3,2,12,4,7,2,7,7,4,2,4,2.
All groups of two (even within flocks) appeared to be an adult and a
juvenile. It is very obvious that juveniles migrate with the adults and
the babies can be heard making squeaky begging sounds as they flew by
with the occasional rasp of an adult. Curious why only a single adult.
Does the male depart without the female and young?
Things really slowed down by 3 PM so we headed home. As we traveled
south on Rt. 1A we stopped at Eel Pond where I had a personal high count
for Eel Pond of 10 (!) Caspian Terns on the pond. Not migrating, but 7
were sitting on the pond while 3 were foraging over the pond! Amazing!
Otherwise, it was a great day for migrating Lesser Black-backed Gulls
and Laughing Gulls. Below is my total of MIGRATING BIRDS only.
Been quite a while since posting. Have had a few sightings lately. This past Monday I saw my first YB sapsucker. Appeared to be a juvenile female. Was in a darker area of the crab apple. Also trying for photos outside I did get a photo of the tail of a female Redstart! haha Had several RC kinglets. Last week I had a Brown Thrasher who hung around for a while. Been quite some time since seeing one here. Last year I had.a leucistic Chipping sparrow. He or she returned this year. Nice surprise. The female turkey I call a goldenwing had 7 chicks. She still comes thru with 4 who are getting quite big. This year she has a twin. Another goldenwing turkey! Barb Horton Derry
