Date: 12/10/25 6:42 am From: 'Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Event - Book Signing with Nick Komar This Sunday
The Komar brothers, Nicholas and Oliver, grew up in Newton birding with the Brookline Bird Club back in the 1970’s. Herman d’Entremont and I accompanied them on many field trips. Nick Komar now lives in Colorado and was president of the Colorado Field Ornithologists when he retired to undertake a quest to find 900 birds in 2023 in the USA and its Territories. An amazing fete despite being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease back in 2004.
Nick will be back in Massachusetts this month to participate in the Christmas Bird Count and to promote his book “The Biggest Year in American Birding” which will be available at Bird Watcher’s Supply & Gift in Newburyport. Nick will be there to sign and personalize books on Sunday, December 14 from 1-3pm. Do stop by to say hello to Nick!
Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift
45 Storey Ave
Newburyport, MA 01950
<Birdwsg...>
978-462-0775
We had 6 Evening Grosbeaks drop by yesterday afternoon. Not sure how long they were at feeder, but discovered them and they shortly flew off. They did not return.
Date: 12/9/25 5:22 am From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] REMINDER*** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday December 10, 2025 7 PM ZOOM Program - Wildlife Adaptations in Winter***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Wednesday December 10, 2025 7 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) Zoom Program - Wildlife Adaptations in Winter
Note: This is a program change from the previous published December program.
Wildlife use various strategies to survive our cold winters, including migration, hibernation, and adaptation. We will examine these strategies for local wildlife, focusing on the adaptation strategies of ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, beaver, moose, and others. We will discuss the role of snow and snowpack, the trigger mechanism for shorter daylight hours on the hypothalamus, and plant adaptations in winter.
Bio: The speaker is David Govatski from Jefferson, NH. David retired after a 33-year career with the US Forest Service and now works as a Naturalist in New England and a ship naturalist in Alaska.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday December 10, 2025 program via Zoom. The Zoom program Meeting begins promptly at 7 PM. You may need to download Zoom (https://zoom.us/download) to attend the program.
Please register in advance for this meeting. You can register right up through the start time by clicking on this next word: REGISTER
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Date: 12/8/25 3:11 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 8, 2025.
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 8th,
2025.
An immature male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD has been seen visiting a birdfeeder on
a daily basis at a private residence in Stoddard since mid-October, and was
last reported on December 8th.
30 SANDHILL CRANES were seen at the UNH Main Campus on December 3rd, and 3
were seen at Bodwell Farm in East Kingston on the 4th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen soaring overhead in Sandwich on December 3rd.
Birders on fishing boat trip to Jeffrey’s Ledge and Old Scantum reported a
POMARINE JAEGER, 4 ATLANTIC PUFFINS, and over 1,000 DOVEKIES on December 7th
.
2 male BARROW’S GOLDENEYES were reported from Laconia on December 5th, and
a female was seen at Stark Landing on the Merrimack River in Manchester on
the 6th.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK continues to be seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton and
was last reported on December 6th, and another 1 was seen from Little
Boar’s Head in North Hampton on the 7th.
A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was seen at the Wilder Dam Reservoir in Lebanon on
December 3rd.
A male NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen on the Connecticut River below the
Bellow’s Falls dam in Walpole on December 7th.
An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen in Plaistow on December 3rd, and a SPOTTED
SANDPIPER was seen at Little Boar’s Head in North Hampton on the 7th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen at the Town Landing in Newmarket on December 6th.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was seen just south of Odiorne Point State Park on December
7th.
A BLACK VULTURE was seen on Donna Drive in Exeter on December 7th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
December 7th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
December 6th, and 2 were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton also on the 6
th.
A PALM WARBLER was seen at the intersection of Route 1A and Central Road in
Rye on December 3rd.
An EASTERN PHOEBE was seen at the Somersworth Wastewater Treatment Facility
on December 7th.
A HERMIT THRUSH was seen in Concord on December 8th.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was seen in Rye on December 1st.
An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was seen in Northfield on December 8th.
2 MARSH WRENS were seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut River
on December 4th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen in Northumberland on December 4th.
A GRAY CATBIRD was seen in Wilton on December 4th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPCKER was seen on Mechanic Street in Gorham on December 3
rd.
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen in Rochester, 1 was seen in Greenland,
1 was seen in Salem, and 1 was seen in Raymond, all during the past week.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen at a private residence in Windham on
December 2nd.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 50+ in Jefferson.
2 RED CROSSBILLS were seen in Stoddard on December 5th.
11 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on December 4th
.
3 CHIPPING SPARROWS were seen in Hampton on December 4th.
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 birding!
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: 12/8/25 1:29 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the Shoals Count invite but I will not be available this year.
Have good weather and a great day!
Happy Holidays and see you up north soon.
Bob
Robert A. QuinnMerlin Wildlife Tours Land line 603-746-2535 (preferred)
Cell phone 603-568-8582
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
On Friday, December 5, 2025 at 03:08:42 PM EST, Benjamin Griffith <bgriffith...> wrote:
It's once again time to sign up for the Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count. In keeping with past years, we're casting a broad net on our date, and will pick a good weather day when it comes along, I'll send out a bunch of emails and make phone calls to try to fill the boat, and we'll split the cost evenly among participants. My plan is to use the Shining Star for the trip, as people with opinions overwhelmingly preferred the boat over the Gulf Challenger. Based on feedback from last year's trip, I'm going to slightly decrease the number of people on board, and I'm hoping to keep the trip at or below $100 per person.
By filling out the form below, you are under no obligation to attend on days that you identify as available. Likewise, saying you're available doesn't guarantee a spot, but I intend to run down the list in the order that you sign up. You'll receive a few emails in the days leading up to the trip and it will give me a list of people to contact if and when the trip goes. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
I've picked essentially every day that I'm not otherwise busy as a potential weather day, which can be found in the form below. As in previous years, the trip will likely last about 5-6 hours and we'll spend about an hour on Star Island and visit the waters around the Isles of Shoals and Boone Island. The exact timing may depend on tides, as nearly every aspect of this trip is better at high tide.
Hope to see you this winter!
https://forms.gle/SLoJmr6chkeeiShk8 Ben GriffithSomersworth, NH
Date: 12/7/25 10:38 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] November County Challenge: Final Results
Greetings all,
The dust has settled, I finally took a look at the eBird review queue, and am hereby presenting the final standings for the 2025 NCC (sorry about the extra columns).
County MAX 2025 end end % rank
Belknap 138 87 63.0 3
Carroll 152 73 48.0 10
Cheshire 165 96 58.2 8
Coos 139 94 67.6 2
Grafton 166 101 60.8 6
Hillsborough 169 106 62.7 4
Merrimack 191 104 54.5 9
Rockingham 273 171 62.6 5
Strafford 188 112 59.6 7
Sullivan 137 95 69.3 1
Perennial contender Sullivan started off strong, dropped to third at the first turn, but came back in fine form to win the contest for the third year (we've done this six times). Both Belknap and Coos started slow but ended up medalling, Coos for only the second time. The middle of the pack consistently consisted of Grafton, Hillsborough, and Rockingham, with Hillsborough barely eeking out an edge over Rockingham at the wire (62.7% vs. 62.6%!). Merrimack choked, as usual, after a good start (#2 to #9), and was joined this year in this regard by Cheshire (#3 to #8). Poor Carroll, a champion as recently as 2023, trailed throughout. The final standings for all six years are presented below.
Several folks have asked this year about scoring, so I'll summarize briefly. A county is ranked by the percentage of its ALL TIME species list (in eBird) that is seen in the month. for example, Cheshire County has 165 species listed for November and birders reported 96 species in November 2025 - or 58.2%. I did this to give counties with fewer species and/or birders a fighting chance, since we all know that if total species was the metric Rockingham would win hands down every year without even trying. It turns out that this handicapping system flips the bias completely towards counties with lower overall species lists (typically those that are small, farther north, and/or with fewer birders). If one of the more populated and diverse southern counties does well it's usually because someone (e.g., Robyn in Strafford in 2024) goes absolutely bonkers trying to find new species, and even then a similar effort in a county like Belknap can still result in a strong showing. As Steve said, it's probably simply not possible for Rockingham to win this thing using the current system..
Over the years, I've experimented with different ways to score this game, including but not limited to: 1) only looking at the species lists over the last 5-10 years (this would theoretically weed out some of the list-building rarities in heavily-birded counties like Rockingham and Merrimack) 2) not counting species found fewer than 5 times in a county (same rationale as above) 3) using as the denominator a number based only on the duration of the NCC. I tried this in 2024 using the average, max, and cumulative November counts for each county from 2020-2023.
In the end, NONE of these worked any better, and all of them took a lot of time on my part to update. This year I saved myself a lot of time by not updating as frequently, not checking the eBird review queue until the end, and not trying any new scoring systems. I also spent most of the month moving and settling into a new house, and dealing with the minutiae of the NCC was not high on my priority list.
As others have noted, the NCC is a great way to get people out birding during the "shoulder season" between fall migration and the Christmas Bird Counts. It's been great to see folks showing their county pride (or bemoaning their dismal showing), but I'm wearing thin on coordinating it unless a couple of things happen:
1) Someone figures out a different way to score the contest 2) Other people step up to help - perhaps something like a county point-person who can wrangle the data. The latter would ideally include eBird review, although that's not the way this happens in NH at present so might be hard to implement.
Any statisticians or county team leaders out there willing to lend a hand?
Let us hope the large mixed horned lark and snow bunting flock remains at the state park for CBC. And the pipit. And the orange crowned warbler at Bicentennial.
Had evening grosbeak call, over the house while sweeping out the garage…. New yard bird.
Date: 12/6/25 11:06 am From: Debra Marnich <dmarnich...> Subject: [NHBirds] Horned Larks, North Conway
Two adult male horned larks in North Conway at Settlers Green Outlets, along the field behind Eddie Bauer. They were on the edge of the field closest to the road, picking grit in the plowed areas.
Deb
Debra Marnich, Stewardship Director Chocorua Lake Conservancy P.O. Box 105 Chocorua, NH 03817 603-323-6252 https://www.chocorualake.org/
Date: 12/5/25 12:08 pm From: Benjamin Griffith <bgriffith...> Subject: [NHBirds] Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count
It's once again time to sign up for the Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count. In keeping with past years, we're casting a broad net on our date, and will pick a good weather day when it comes along, I'll send out a bunch of emails and make phone calls to try to fill the boat, and we'll split the cost evenly among participants. My plan is to use the Shining Star for the trip, as people with opinions overwhelmingly preferred the boat over the Gulf Challenger. Based on feedback from last year's trip, I'm going to slightly decrease the number of people on board, and I'm hoping to keep the trip at or below $100 per person.
*By filling out the form below, you are under no obligation to attend on days that you identify as available. *Likewise, saying you're available doesn't guarantee a spot, but I intend to run down the list in the order that you sign up. You'll receive a few emails in the days leading up to the trip and it will give me a list of people to contact if and when the trip goes. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
I've picked essentially every day that I'm not otherwise busy as a potential weather day, which can be found in the form below. As in previous years, the trip will likely last about 5-6 hours and we'll spend about an hour on Star Island and visit the waters around the Isles of Shoals and Boone Island. The exact timing may depend on tides, as nearly every aspect of this trip is better at high tide.
Date: 12/5/25 9:21 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Welcome to the Joy of Birding!
Hi everyone,
I'm excited to share some news. New Hampshire Bird Records has officially transitioned online!
Our publication has taken flight into a fresh digital format, and we're thrilled to introduce the Joy of Birding, NH Audubon's new online home for stories, sightings, and all things birding in New Hampshire. This blog-style journal is free, open to all, and designed for everyone, from brand-new birdwatchers to seasoned experts.
Instead of quarterly issues, new articles now appear throughout the year, offering a steady stream of seasonal highlights, field stories, research updates, birding skills, and guides to where to bird across the state. You can also browse more than 40 full issues of New Hampshire Bird Records in our freely available online archive. Whether you want to learn, explore, or sharpen your bird ID skills, there will always be something new to discover.
We invite you to explore the site and even contribute your own stories or photos. Visit joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org<https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/> to begin discovering new articles, and don't forget to sign up for the Joy of Birding email newsletter on the homepage to receive future updates.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, <gmcculloch...><mailto:<gmcculloch...>.
Happy birding!
Grace
Grace McCulloch
She/Her
Community Science Project Leader
New Hampshire Audubon
84 Silk Farm Road
Concord, NH 03301
[cid:<image001.jpg...>]
www.nhaudubon.org<http://www.nhaudubon.org/> Protecting NH's natural environment for wildlife and for people.
Date: 12/4/25 5:34 pm From: '<bikenbird...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] *** NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter Wednesday December 10, 2025 7 PM ZOOM Program - Wildlife Adaptations in Winter***
New Hampshire Audubon Seacoast Chapter
Wednesday December 10, 2025 7 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) Zoom Program - Wildlife Adaptations in Winter
Note: This is a program change from the previous published December program.
Wildlife use various strategies to survive our cold winters, including migration, hibernation, and adaptation. We will examine these strategies for local wildlife, focusing on the adaptation strategies of ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, beaver, moose, and others. We will discuss the role of snow and snowpack, the trigger mechanism for shorter daylight hours on the hypothalamus, and plant adaptations in winter.
Bio: The speaker is David Govatski from Jefferson, NH. David retired after a 33-year career with the US Forest Service and now works as a Naturalist in New England and a ship naturalist in Alaska.
All are welcome to attend our Wednesday December 10, 2025 program via Zoom. The Zoom program Meeting begins promptly at 7 PM. You may need to download Zoom (https://zoom.us/download) to attend the program.
Please register in advance for this meeting. You can register right up through the start time by clicking on this next word: REGISTER
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Date: 12/4/25 11:39 am From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson
I counted 75 Evening Grosbeaks at our feeders in Jefferson this morning. The numbers have hopefully stabilized around 80 at one time. They are most active just after sunrise for an hour or so. We also have around 25 goldfinches. Starting to see a few pine grosbeaks either getting grit off the road or feeding on yellow birch catkins.
Date: 12/4/25 6:40 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Hummingbird in Stoddard NH
spelling correction
*SHEDD HILL ROAD*
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 8:13:10 PM UTC-5 Mark Suomala wrote:
> Birders & Photographers
>
> A female Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird has been seen visiting a birdfeeder at
> a house in Stoddard, New Hampshire since mid-October on a daily basis. The
> owners of the house have graciously offered the opportunity to
> observe/photograph the Hummingbird.
>
> 269 Shed Hill Road
>
> *If you visit please follow these guidelines;*
>
> Visit no earlier than 8:00 AM and leave no later than 2;00 PM
>
> Park your car in the driveway, but be prepared to move it promptly if
> requested. Overflow can park along the road but be careful.
>
> The Hummingbird is best viewed on the back left side of the house. You can
> walk along the left of the house until you see the feeder(red) on your
> right – stop here and watch the feeder. You may need to wait an hour or
> more before you see the bird.
>
> Alternatively, you can walk on the narrow walkway on the sloping right
> side of the house until you can see the birdfeeder. Wait here. You may need
> to wait an hour or more before you see the bird.
>
> Don’t walk around the back of the house. Stay out of the house and off the
> decks.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Mark Suomala
>
> Concord
>
>
>
Date: 12/3/25 5:13 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Hummingbird in Stoddard NH
Birders & Photographers
A female Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird has been seen visiting a birdfeeder at
a house in Stoddard, New Hampshire since mid-October on a daily basis. The
owners of the house have graciously offered the opportunity to
observe/photograph the Hummingbird.
269 Shed Hill Road
*If you visit please follow these guidelines;*
Visit no earlier than 8:00 AM and leave no later than 2;00 PM
Park your car in the driveway, but be prepared to move it promptly if
requested. Overflow can park along the road but be careful.
The Hummingbird is best viewed on the back left side of the house. You can
walk along the left of the house until you see the feeder(red) on your
right – stop here and watch the feeder. You may need to wait an hour or
more before you see the bird.
Alternatively, you can walk on the narrow walkway on the sloping right side
of the house until you can see the birdfeeder. Wait here. You may need to
wait an hour or more before you see the bird.
Don’t walk around the back of the house. Stay out of the house and off the
decks.
Date: 12/3/25 2:26 pm From: 'Steve Lauermann' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Coopers or Sharp-shinned?
Late afternoon, had a sizeable hawk glide over our back yard and pause in a maple tree about 50 yds. away from myself and our bird feeders. Its flight overhead scattered 30 or 50 birds instantly...it never followed any of them.
I believe it to be a Cooper's Hawk...Please...opinions?https://ebird.org/checklist/S287142462
Date: 12/2/25 1:54 pm From: Pam Weeks <pamela.weeks...> Subject: [NHBirds] Great day in the "bird window"
A work at home day means a day observing while I write.
Mostly the usual suspects, but the large number of redwinged blackbirds continues to surprise me. 12 males and 2 females all morning and for most of the afternoon.
Smaller than usual number of blue jays.
Overjoyed to see 7 Eastern Bluebirds at the same feeder.
Date: 12/2/25 1:40 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snowy Afternoon at the Feeder Setup in Nashua
A snowy afternoon at the birdfeeder photo setup in Nashua. Perhaps more
notable than the encounters: No Blue Jays! ebird checklist
https://ebird.org/checklist/S287091029 with photos.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Black-Capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
Eastern Bluebird 5
House Sparrow 2
House Finch 1 (female)
American Goldfinch 2
Dark-Eyed Junco 8
White Throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 2
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 12/2/25 8:10 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] November Challenge - Our Rockingham Results - 134 species
Jane and I dug it out this year in Rockingham County. In general, it
seemed that birds were hard to come by for us; however, our numbers are
still respectable as compared to recent years.
We ended up with 134 species (135 when Jane's Evening Grosbeaks are
included):
This is remarkably similar to our results from past years.....compared
to 135 in 2024, 133 in 2023, 142 in 2022, and 136 in 2021)
By comparison, the State of NH Total for November this year - 193
species and the Rockingham County Total for November this year - 169 species
And...for what it's worth, this year, we added a single species (Black
Vulture) to our personal "Overall Life Rockingham County November
List". Our November list now includes an amazing 253 species we've
recorded over the years....268 species if you include the whole State.
This includes 23 (!!) species of warblers, 7 species of Flycatchers,
and 5 species of vireos! There are clearly lots of cool species that
can be found in NH!
Extremely rare birds found this November throughout the State included:
Bell's Vireo - Rockingham County - 4th accepted State record.....3rd in
the last 100 years.
Trumpeter Swan - Coos County - 2nd State record! Too bad it didn't
stick around.
Cave Swallow - Rockingham County - Now irregular vagrant with many
coastal records, but still nice to see. Several individuals on Coast.
Purple Gallinule - Grafton County - Roughly 6th State record. Too bad
it was very ill and needed to be rescued to rehab center.
Townsend's Solitaire - Hillsborough County - Incredibly the SECOND
record from Pack Monadnock Hawk Watch and roughly the 9th State record.
Common Cuckoo - Rockingham County - FIRST STATE RECORD - Frustrating
bird that got away!
Date: 12/1/25 11:38 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Happy December! The CBC is almost here.
Happy December! The Christmas Bird Count is almost here.
Just posting this as a reminder. The website has also been updated with accurate information for the Concord and Sandwich.
There are 21 active counts across New Hampshire, and all interested birders are welcome to join.
Visit this link [ https://nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/christmas-bird-count/ ] to find a count near you and contact the compiler listed if you'd like to participate. Each count takes place within a designated count circle (a 15-mile diameter area centered on a specific point). The circle is divided into sections, with teams assigned to survey each one. If you live inside a count circle, you can even contribute by counting the birds in your own backyard!
The Christmas Bird Count is an international effort organized by the National Audubon Society, which coordinates all circles to ensure they don't overlap. Each local count selects one survey day between December 14 and January 5.
While NH Audubon does not coordinate the Christmas Bird Count, we're pleased to share this list of New Hampshire compilers and count dates so you can find a circle near you and join the fun.
Be part of a more than 100-year-old winter tradition. Bundle up, grab your binoculars, and help count New Hampshire's winter birds!
Not in a count circle? If you'd like to count feeder birds this winter but don't live in a count circle, consider joining our annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey on February 14 and 15, 2026. Details about this event will be posted soon on the NH Audubon website.
Take care and happy birding!
Grace
Grace McCulloch
Community Science Project Leader
NH Audubon
<gmcculloch...><mailto:<gmcculloch...>
Date: 12/1/25 11:03 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, December 1, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, December 1st,
2025.
A female BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was reported from Dockham Shore on Lake
Winnipesaukee in Gilford on November 28th, 2 males were seen at Opechee Bay
in Laconia on the 30th, and another female was seen at Stark Landing on the
Merrimack River in Manchester on the 30th.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK continues to be seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton and
was last reported on November 30th.
5 BLACK SCOTERS were seen at Reflection Pond in Shelburne on November 30th.
A female NORTHERN PINTAIL was seen at Horseshoe Pond in Concord from
November 27th-29th.
2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Meadow Pond, and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS
was seen at Witch Island, both in Hampton on November 29th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Eel Pond in Rye on November 30th, and a
GLAUCOUS GULL was seen in Portsmouth Harbor on the 25th.
A GREAT EGRET was seen in Portsmouth on November 30th.
3 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Exeter on November 30th, and probably the
same 3 were seen in Hampton Falls on the 29th.
2 NORTHERN SHRIKES were seen at Airport Marsh in Whitefield on November 30th
.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at the Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area in
Dover on November 26th, and 1 was seen at the Hampton Wastewater Treatment
Plant on the 30th.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen at South Mill Pond in Portsmouth on
November 28th, and another was seen at the Urban Forestry Center in
Portsmouth on November 29th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye on
November 29th, and 1 was seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton on the 30th.
An OVENBIRD was seen in Shelburne on November 26th, a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT
was seen in Swanzey on November 25th-26th, and a PALM WARBLER was seen
along Route 1A in Rye on the 29th.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen at the Blue Feather Farm in Antrim on November
26th and the 28th.
A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was seen at a private residence in Windham on
November 25th and 27th.
EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported from scattered locations during the past
week, including a flock of 50+ in Jefferson.
A PINE GROSBEAK was seen in Davisville on November 30th.
A flock of 29 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS was seen in Gorham on November 30th.
A WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL was reported from Troy on November 29th.
A LEAST FLYCATCHER was seen at Odiorne Point State Park on November 29th.
There was an unconfirmed report of an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE from Lebanon on
November 26th.
A CAROLINA WREN was seen at a private residence in Lancaster on November 30
th. The observer noted “3rd year in a row one has appeared during the last
week of November.”
A BLUE-HEADED VIREO was seen in Gorham on November 28th.
A HERMIT THRUSH was seen along Wetherby Road in Charlestown on November 26th
.
3 AMERICAN PIPITS were seen at Rye Harbor State Park on November 29th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen in Shelburne on November 26th.
A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was reported from Bethlehem on November 28th.
Lingering migrating species that were reported from various locations
during the past week included: YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, FOX SPARROW,
CHIPPING SPARROW, FIELD SPARROW, and SWAMP SPARROW.
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 birding!
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: 11/30/25 4:37 pm From: Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
Way above my pay scale to figure out a better scoring method…..
I think Nov challenge started out around the time Covid hit and was widely accepted.
I like that it gets us out there under adverse Nov conditions to look for late migrants as Steve suggested. I agree that this November weather has been very challenging with sustained winds, overcast and snow.
My final entry for the county challenge, representing Hillsborough, along
the Merrimack River on the Bedford Heritage Trail this afternoon, ebird
checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S286857856 with photos. Light rain,
36 degrees, no wind.
Mallard 10
Common Goldeneye 2
Common Merganser 2
Rock Pigeon 6
Ring-Billed Gull 34
Blue Jay 1
Dark-Eyed Junco 2
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 11/30/25 9:23 am From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Beaver Brook, Hollis
Sunday morning at Beaver Brook on the trails around Wildlife Pond, not much
to see, ebird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S286819082 for
Hillsborough County. 34 degrees, snow flurries, the open water mostly
covered with ice and a thin layer of snow.
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 5
Black-Capped Chickadee 2
Dark-Eyed Junco 4
Might get back out there before the rain arrives, maybe somewhere along the
Merrimack River where there's a better chance of finding more species.
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 11/29/25 1:24 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: Fwd: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
On Thu, Nov 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <
<nhbirds...> wrote:
Jane and I enjoy the County Challenge. Although I wonder if there is a
better method for the scoring system...
I'm new to this group, and as I've only been a member for a few months, I
don't know how active the challenge has been in past years. However, I am
confused about the scoring. How do Sullivan with 92 species, Coos with 91,
and Belknap with 83 beat Rockingham with 163 and Hillsborough with 100
species? Birding has been a 'challenge' versus the windy weather this
November. Hope to get out to a couple more sites for Hillsborough before
it's over.
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 11/29/25 10:01 am From: Bill Chaisson <wpchaisson...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Sparrow at Exeter Wastewater??? (pic)
Looks like a chipping sparrow. Perhaps a juvenile born this year molted
into its first adult plumage (hence the beak color)?
On Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 9:43:38 AM UTC-5 <cga......> wrote:
> Went to Exeter Wastewater on Thanksgiving morning.
>
> Good variety of birds including:
> bluebirds
> harrier
> snow bunting
> horned lark
> no ruddy duck
>
> On my way out I saw a white throated sparrow and another sparrow with it.
> I don't think the other sparrow is white throated. The other sparrow looks
> like a chipping sparrow but not sure with its orange beak. I am not ruling
> out a white crowned sparrow, but interested to see what others think.
>
>
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/138601499@N02/54952499871/in/dateposted-public/ >
> -chris gagnon
> Hooksett, NH
>
Date: 11/29/25 9:58 am From: Bill Chaisson <wpchaisson...> Subject: [NHBirds] bald eagle over ~Wilmot
We were at the lookout bench of the Cook Conservation property (Ausbon Sargent) near the Wilmot/New London boundary and looked directly south to see a large adult bald eagle soaring over the area where Wilmot, New London and Sutton all come together ("the Low Plain"). White tail and head clearly visible.
Date: 11/29/25 6:43 am From: '<cga......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Sparrow at Exeter Wastewater??? (pic)
Went to Exeter Wastewater on Thanksgiving morning.
Good variety of birds including: bluebirds harrier snow bunting horned lark no ruddy duck
On my way out I saw a white throated sparrow and another sparrow with it. I don't think the other sparrow is white throated. The other sparrow looks like a chipping sparrow but not sure with its orange beak. I am not ruling out a white crowned sparrow, but interested to see what others think.
Date: 11/28/25 5:38 pm From: Brendan Armstrong <brendanarmstrong45...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
Fog on Wednesday morning and winds and snow this morning equalled no new
waterfowl on the CT River in Sullivan County.
But we added Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Hermit Thrush to our November
list Wednesday morning. :)
On Fri, Nov 28, 2025, 7:22 PM Elaine Faletra <elaine.faletra...>
wrote:
> Grafton still very much in the game! Today a few of us gathered to walk
> the muddy open farm fields along the Connecticut River in strong winds,
> low temperatures and snow squalls hoping for a Lapland longspur or other
> November Challenge species. We will try again early tomorrow despite cold
> feet and hands. Good luck to all as we hope to edge up in the competition!!
>
> Elaine
> Warren NH
>
> On Nov 27, 2025, at 11:26 AM, Dan Mullarkey <dmullarkey7...> wrote:
>
>
> Belknap thanks the fine birders of Carroll for alerting us to the blue
> grey gnatcatcher, which has definitely been the recent highlight for us.
>
> Dan
>
> On Thu, Nov 27, 2025 at 11:15 AM JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...>
> wrote:
>
>> alas it has been a difficult few years here in Carroll county . Few
>> birders normal and fewer still due to illnesses, car troubles and folks
>> being out of the country. Seems we haven’t been blessed with wonderful
>> weather( unless you like snow or freeze) or migrants. But we stalwart few
>> continue to try. (Doesn’t look like we are heading for anyplace higher up
>> the ladder this season )
>>
>> Happy thanksgiving all!
>> Jeanne-Marie
>>
>> On Nov 27, 2025, at 08:57, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <
>> <nhbirds...> wrote:
>>
>> I guess I'll weigh in despite the fact that I'm still mourning the miss
>> of the Cuckoo.....tragic....especially since Jane and I had spent time
>> birding the (rarely birded) cemetery two days before the Cuckoo was seen!
>> Certainly the best bird of 2025 for NH, but sadly missed by almost
>> everyone.......argh!!!
>>
>>
>>
>> Jane and I enjoy the County Challenge. Although I wonder if there is a
>> better method for the scoring system. I'm not sure whether it's even
>> possible for Rockingham to win!!!???? :-) The Challenge gives birders an
>> excuse to beat the bushes in search of rarities. While November can be
>> cold and incredibly slow for birds, it's also a good time to find wayward
>> vagrants with broken internal GPS systems. It may be possible to walk all
>> of Odiorne and see nothing for 2 hours and then stumble upon a mega-rarity.
>>
>> And while there are currently no mega-rarities in NH right right now,
>> consider that in Maine right now megas being seen (or seen recently)
>> include Western Kingbird, Northern Wheatear, Bullock's Oriole, White-eyed
>> Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER! And in MA right
>> now (or recently) megas being seen include Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,
>> Tundra Swan (now deceased as of yesterday), Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow,
>> Ash-throated Flycatcher, Ross's Goose, and Say's Phoebe!
>>
>> Jane and continue to keep our list for this November.....now at 130
>> species (when you include Jane's heard only Evening Grosbeaks).
>>
>> https://ebird.org/tripreport/428400 >>
>> And some very cool birds here in Rockingham have been found this November
>> including Bell's Vireo White-eyed Vireo, Cave Swallow, and Baird's
>> Sandpiper!
>>
>> So eat well today, but GET OUT THERE TOMORROW AND FIND A GREAT
>> BIRD!!!!!! And a free beer to the person who finds me #400 for NH!!!!
>>
>> Steve & Jane Mirick
>> Bradford, MA
>>
>>
>>
>> On 11/26/2025 8:32 PM, Pam Hunt wrote:
>>
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the almost
>> total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its course.
>> That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
>>
>> 1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held on
>> Nov 2
>> 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong
>> 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding any
>> species in the last ten days)
>> 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time -
>> can it medal by month's end?!
>> 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing a
>> Common Cuckoo)
>> 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2).
>> 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%).
>> 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%)
>> 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual.
>> 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs, and
>> I feel their pain.
>>
>> You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen counties.
>> Good luck!
>> I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the
>> review queue.
>>
>> Happy Turkey Day,
>> Pam Hunt
>> Concord
>> --
>> 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/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>>
>> --
>> 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/<c827c0b1-1bb8-4878-a05b-91efdd389d02...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<c827c0b1-1bb8-4878-a05b-91efdd389d02...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>> --
>> 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/<4933BBC0-8E70-4519-9A30-73DEEBB5DC8F...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<4933BBC0-8E70-4519-9A30-73DEEBB5DC8F...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> 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/CALpFEgbo7wpWSvKXTGB3EBJCyX%<2BQ3cbyXai5DCB8Gh6whFF_Lg...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CALpFEgbo7wpWSvKXTGB3EBJCyX%<2BQ3cbyXai5DCB8Gh6whFF_Lg...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> 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/<C6FBFAF1-3E3D-4A50-A628-A83E0006BBD0...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<C6FBFAF1-3E3D-4A50-A628-A83E0006BBD0...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/28/25 11:36 am From: Randy Langer <randylanger52...> Subject: [NHBirds] Red-cockaded woodpecker
Interesting article on Yahoo about reintroducing the bird to the volunteer state. I was very fortunate to see one in Florida during a CBC back in 2004. They nest on the Eglin range. Regards Randy
Date: 11/28/25 10:31 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Request for Posting Permission in the Google Group
Please be advised that this was a SPAM message that got through to the
list. Not sure how, but it did. No need to respond, this person is now
banned from the list.
Date: 11/28/25 8:45 am From: Lauren Jacoby <laurenflo32...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Request for Posting Permission in the Google Group
I may be considered an administrator, but I’ve never done anything for Next
Door other than reading the entries. To get the help you need, I’d
recommend you send your request to somebody else, have no idea who. Sorry!
On Fri, Nov 28, 2025 at 9:48 AM Carolyn Williams <
<carolynwilliams4401...> wrote:
Date: 11/28/25 6:48 am From: Carolyn Williams <carolynwilliams4401...> Subject: [NHBirds] Request for Posting Permission in the Google Group
Hi Admin,
I hope you’re doing well. I am a member of the Google Group *(*NH BIRDS*) *Although
the group settings indicate that members are allowed to post, I am
currently unable to do so.
Could you please check my permissions and allow me to post in the group?
Date: 11/27/25 2:51 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jefferson Evening Grosbeaks
We had 42 evening grosbeaks coming to our feeders on Thanksgiving Day. We fill the platform feeders three times a day now. We started with 2 grosbeaks on 12 November and they kept inviting their friends to join them.
I spent four hours working on trails at Pondicherry in the morning before we joined friends for a festive dinner. I am thankful to be able to help take care of our public lands in our beautiful state. Nothing unusual for birds, red-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, ruffed grouse, and some ravens. I did see some moose tracks and fresh moose scat.
Date: 11/27/25 8:26 am From: Dan Mullarkey <dmullarkey7...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
Belknap thanks the fine birders of Carroll for alerting us to the blue grey
gnatcatcher, which has definitely been the recent highlight for us.
Dan
On Thu, Nov 27, 2025 at 11:15 AM JM Maher <jeannemariemaher...>
wrote:
> alas it has been a difficult few years here in Carroll county . Few
> birders normal and fewer still due to illnesses, car troubles and folks
> being out of the country. Seems we haven’t been blessed with wonderful
> weather( unless you like snow or freeze) or migrants. But we stalwart few
> continue to try. (Doesn’t look like we are heading for anyplace higher up
> the ladder this season )
>
> Happy thanksgiving all!
> Jeanne-Marie
>
> On Nov 27, 2025, at 08:57, 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <
> <nhbirds...> wrote:
>
> I guess I'll weigh in despite the fact that I'm still mourning the miss
> of the Cuckoo.....tragic....especially since Jane and I had spent time
> birding the (rarely birded) cemetery two days before the Cuckoo was seen!
> Certainly the best bird of 2025 for NH, but sadly missed by almost
> everyone.......argh!!!
>
>
>
> Jane and I enjoy the County Challenge. Although I wonder if there is a
> better method for the scoring system. I'm not sure whether it's even
> possible for Rockingham to win!!!???? :-) The Challenge gives birders an
> excuse to beat the bushes in search of rarities. While November can be
> cold and incredibly slow for birds, it's also a good time to find wayward
> vagrants with broken internal GPS systems. It may be possible to walk all
> of Odiorne and see nothing for 2 hours and then stumble upon a mega-rarity.
>
> And while there are currently no mega-rarities in NH right right now,
> consider that in Maine right now megas being seen (or seen recently)
> include Western Kingbird, Northern Wheatear, Bullock's Oriole, White-eyed
> Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER! And in MA right
> now (or recently) megas being seen include Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,
> Tundra Swan (now deceased as of yesterday), Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow,
> Ash-throated Flycatcher, Ross's Goose, and Say's Phoebe!
>
> Jane and continue to keep our list for this November.....now at 130
> species (when you include Jane's heard only Evening Grosbeaks).
>
> https://ebird.org/tripreport/428400 >
> And some very cool birds here in Rockingham have been found this November
> including Bell's Vireo White-eyed Vireo, Cave Swallow, and Baird's
> Sandpiper!
>
> So eat well today, but GET OUT THERE TOMORROW AND FIND A GREAT BIRD!!!!!!
> And a free beer to the person who finds me #400 for NH!!!!
>
> Steve & Jane Mirick
> Bradford, MA
>
>
>
> On 11/26/2025 8:32 PM, Pam Hunt wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the almost
> total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its course.
> That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
>
> 1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held on
> Nov 2
> 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong
> 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding any
> species in the last ten days)
> 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time -
> can it medal by month's end?!
> 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing a
> Common Cuckoo)
> 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2).
> 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%).
> 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%)
> 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual.
> 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs, and
> I feel their pain.
>
> You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen counties.
> Good luck!
> I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the review
> queue.
>
> Happy Turkey Day,
> Pam Hunt
> Concord
> --
> 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/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
> --
> 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/<c827c0b1-1bb8-4878-a05b-91efdd389d02...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<c827c0b1-1bb8-4878-a05b-91efdd389d02...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> 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/<4933BBC0-8E70-4519-9A30-73DEEBB5DC8F...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<4933BBC0-8E70-4519-9A30-73DEEBB5DC8F...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/27/25 5:57 am From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
I guess I'll weigh in despite the fact that I'm still mourning the miss
of the Cuckoo.....tragic....especially since Jane and I had spent time
birding the (rarely birded) cemetery two days before the Cuckoo was
seen! Certainly the best bird of 2025 for NH, but sadly missed by
almost everyone.......argh!!!
Jane and I enjoy the County Challenge. Although I wonder if there is a
better method for the scoring system. I'm not sure whether it's even
possible for Rockingham to win!!!???? :-) The Challenge gives birders
an excuse to beat the bushes in search of rarities. While November can
be cold and incredibly slow for birds, it's also a good time to find
wayward vagrants with broken internal GPS systems. It may be possible
to walk all of Odiorne and see nothing for 2 hours and then stumble upon
a mega-rarity.
And while there are currently no mega-rarities in NH right right now,
consider that in Maine right now megas being seen (or seen recently)
include Western Kingbird, Northern Wheatear, Bullock's Oriole,
White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER! And
in MA right now (or recently) megas being seen include Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher, Tundra Swan (now deceased as of yesterday), Western Tanager,
Lark Sparrow, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Ross's Goose, and Say's Phoebe!
Jane and continue to keep our list for this November.....now at 130
species (when you include Jane's heard only Evening Grosbeaks).
And some very cool birds here in Rockingham have been found this
November including Bell's Vireo White-eyed Vireo, Cave Swallow, and
Baird's Sandpiper!
So eat well today, but GET OUT THERE TOMORROW AND FIND A GREAT
BIRD!!!!!! And a free beer to the person who finds me #400 for NH!!!!
Steve & Jane Mirick
Bradford, MA
On 11/26/2025 8:32 PM, Pam Hunt wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the
> almost total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its
> course.
> That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
>
> 1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held
> on Nov 2
> 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong
> 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding
> any species in the last ten days)
> 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time
> - can it medal by month's end?!
> 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing
> a Common Cuckoo)
> 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2).
> 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%).
> 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%)
> 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual.
> 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs,
> and I feel their pain.
>
> You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen
> counties. Good luck!
> I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the
> review queue.
>
> Happy Turkey Day,
> Pam Hunt
> Concord
> --
> 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/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
Date: 11/27/25 4:05 am From: Jen 743 <jnotsolo3743...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
I, for one, have missed your reports and the banter, Pam. You should know
that Sullivan conspired early on to take second place from Belknap this
year and more recently we set our sites on Coos. We can only hope our lead
holds. Let’s go Sullivan!
On Wed, Nov 26, 2025 at 9:08 PM Dan Mullarkey <dmullarkey7...> wrote:
> Thanks Pam. Yes, it’s been quiet but I blame the birds. We’ve had a fair
> mix of people out looking and reporting, there just aren’t any new birds,
> and to my eye, not many birds at all. That said, Iain is back and we all
> expect great things. Most of the rest of the regulars will be out of state,
> so no pressure Iain! Oh well, I did enjoy 8 horned grebes today. And have
> been greatly amused by the neighborhood turkey, who a few days ago was
> standing on my porch table, just begging for it. I’ve had Far Side visions
> running through my head nonstop.
>
> Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
> Dan Mullarkey
> Gilford
>
>
>
> On Wed, Nov 26, 2025 at 8:32 PM Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
>
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the almost
>> total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its course.
>> That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
>>
>> 1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held on
>> Nov 2
>> 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong
>> 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding any
>> species in the last ten days)
>> 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time -
>> can it medal by month's end?!
>> 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing a
>> Common Cuckoo)
>> 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2).
>> 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%).
>> 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%)
>> 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual.
>> 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs, and
>> I feel their pain.
>>
>> You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen counties.
>> Good luck!
>> I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the
>> review queue.
>>
>> Happy Turkey Day,
>> Pam Hunt
>> Concord
>>
>> --
>> 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/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> 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/CALpFEgafjkRPLC0s%2BKaMwd3%2BiaCmn%2B0pWWnwCxvv1Q4wy%<2BbDKQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/CALpFEgafjkRPLC0s%2BKaMwd3%2BiaCmn%2B0pWWnwCxvv1Q4wy%<2BbDKQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/27/25 4:05 am From: Brendan Armstrong <brendanarmstrong45...> Subject: [NHBirds] November County Challenge--Final Stretch
Hello All,
We here in Sullivan County have been quietly coordinating our efforts this year. Despite our small number of birders, we've given the challenge our all.
We originally hoped to make sure to beat Belknap this year, but our attention soon turned to holding off Coos for first place.
Time will tell if they can outpace us in the final stretch.
Happy Birding! I do hope the November County Challenge continues next year.
Date: 11/26/25 6:08 pm From: Dan Mullarkey <dmullarkey7...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
Thanks Pam. Yes, it’s been quiet but I blame the birds. We’ve had a fair
mix of people out looking and reporting, there just aren’t any new birds,
and to my eye, not many birds at all. That said, Iain is back and we all
expect great things. Most of the rest of the regulars will be out of state,
so no pressure Iain! Oh well, I did enjoy 8 horned grebes today. And have
been greatly amused by the neighborhood turkey, who a few days ago was
standing on my porch table, just begging for it. I’ve had Far Side visions
running through my head nonstop.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Dan Mullarkey
Gilford
On Wed, Nov 26, 2025 at 8:32 PM Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the almost
> total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its course.
> That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
>
> 1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held on
> Nov 2
> 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong
> 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding any
> species in the last ten days)
> 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time -
> can it medal by month's end?!
> 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing a
> Common Cuckoo)
> 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2).
> 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%).
> 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%)
> 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual.
> 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs, and
> I feel their pain.
>
> You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen counties.
> Good luck!
> I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the review
> queue.
>
> Happy Turkey Day,
> Pam Hunt
> Concord
>
> --
> 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/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...> > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<CAPZ2PUuORaAVgBWUwVFCngyMSypfoPMU8RR3BurtXhGgx7hPMw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/26/25 5:32 pm From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] November County Challenge - Final Stretch
Greetings all,
Yes, I've been slow in updating the NCC this year, and given the almost total absence of friendly banter I think this event has run its course. That said, here are the standings as of this evening, in rank order::
1) Sullivan with 92 species (67.2%), reclaiming the top spot it held on Nov 2 2) Coos with 91 (65.5%), dropping one place but still holding strong 3) Belknap with 83 (60.1%), also dropping one place (and not adding any species in the last ten days) 4) Rockingham with 163 (59.7%). Rockingham has gained a spot each time - can it medal by month's end?! 5) Grafton with 99 (59.6%). Nipping at Rockingham's heels, but missing a Common Cuckoo) 6) Hillsborough with 100 (59.2). 7) Strafford with 110 (58.5%). 8) Cheshire with 90 (54.5%) 9) Merrimack with 100 (52.4%). Choking as usual. 10) Carroll with 73 (48%). Poor Carroll has had a bad couple of runs, and I feel their pain.
You've all got until Sunday to add new species in your chosen counties. Good luck! I'll send out a final ranking sometime next week after checking the review queue.
Date: 11/26/25 7:37 am From: 'Sue McGrath' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Thanks for the bounty
Birders,
For many years I've wanted to post this on Massbird in this season. Many
of you have heard me read this at my Thanksgiving Bird Walks in Newbury,
MA growing fields.
Enjoy the birds, the harvest, nature, family & friends.
Good birding,
Sue
Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA
Let us give thanks for a bounty of people
Max Coots:
For generous friends, with smiles as bright as their blossoms.
For feisty friends as tart as apples;
For continuous friends who, like scallions and cucumbers, keep reminding
us that we’ve had them.
For crotchety friends, as sour as rhubarb and as indestructible;
For handsome friends, who are as gorgeous as eggplants and as elegant as
a row of corn; and the others as plain as potatoes and as good for you.
For friends as unpretentious as cabbages, as subtle as summer squash, as
persistent as parsley, as endless as zucchini, and who, like parsnips,
can be counted on to see you through the winter.
For old friends, nodding like sunflowers in the evening-time.
For young friends, who wind around like tendrils and hold us.
We give thanks for friends now gone, like gardens past that have been
harvested, but who fed us in their times that we might live.
Date: 11/26/25 7:27 am From: 'Sue McGrath' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Thanks for the bounty
Birders,
For many years I've wanted to post this on NHbird in this season. Many
of you have heard me read this at my Thanksgiving Bird Walks in Newbury,
MA growing fields.
Enjoy the birds, the harvest, nature, family & friends.
Good birding,
Sue
Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA
Let us give thanks for a bounty of people
Max Coots:
For generous friends, with smiles as bright as their blossoms.
For feisty friends as tart as apples;
For continuous friends who, like scallions and cucumbers, keep reminding
us that we’ve had them.
For crotchety friends, as sour as rhubarb and as indestructible;
For handsome friends, who are as gorgeous as eggplants and as elegant as
a row of corn; and the others as plain as potatoes and as good for you.
For friends as unpretentious as cabbages, as subtle as summer squash, as
persistent as parsley, as endless as zucchini, and who, like parsnips,
can be counted on to see you through the winter.
For old friends, nodding like sunflowers in the evening-time.
For young friends, who wind around like tendrils and hold us.
We give thanks for friends now gone, like gardens past that have been
harvested, but who fed us in their times that we might live.
Date: 11/25/25 8:37 am From: eric masterson <erictheirish...> Subject: [NHBirds] Jeffreys Ledge CBC
Hello all - please let me know if you are interested in participating in the Jeffreys Ledge CBC, which is now an official count with Audubon. We did a trial run last year, highlighted by 1500 dovekies, puffins etc. You can access the trip list at the link below.
The trip will run during the CBC count window (December 14-January 5) on the first day with seas of 2 feet or less and reasonable temperatures and little to no precipitation. The trip will be limited to the first 25 people to sign up, with the cost of the boat split amongst participants - roughly $100pp. We will be using the Gulf Challenger as per last year.
Date: 11/25/25 5:11 am From: Charlie Nims <charlie.nims...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks
Just had 6 Evening Grosbeaks at my small feeder; not David G. numbers but a pleasure to see and perhaps a precursor to a good winter finch season. Yesterday’s Finch Research Network (FiRN) update report from Matt Young and Tyler Hoar was very encouraging.
Date: 11/24/25 4:11 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Portsmouth common cuckoo
Unless there are some feather or plumage characteristics that can
eliminate or support the uniqueness or similarity of this individual,
than we will never know. It seems unlikely that it's the same bird due
to the proximity and direction of the Long Island Bird. My guess is
that it is likely a different individual, but the occurrences "may" be
related to a common weather event.
Date: 11/24/25 2:30 pm From: 'Steve Mirick' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Portsmouth common cuckoo
Alas, the Common Cuckoo in Portsmouth on Friday will become one the most
frustrating misses in NH birding history!
A non-birder (Tori-Simpson Tucker) found this bird on Friday afternoon
and knew it was different. So she shared it with her girl friend and
she shared it with her husband Brendan Linard who got the word out and
created an eBird Checklist:
Although the word got out (relatively) quickly considering the sighting
by a nonbirder, it was all for naught. Brendan and other birders got
out late in the afternoon on Friday just before dusk, but no luck. And
then at dawn on Saturday, the cemetery was covered with birders all day
searching.....but no luck. And again on Sunday, but no luck. :-(((((
Common Cuckoos are a charismatic bird that is extremely rare with only
about 4 other lower 48 records for the United States. The most recent
record in Rhode Island created quite a stir during the beginning of the
pandemic in 2020, but it stuck around an was seen by many. Fortunately,
I DID get a chance to see that one!
Date: 11/24/25 12:42 pm From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, November 24, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, November 24th,
2025.
A COMMON CUCKOO was seen at the South Street Cemetery in Portsmouth on
November 21st. This is the first state record for this species. It has not
been relocated.
A TOWNSEND‘S SOLITAIRE was seen at Pack Monadnock in Miller State Park on
November 18th.
3 SANDHILL CRANES were seen flying over 77 Woodsville Road in Monroe on
November 21st.
An ATLANTIC PUFFIN, at least 34 DOVEKIES, and 2 GREAT SHEARWATERS were all
seen in offshore waters during the past week.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK continues to be seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton and
was last reported on November 24th, and 1 was reported from Rye Harbor
State Park, also on the 22nd.
A female BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was reported from Stark Landing on the
Merrimack River in Manchester on November 17th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Adams Point in Durham on November 20th.
A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was seen at the Wilder Dam on the Connecticut
River in Lebanon on November 19th.
2 RUDDY DUCKS were seen at Great Meadows in Charlestown on November 18th.
An AMERICAN WOODOCK was seen in Pittsfield on November 21st.
A GREATER YELLOWLEGS was seen at Witch Island in Hampton on November 23rd,
and 1 was seen at Sunset Farm on Great Bay in Greenland on the 22nd.
4 BLACK VULTURES were seen in Newmarket, 4 were seen in Greenland, and 1
was seen in Langdon, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE, 2 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, and a PINE GROSBEAK were seen
on Pack Monadnock during the past week.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Reed Road in Colebrook on November 19th.
A DICKCISSEL was seen at Witch Island in Hampton on November 23rd.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen off Route 1B in New Castle on the 19th,
and 1 was seen at UNH Main Campus in Durham on the 23rd.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported from Charlestown on November 22nd.
A few AMERICAN PIPITS, PINE SISKINS, and EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported
from scattered locations during the past week.
3 MARSH WRENS were seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut River
on November 23rd.
Lingering migrating species that were reported from various locations
during the past week included: YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, EASTERN PHOEBE,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, NASHVILLE WARBLER,
AMERICAN REDSTART, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.
Fall season hawk migration observation has come to a close and observers
counted 8,581 raptors (mainly BROAD-WINGED HAWKS) from the Pack Monadnock
Raptor Migration Observatory. Be sure to visit during next year’s fall’s
migration-season to 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 birding!
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: 11/24/25 8:14 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] Re: Book NOT available!
Aaaand it's gone already.
Kinda like a certain cuckoo...(which never even made it to this email list!)
Pam
On Mon, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:59 AM Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> Another piece of downsizing my book collection:
>
> I have a copy of Sibley and Alquist's "Distribution and Taxonomy of the
> Birds of the World" available to anyone willing to claim it. This is the
> authors' summary of their (then) ground-breaking work in using DNA-DNA
> hybridization to ascertain the relationships between bird species and
> larger taxonomic groups. This came out way back in 1990, and many of the
> proposed changes were adopted and then dropped as our understanding of
> avian taxonomy continued to evolve (pun intended).
>
> Still an important milestone for anyone collecting books out there!
>
> More info at:
> https://www.amazon.com/Distribution-Taxonomy-Birds-Charles-Sibley/dp/0300049692 >
> The book is in my office in Concord for anyone willing to travel
> here.Other arrangements can be made as needed.
>
> As with my last offering - first come first serve!
>
> Pam Hunt
> Concord
>
>
Date: 11/24/25 7:59 am From: Pam Hunt <biodiva63...> Subject: [NHBirds] Book available!
Greetings all,
Another piece of downsizing my book collection:
I have a copy of Sibley and Alquist's "Distribution and Taxonomy of the Birds of the World" available to anyone willing to claim it. This is the authors' summary of their (then) ground-breaking work in using DNA-DNA hybridization to ascertain the relationships between bird species and larger taxonomic groups. This came out way back in 1990, and many of the proposed changes were adopted and then dropped as our understanding of avian taxonomy continued to evolve (pun intended).
Still an important milestone for anyone collecting books out there!
Went out at 4:30pm to bring in the bird feeders. As soon as I step out onto our back deck I saw the owl perched on a limb about 15 feet away from the bird feeders. Stepped back into the house and took some pictures with my cell phone. It hung around there for about 20 minutes.
Pelagic trip aboard the UNH research boat "Gulf Challenger" along with
scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and UNH. Woods Hole
researchers were collecting copepods from deep water at Wilkinson's
Basin just east of Jeffrey's Ledge. UNH researcher was retrieving ocean
floor monitor.
We cruised directly over Jeffrey's Ledge out to Wilkinson's Basin (point
6) where we used a seine net to collect copepod samples. We then cruised
for a short while south along the outer edge of Jeffrey's Ledge where we
retrieved the ocean floor monitor.
The weather was fair, but the ride out was choppy and wet (not expected)
as the wind shifted into the NE and bow splash prevented surveys from
the bow. The ride back was much better as the wind and seas eased up a
bit. ENE winds 10 knots, seas 1 to 3 feet. Mount Washington was nicely
visible 115 miles to the NW!
Count of birds east of the Isles of Shoals only. Inshore birds not counted.
Common Eider 13 migrating south over Wilkinson's.
Black Scoter 4 migrating south over Wilkinson's.
duck sp. 8 migrating south (scoter or eiders)
Atlantic Puffin 2
Razorbill 10
Dovekie 39
large alcid sp. 3
alcid sp. 2
Black-legged Kittiwake 36 mostly over Jeffrey's Ledge in small groups.
Bonaparte's Gull 1
Ring-billed Gull 2. Uncommon in Jeffrey's Ledge basin area.
American Herring Gull 17
Great Black-backed Gull 13
loon sp. 3 migrating south
Northern Fulmar 34. Mostly light morph birds, but at least 3 dark
morph.
Noteworthy comments for the day:
* A few pockets of birds spread out (mostly) around the areas traveled.
* The majority of Fulmar were on the outer (eastern) edge of Jeffrey's
Ledge.
* Newly arrived Dovekies and a single Puffin. Surprisingly zero Murres.
* No late lingering Great Shearwaters or jaegers seen.
* A couple of migrating loons and sea ducks.
Marine Mammals:
Humpback Whale - 2. Both crossing in front of the boat and fluking just
north of Old Scantum. Photos of the underside of one of the whales was
obtained and the whale has been identified as "Fenway" by Dianna Schulte
of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation.
Dolphin sp. - At least 3 on two separate observations. Quick, brief views.
Observation start time: 08:45:00
Observation end time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Annamarie Saenger, Chuck Carlson, Hillary Siener, Jim McCoy,
Katrina Fenton, Levi Burford, Nate Marchessault,
Nora Hanke, Phil Brown, Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
16 visitors and a great team of observers for the last day. Thank you for
coming up and making my last day special.
Weather:
Mostly cloudy with some sunshine in the afternoon. Temperatures ranged from
27 °F in the early morning to 32 °F in the late afternoon. Great
visibility, with a nice view of the distant snowy mountains to our north
and west. With basically no wind, it was a very pleasant day to be out
hawkwatching.
Raptor Observations:
A sharpie that flew in just before 9am to check out Gina (the decoy owl)
was the first migrant of the day. Then no other hawks came by until the
afternoon, when a couple more sharpies, a couple of red-shoulders, and a
few red-tails were spotted flying through. Non-migrants today included one
red-tail and two Bald Eagles soaring about in the sky. The last raptor of
the day and of the season was a beautiful red-shoulder circling off to the
east in the late afternoon sunlight. Hawkwatchers lingered past 3pm to scan
the skies one last time, pack up the signs, and release Gina from duty.
Non-raptor Observations:
Nice mix of bird species around on the last day. A Pine Grosbeak was heard
flying over in the morning, and a Northern Shrike was seen for a few
seconds at the very end of the day. A flock of migrating crows and a
distant flock of ducks flew by on their way south. In addition, we saw
Common Ravens, Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, Mourning Doves,
Blue Jays (one imitating a Broad-winged Hawk), Black-capped Chickadees,
Hairy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red
Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and American Goldfinches. Two rabbits nibbled on
the last of the birdseed.
American Crows: 13/266
Predictions:
Well, that was an awesome 21st season! This fall was full of fantastic
birds, fun sightings, and friendly people. Many thanks to all of our
volunteers, visitors, and supporters. Come again next year!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 11/20/25 5:41 pm From: David Govatski <david.govatski...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson
We have had 8-10 Evening Grosbeaks coming to our feeders in Jefferson everyday for the past five days. Several other North Country birders have similar or greater numbers. We just started feeding on November 11th when we had snow on the ground. We also have at least 20 goldfinches and up to 16 blue jays at one time.
Date: 11/20/25 1:49 pm From: Bruce Conti <contiba...> Subject: [NHBirds] Ponemah Bog
A very quiet afternoon at Ponemah Bog, representing Hillsborough County for
the county challenge. Most of the open water had a thin covering of ice.
No water birds encountered.
ebird checklist https://ebird.org/checklist/S285352420 with photos...
Red-Tailed Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
Black-Capped Chickadee 1
Eastern Bluebird 4
House Finch 2
Dark-Eyed Junco 1
--
Bruce Conti
*B.A.Conti Photography* www.baconti.com/birding.htm
*¡BAMLog!* www.bamlog.com
Date: 11/20/25 6:33 am From: 'Sylvia Hartmann' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Bald Eagle Manchester
just before 9 a.m. this morning, a mature Bald Eagle flying along the Piscataquog River, heading SE. it was over the Kelley Falls Bridge when I saw it. Sylvia Hartmann. Manchester NH
Date: 11/20/25 5:37 am From: Keith Chamberlin <kchamberlin07...> Subject: [NHBirds] Evening Grosbeaks, Ashland NH
We just had our first ever pair of evening grosbeaks come to our feeder (8:30a.m.) They came in with a group of Goldfinch. In 16 years we have lived here these are our first ever Grosbeaks. Keith and Kris Ashland, NH
Date: 11/19/25 7:04 pm From: 'Blake' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lyme Red-winged Blackbird Wednesday, the 19th
A very late season, solitary male appeared apparition-like at the feeders around noon, lingering for just a few minutes before vanishing into the vapors. Blake Allison
I will miss your daily observations! Thank you for your dedicated and important work!!
> On Nov 19, 2025, at 8:34 PM, <reports...> wrote:
>
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory
> Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA
>
> Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2025
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> Black Vulture 0 0 6
> Turkey Vulture 0 4 222
> Osprey 0 0 167
> Bald Eagle 0 21 170
> Northern Harrier 1 2 122
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 17 1139
> Cooper's Hawk 0 3 191
> American Goshawk 0 5 13
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 30 102
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 5821
> Red-tailed Hawk 6 180 260
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 3 5
> American Kestrel 0 0 196
> Merlin 0 2 80
> Peregrine Falcon 0 1 30
> Unknown Accipitrine 0 0 5
> Unknown Buteo 0 2 4
> Unknown Falcon 0 1 4
> Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
> Unknown Raptor 0 1 33
> Total: 10 273 8572
>
>
> Observation start time: 08:00:00
> Observation end time: 15:30:00
> Total observation time: 7.5 hours
> Official Counter Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
> Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Mark Timmerman, Nora Hanke, Tom Momeyer
>
>
>
> Visitors:
> 10. Great to see Jim & John.
>
> Weather:
> Beautiful, sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky. Temperatures starting at 24 °F and slowly increasing up to 31 °F. Light breeze from the northwest. Excellent visibility to Mt. Washington for the whole day.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> Migrants included a half dozen red-tails, a couple of red-shoulders, and one sharpie. Two local red-tails and an immature Bald Eagle were seen flying around but not migrating. I was staying late, savoring the last moments of my penultimate day, when a harrier came by over the distant horizon, adding a nice touch to the end of the day. We also heard a Barred Owl calling.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> At around 1 o'clock, Mark Timmerman spotted a Northern Shrike perched atop a spruce tree near the observatory. It remained in the area for a few minutes, giving us nice looks before disappearing. The last shrike reported from Pack was seen November 2021. Other sightings included a single line of geese, a few Red-breasted Nuthatches, two ravens, and a flock of Pine Siskins. An Evening Grosbeak was heard calling in the morning; and jays, juncos, chickadees, white-throats, and Mourning Doves were seen on the rocks near the hawkwatch throughout the day.
>
> Predictions:
> If you can believe it (I can't), tomorrow is the last day of the season! Looks like there will be some clouds with a calm wind and slightly warmer temperatures.
>
> Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...> <mailto:<northernjay444...>)
> Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org <x-msg://24/www.harriscenter.org>
> More information at hawkcount.org <https://hawkcount.org/>: [Site Profile <https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=320>] [Day Summary <https://hawkcount.org/day_summary.php?rsite=320&ryear=2025&rmonth=11&rday=19>] [Month Summary <https://hawkcount.org/month_summary.php?rsite=320&ryear=2025&rmonth=11>]
>
>
>
> --
> To Change your e-mail delivery settings (digest, daily, no mail) visit:
> https://groups.google.com/group/nhbirds/subscribe?hl=en <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...> <mailto:nhbirds+<unsubscribe...>.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<0101019a9ee67bd8-18fff942-13d5-4b79-a687-950fb670595b-000000...> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nhbirds/<0101019a9ee67bd8-18fff942-13d5-4b79-a687-950fb670595b-000000...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>.
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: Chuck Carlson, David Wiedner, Mark Timmerman, Nora Hanke,
Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
10. Great to see Jim & John.
Weather:
Beautiful, sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky. Temperatures starting
at 24 °F and slowly increasing up to 31 °F. Light breeze from the
northwest. Excellent visibility to Mt. Washington for the whole day.
Raptor Observations:
Migrants included a half dozen red-tails, a couple of red-shoulders, and
one sharpie. Two local red-tails and an immature Bald Eagle were seen
flying around but not migrating. I was staying late, savoring the last
moments of my penultimate day, when a harrier came by over the distant
horizon, adding a nice touch to the end of the day. We also heard a Barred
Owl calling.
Non-raptor Observations:
At around 1 o'clock, Mark Timmerman spotted a Northern Shrike perched atop
a spruce tree near the observatory. It remained in the area for a few
minutes, giving us nice looks before disappearing. The last shrike reported
from Pack was seen November 2021.
Other sightings included a single line of geese, a few Red-breasted
Nuthatches, two ravens, and a flock of Pine Siskins. An Evening Grosbeak
was heard calling in the morning; and jays, juncos, chickadees,
white-throats, and Mourning Doves were seen on the rocks near the
hawkwatch throughout the day.
Predictions:
If you can believe it (I can't), tomorrow is the last day of the season!
Looks like there will be some clouds with a calm wind and slightly warmer
temperatures.
========================================================================
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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Julie Brown, Phil Brown
Observers: Nora Hanke
Visitors: 13.
Weather: Crisp and beautiful late fall day. Mostly sunny with partial cloud cover and a steady, moderate wind of 10-15 mph from the WNW. Temps eventually rising to the freezing point, but the sun kept things warmer. Distant snow-covered mountains in northern NH and VT came in and out of view due to low clouds north and west.
Raptor Observations: Steady movement of Red-tails moving along the western ridge and across the Contoocook Valley. Otherwise, a couple of Bald Eagles and a single Red-shouldered Hawk moving.
Non-raptor Observations: At around 11:30 am, Julie and Nora spotted a gray, medium-sized songbird flying in from the east. The Observatory's third-record of a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE put down briefly in several perches, long enough for Nora to get some photos and video, before making its way further down the ridge. With not more than a couple dozen state records, it's safe to say Pack is the hotspot in the state for this rare species from the intermountain west! The other observations were from 10/28/17 and 11/6/23. A consolation prize for the latecomer afternoon counter was two calling White-winged Crossbills. 65 Canada Geese, 3 Snow Buntings. In local news from the mammalian world, there are now at least THREE cottontails feeding on the seed pile near the counter's feet.
Predictions: Conditions look to remain favorable tomorrow and through the end of the season on Thursday! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Phil Brown (<brown...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 11/18/25 12:00 pm From: Christian Martin <cmartin...> Subject: RE: [NHBirds] Woodcock
While hiking with a small group, I also flushed a woodcock on Sun 11/16 at 430pm on McLane Center Orchard Trail in Concord. They are moving through … - Chris
New Hampshire Audubon - Protecting New Hampshire's natural environment for wildlife and for people.
From: <nhbirds...> <nhbirds...> On Behalf Of Daniel M. Keefe
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 2:55 PM
To: New Hampshire Birds <nhbirds...>
Subject: [NHBirds] Woodcock
Late afternoon walk through our back fields here in Durham and jumped a bit as a woodcock took off almost under my feet. Must be either a late bird heading south, or an optimistic one anticipating an early spring. Actually hear some calling about a week ago on one of those last warmish early mornings.
Got a Great Horned owl on my Game cam a week or so ago, nice addition to the thousands of turkey pics :)
Date: 11/18/25 11:55 am From: Daniel M. Keefe <daniel.keefe...> Subject: [NHBirds] Woodcock
Late afternoon walk through our back fields here in Durham and jumped a bit as a woodcock took off almost under my feet. Must be either a late bird heading south, or an optimistic one anticipating an early spring. Actually hear some calling about a week ago on one of those last warmish early mornings.
Got a Great Horned owl on my Game cam a week or so ago, nice addition to the thousands of turkey pics :)
Date: 11/18/25 8:24 am From: 'Lynn Zeltman' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Little late for Red-shouldered?
I just saw one in Plainfield, NH about 20 minutes ago.
LynnPlainfield NH
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 7:14 AM, Jon Woolf<jsw...> wrote: The resident Red-shoulders were still at Massabesic Audubon Center as of last Saturday, the 15th.
-- Jon Woolf
Manchester, NH
On 11/17/2025 4:31 PM, Ducky Darrick wrote:
I actually saw one at Davenport gas station in Shelburne Mass yesterday. Not sure far from Chesterfield. So it looks like a few are still hanging around at this time.
On Mon, Nov 17, 2025, 3:03 PM Jim and Julie Moulton <jmoultons...> wrote:
Date: 11/17/25 1:31 pm From: Ducky Darrick <dadams...> Subject: Re: [NHBirds] Little late for Red-shouldered?
I actually saw one at Davenport gas station in Shelburne Mass yesterday.
Not sure far from Chesterfield. So it looks like a few are still hanging
around at this time.
On Mon, Nov 17, 2025, 3:03 PM Jim and Julie Moulton <jmoultons...>
wrote:
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Nate Marchessault
Observers:
Visitors: 12. Thanks for stopping in and chatting about hawks, and the Harris Center!
Weather: In the 20's (F) with stiff winds starting from the WNW and shifting to W by the 11 o'clock hour. Patchy clouds, and a few snowflakes here and there.
Raptor Observations: Nice to see a little movement during my last day hawkwatching this year. A handful of red-tails, a red-shouldered, a sharpie, and a couple Bald Eagles were a nice bow to put on the end of the season.
Non-raptor Observations: Finally caught up with an Evening Grosbeak up here, which was calling emphatically as I went to check the temperature at the 11 o'clock hour, landed in a spruce near the mountain ash, then flew off, never to be seen again. The usual juncos, White-throated Sparrows, chickadees and rabbits were around and fueling up on bird seed.
Besides raptors, a two flocks of Common Mergansers were observed, and four flocks of geese, numbering about 120 in total.
Predictions: Steady winds (but not as strong) coming from the northwest and a little warmer. Some stuff should be on the move! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Nate Marchessault (<nate...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 11/17/25 9:39 am From: Mark Suomala <suomalamark...> Subject: [NHBirds] Rare Bird Alert, New Hampshire, November 17, 2025
This is New Hampshire Audubon's Rare Bird Alert for Monday, November 17th,
2025.
A PURPLE GALLINULE was seen at the Cranberry Ponds located behind the
Walmart in the Valley Square Shopping Center in Lebanon on November 15th.
It appeared to be fatigued and was captured and taken to a rehabilitation
center.
A WESTERN CATTLE-EGRET was seen in recreational fields at UNH in Durham on
November 9th, and a GREAT EGRET was seen in the Hampton Salt Marsh
Conservation Area on the 14th.
There was an unconfirmed report of a CACKLING GOOSE seen at the Charlestown
Wastewater Plant on November 16th, and a BRANT was seen in a field in
Hancock on November 14th.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK continues to be seen at Bicentennial Park in Hampton and
was last reported on November 11th.
3 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on November 10
th.
2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen at Meadow Pond in Hampton on November 11
th.
2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant
on November 12th. The treatment plant is gated and the hours of operation
are 7:30-2:00 on weekdays. If you visit, there is no vehicle access -
please park at the office and walk in. Do not drive on the dikes and do not
block the road. Be out of the plant by 1:45 so that plant personnel do not
have to ask birders to leave. The Trails at Pickering Ponds, located east
of the plant, are not gated, and are always open during daylight hours.
A LAUGHING GULL was seen along the coast in Rye on November 9th, and an
ICELAND GULL was seen at Tuscan Village in Salem on the 15th.
A GREAT CORMORANT was seen at the Ledyard Bridge on the Connecticut River
in Hanover on November 11th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Call Road in Webster on November 12th.
4 BLACK VULTURES were seen in West Lebanon, 4 were seen in Newmarket, and 3
were seen in Manchester, all during the past week.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen on Cavender Road in Hancock on November 14th.
At least 4 CAVE SWALLOWS and at least 9 BARN SWALLOWS were seen along the
coast in Hampton, and Rye on several days during the past week.
A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye from
November 11th-15th.
A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at Ragged Neck in Rye Harbor State Park on
November 15th-16th, and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was seen on Reed Road in
Colebrook on November 16th.
2 DICKCISSELS were seen at Witch Island in Hampton on November 16th, 1 was
seen in Bedford on the 10th, and 1 was seen at 26 Main Street in Ashland on
the 10th.
An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Great Island Common in New Castle on
November 16th, 1 was seen off Route B in New Castle on the 16th 1 was seen
at the Hampton Wastewater Treatment Plant on the 16th, 2 were seen at
Odiorne Point State Park on the 13th, 1 was seen at Straw Point in Rye on
the 14th, and 1 was seen at UNH in Durham on the 10th.
A PINE GROSBEAK was reported from Pack Monadnock on November 15th.
A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported from Woodmont Orchard in Hollis on November
15th.
80 SNOW BUNTINGS were seen at Hampton Beach State Park on November 11th, 11
were seen in Exeter on the 15th, and 12 were seen in Springfield on the 14th
.
2 MARSH WRENS were seen at the Hinsdale Setbacks on the Connecticut River
on November 13th.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was seen in Lancaster (far north) on November 15th.
Lingering migrating species that were reported from various locations
during the past week included: YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, EASTERN PHOEBE,
BLUE-HEADED VIREO, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, GRAY CATBIRD, BALTIMORE ORIOLE,
LINCOLN’S SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, EASTERN TOWHEE, HERMIT
THRUSH, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, OVENBIRD, NASHVILLE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART,
PALM WARBLER, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.
Fall season hawk migration observation continues and observers have counted
over 8,500 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 birding!
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: 11/17/25 8:55 am From: Barbara Horton <byrder101...> Subject: [NHBirds] Female eastern towhee in Derry
Hi all,
Just had a surprise visitor a short time. A female eastern towhee. I have not seen a female in my yard in many years! Males, yes. Especially the one who wintered over here. And the one this year a short while back. Also had a most likely female or juvenile purple finch this past Saturday. Does not appear to be the one I had in Oct. this year.
Date: 11/17/25 7:49 am From: birdrecords <birdrecords...> Subject: [NHBirds] Get Ready for the CBC!
Get Ready for the Christmas Bird Count!
It's almost time for the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)! There are 21 active counts across New Hampshire, and all interested birders are welcome to join.
Visit this link [ https://nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/christmas-bird-count/ ] to find a count near you and contact the compiler listed if you'd like to participate. Each count takes place within a designated count circle (a 15-mile diameter area centered on a specific point). The circle is divided into sections, with teams assigned to survey each one. If you live inside a count circle, you can even contribute by counting the birds in your own backyard!
The Christmas Bird Count is an international effort organized by the National Audubon Society, which coordinates all circles to ensure they don't overlap. Each local count selects one survey day between December 14 and January 5.
While NH Audubon does not coordinate the Christmas Bird Count, we're pleased to share this list of New Hampshire compilers and count dates so you can find a circle near you and join the fun.
Be part of a more than 100-year-old winter tradition. Bundle up, grab your binoculars, and help count New Hampshire's winter birds!
Not in a count circle? If you'd like to count feeder birds this winter but don't live in a count circle, consider joining our annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey on February 14 and 15, 2026. Details about this event will be posted soon on the NH Audubon website.
Take care and happy birding!
Grace
Grace McCulloch
She/Her
Community Science Project Leader
New Hampshire Audubon
84 Silk Farm Road
Concord, NH 03301
Observation start time: 08:45:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Nathan French
Visitors:
39.
Weather:
Mostly cloudy with an occasional sprinkle of rain (in the morning) or snow
(in the afternoon). Temperatures starting at 37 °F and dropping down to 30
°F towards the end of the day. Stiff wind from the west.
Raptor Observations:
Migrants consisted of several red-tails, one red-shoulder, three Bald
Eagles, and zero Golden Eagles.
Non-raptor Observations:
Blue Jays, juncos, white-throats, chickadees, and cottontails came to the
seed. Three Evening Grosbeaks flew by twice. A conspiracy of ravens played
in the wind above North Pack.
Predictions:
Wind blowing strong from the northwest tomorrow.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Coos is now the county to beat, with Belknap and Sullivan hard on it's heels./ Merrimack has crashed and burned as usual, but maybe there are a few things unapproved in the eBrid queue?
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay, Mark Timmerman
Observers: David Wiedner, Mark Timmerman
Visitors:
53 visitors stopped by, some getting to see a Bald Eagle. Thanks John for
helping us find birds!
Weather:
Mostly sunny, gradually becoming mostly cloudy. Wind from the northwest,
shifting to the west in the afternoon. Temperatures starting at about 25
°F and warming up to 32 °F by the end of the day. Nice view of Mt.
Washington.
Raptor Observations:
A handful of red-tails, one sharpie, and one red-shoulder on the move. Two
red-tails and three Bald Eagles flying around but not migrating.
Non-raptor Observations:
White-throated Sparrows outnumbered juncos at the seed today. The Fox
Sparrow also made an appearance. Skeins of geese went by throughout the
day, and a distant Great Blue Heron traveled south as well. Pine Grosbeak
and Red Crossbills were heard but not seen.
Predictions:
Wind from the west tomorrow.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>)
Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at:
www.harriscenter.org
Date: 11/14/25 6:50 pm From: 'Geoff Niswander' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snow buntings In Springfield.
Hi all This morning while driving along Rte. 4A, about a mile south of 4 Corners Rd., I saw a flock of 10-12 Snow buntings at the edge of the wetland there. They took flight as I went by, headed across the water.
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers: Nora Hanke, Tom Momeyer
Visitors:
29.
Weather:
Mostly cloudy with a little bit of sunshine and a nice northwest breeze.
Temperatures ranging from 27 °F to 30 °F.
Raptor Observations:
Good buteo day! An adult red-shoulder kicked off the day shortly after 9am
and was followed by several additional red-shoulders and numerous
red-tails, resulting in double-digit counts for both species. Buteos came
by every hour, gliding through the valley in ones and twos, all on a
mission to find some place warmer. Three distant Bald Eagles, a pair of
sharpies, and one immature Cooper's Hawk rounded out the day.
Non-raptor Observations:
The presence of a local Cooper's Hawk kept songbird activity low. A
goldfinch flew over, and five Evening Grosbeaks stopped by briefly. Flocks
of Canada Geese and five Common Mergansers headed south.
Predictions:
Looks partly sunny tomorrow, becoming cloudy later in the day.
========================================================================
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: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Kate McKay
Observers:
Visitors: Eight.
Weather: Cold and windy with occasional snow squalls. 100% cloud cover for most of the day. Temperatures in the low thirties.
Raptor Observations: Steady trickle of red-tails, along with one sharpie and one goshawk.
Non-raptor Observations: A female Pine Grosbeak flew in and landed in a spruce near the hawkwatch! Some Evening Grosbeaks were also seen. Six White-throated Sparrows and one Fox Sparrow continue at the seed, along with about fifty juncos.
Predictions: Sunnier tomorrow with a northwest wind. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kate McKay (<northernjay444...>) Pack Monadnock Raptor Migration Observatory information may be found at: www.harriscenter.org
Date: 11/13/25 6:39 am From: Cameron Johnson <camjohnsonphoto...> Subject: [NHBirds] NH Seacoast Audubon Fundraiser - Birds of NH Calendar
Posted with admin permission:
Hello Birders of New Hampshire!
This year I am teaming up with the Seacoast Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon to bring you the Birds of New Hampshire photography calendar! All the photos are taken by myself of birds local to our state, and $15 of each sale will go to supporting the work of the NH Seacost Audubon <https://www.seacoastchapter.org/special-projects>.
