hardy birders at Shelburne BayIt is with some trepidation participants set out on the annual RCAS Winter Regulars & Rarities field trip to the Champlain Valley. Past trips have produced temperatures hovering around zero, gale force winds and even rain. This year, however, we were uncommonly lucky as the sun came out at mid-morning and the temperature rose to 42, melting ice in slick parking lots. Lighting conditions on the lake were quite good.
Thirteen participants made eleven stops starting north at Shelburne Point and working south as far as Button Bay. There were several highlights of the day and more than one life bird for some participants.
Gadwall were present at both Shelburne Point and Fort Cassin, seven in all for the day as well as six American Wigeon, also at Fort Cassin. A handsome male Northern Pintail flew into Shelburne Town Beach (Meach Cove).
Common Goldeneye, living up to its name, was the most common bird of the day with 450 seen. Hooded and Common mergansers were also represented at several locations with a lone female Red-breasted Merganser at Shelburne Point.
Sharp eyes spotted two Mallard x American Black Duck hybrids, one each at Shelburne Bay and Fort Cassin, a splash of green on the head and dark body distinguishing them.
Gadwall at Shelburne PointA lone Snow Goose flyover in Charlotte was spotted by most members of the group as was a Rough-legged Hawk as it took off from a tree revealing its distinct under-wing pattern.
A total of 11 Horned Grebes were present at Shelburne Point, Shelburne Farms, Meach Cove, Charlotte Town Beach, Charlotte Ferry Landing and Button Bay.
Bald Eagles, despite their increasing presence in Vermont, never cease to thrill birders. A total of ten eagles were seen during the day. At Kingsland Bay, an adult Bald Eagle made several unsuccessful passes at duck. At Fields Bay (near Kellogg Bay Road), an adult Bald Eagle was dining on duck, which attracted not only our attention, but the attention of three other eagles that flew in to investigate.
In stark contrast with last year, only 14 American Robins were observed, a sharp decline from last year’s robin boom.
In our commitment to citizen science, 14 eBird checklists were submitted with a total species count for the day of 33. Many thanks to Roy Pilcher for putting together such a productive itinerary.