VINS/Quechee SP trail and North Hartland Dam

Finally catching up with blog...

We birded VINS/Quechee SP trail first, trail parallels Rt 4 so traffic noise is really bad, need to walk this trail very early before the log trucks get started.

Robin, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Chickadee, and Black-and-white Warbler were the only birds this morning.  Warbler sat very still until I had my camera zoomed in, then disappeared behind the leaves. They love to torment me that way.

I love unusual trees, this one would make a great home for an ogre, too big for a gnome.

If this tree could talk...

We next checked out North Hartland Dam. An immature Bald Eagle flew over, all the kayaks must have spooked him, about 25 were paddling up toward the gorge. 

Amid the ubiquitous flock of chickadee were 3 Black-throated Green Warbler and a Nashville Warbler. Goldfinch were actively gathering thistle seed. 

Next stop was Hurricane Forest Park. Again Chickadee calling loudly and 1 more Black-throated Green Warbler. 

Birds are beginning to move around, we had a pair of Black-throated Blue Warbler chasing away the hummingbirds at the feeder on Saturday morning.  

Since I left the camera in the car, dragons were perching and posing all along the edge of Wright Reservoir. Widow Skimmer, Ruby Meadowhawk, Common Green Darner, Slaty Skimmer, and Blue-fronted Dancer. 

Big green-throated bullfrog scared the crap out of both of us rustling through the grass, sure thought we had a snake underfoot. Luckily, Vermont has very few poisonous reptiles. 

A pair of Mallard lazed at the base of a nest box on the far side of the pond. 

Allis State Park

Saturday August 24 Allis SP

Drove north 42 miles to Allis State Park… smaller park with 17 tent sites and 10 lean-tos. Main attraction is the fire tower right at the parking lot, most require a 5 mile hike. At least. I managed to go to the first level before the palpitations began. Just couldn't go all the way to the top. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to come down alone. I needed someone to hold my hand.

Fire Tower

Only birds seen were Dark-eyed Junco - Slate-colored, and Chipping Sparrow. I heard Nuthatch, Chickadee, and Red-eyed Vireo.

On down Rt 65, absolutely the worst state highway in Vermont, was the Floating Bridge. First constructed in 1802, the current and 7th version was built in 1978. Closed to vehicles, it’s a popular fishing location. The lake is too deep for standard bridge construction, so it floats on barrels.

Found the Randolph Depot for lunch…

Dewey Mills Pond

Tuesday  August 20 Dewy Mills Pond

Birded the trail from parking lot to dam early this morning. American Goldfinch very vocal and very visible. As late nesters, they are taking advantage of all the composite seeds for feeding young ones.

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch

Song Sparrow was the next most common, still singing with an occasional bark thrown in. The Catbird wasn’t to be outdone, so he also called from numerous locations. I pished up House Wren, 4 Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white Warbler, and American Redstart.

Common Yellowthroat

House Wren was here when I snapped the shutter

 Red-winged Blackbird occupied the cattails on the island and Great Blue Heron flew lazily up the Ottauquechee River the parallels the pond before tumbling over the dam and into the gorge.
Eastern Kingbird, Eastern  Phoebe,  Eastern Wood Pewee, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker rounded out all the visual sightings. As we walked near the head-high cattails, an unidentified rail rattled alarmingly. The closest I can come to matching the sound is the King Rail. I know the Sora and Virginia Rail sounds well and I’m pretty well convinced neither one was our hidden culprit.

A hot air balloon, AKA Quechee Gorge Dragon, did a “splash and dash” where the basket actually touches the surface of the pond, supposedly a good luck gesture.

Back at the parking lot, I snagged some dragons - Widow Skimmer and Halloween Pennant. When I have my camera handy, the dragons never sit still, leave the camera and home and they sit for an eternity.

Pileated Woodpecker called from across the river.

Hungry Hungry Heron

As I approached Stoughton Pond boat launch, this Green Heron caught my camera's eye, don't know how long he had been there. 

 He repeatedly dipped the fish into the water, maybe he thought if it was wet enough, it would go down easier.

I thought this was the end, but he gagged and spit out the fish 

After dunking it into the water several more times...

He managed to swallow in one large gulp...

but the entire throat was engorged and enlarged

he stretched  and stretched... 

and finally seemed to conquer the tasty morsel 

North Springfield Dam August 18

August 18 North Springfield Dam

Following reported sightings on Vermont E-bird, we headed out for North Springfield Dam early this morning. All these reservoirs are terribly difficult to locate and then the water is so far away with no access points, much a source of frustration for me.
We finally located the Nature Area, where I pished up a Veery at the parking lot.

Veery

The little meadow was ringed with Bluebird houses, but no one was home. One lone Crow was rattling his bill, much like a roadrunner, I only knew who it was because I saw him fly into the tree. He proceeded to converse with himself for several minutes more.

Along the Black River, Catbird and Goldfinch were the only things I could find, except for the poison ivy I managed to brush against. Along the nature trail, I called up 3 Ovenbird, a noisy flock of Chickadee, and a Downy Woodpecker.
Back at the Dam, we marveled at the gliders being towed aloft and released from the small airport.

A motorized hang-glide buzzed the lake chasing 2 Great Egret, 1 Snowy, and 2 Bald Eagles toward us. Great Blue Heron and Pied-billed Grebe didn’t seem to happy about the disturbance either.
On the grassy slopes we discovered several juvenile Eastern Bluebirds, evidently Mom and Dad have finished their family activity and have moved on.

 The youngsters played leapfrog on the fence with Eastern Phoebe as Chipping Sparrows played hide and seek in the tall grass and Kingfisher, Waxwing, and Barn Swallow filled the air with rattles, whistles, and chitters.  A dozen Rock Pigeon homesteaded the top of the dam water intake tower.
 Blue Jay and Crow called from the tall pines near the waters edge.

A stop at Stoughton Pond turned up more Chickadee and Red-eyed Vireo. Now that nesting season is behind them the vireos are calling very differently, a whiny mew reminiscent of a mockingbird. Had to see one to make the audio ID. We spooked a Spotted Sandpiper from the beach area as Song Sparrow barked. Also located Red-breasted Nuthatch and Black-and-white Warbler. On the other side of the pond, we located House Wren and more Bluebirds in an old cemetery with amazing stone fences.
At the boat launch, I found a very hungry Green Heron… he will receive a separate post.

Amity's Pond August 17

August 17 Amity's Pond

Finally going to bird Amity Pond, had located the natural area on a previous road trip through Pomfret, north of Woodstock, although we were on the opposite side of the property.


The story goes that best friends live on opposite sides of the pond and would both walk there to meet and spend the day together picnicking at the tiny pond near the crest of the hill. So, the area became known as Amity’s Pond.  The property was donated to the state to be maintained as a natural area with no motorizes vehicles allowed. The trails and shelters have not been well cared for, but seemed to be a popular place for hikers.
We had our picnic lunch on a big boulder at the side of the road.

Didn't see many birds, but discovered a butterfly paradise. Most common was Wood Nymph - at least 50 - and in numerous locations. I managed to photo a Great Spangled Fritillary well enough for documentation. Best of all was the American Copper - a lifer for me. Photo isn't magazine quality by any means, but it is good enough for ID documentation.

Wood Nymph

Great Spangled Fritillary

American Copper

Thought I had nabbed another lifer, but turned out to be a variation of the Common Ringlet.

Common Ringlet

Tuesday August 6, Hanover NH Mink Brook Nature Preserve

Tuesday August 6

Found Mink Brook Nature Preserve in Hanover NH, after making appointment for jeep service in Lebanon.

Well kept secret Hanover Conservancy site, not publicized much and not very well marked. I stumbled upon the location quite by accident while searching online for something else. Seems that’s the case with many birding locations in the area, almost as if they’re kept a secret. Lots of dog walkers and runners but few birders.

Anyway, we spent a very enjoyable morning meandering along Mink Brook, a clear running trout stream, according to a local resident who also provided a short history lesson.

Bridge across Mink Brook

Seems the upland area across the brook was sacred ground to the Abenaki and also was on the trail followed by Rogers Rangers toward Fort Ticonderoga during the French and Indian Wars. I remember the movie with a very young Spencer Tracy as Rogers, almost the extent of my history knowledge before traveling here this year.

Stone design in creek bed

Surprised a buck deer who snorted loudly before bounding off across the brook. Pished up a mixed flock of Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch joined by Ovenbird, Redstart, and a beautiful Canada Warbler. Downy Woodpecker and Kingfisher flew across the brook along with Waxwing, Goldfinch, and Peewee. A young Yellowthroat fidgeted noisily in the cattail, wren-like wagging his tail and protesting loudly completely ignoring our nearness. Maybe he was hungry and upset that mom and dad weren't feeding him.

Spotted a White Admiral and a Summer Azure. Dragons were abundant, but never still enough for an ID.

Didn't know at the time, but the Appalachian Trail actually follows Main Street through the center of town. So now we at least driven on the AT in New Hampshire.

Lunch at Northside Café burgers and chips, pretty good. Nice little neighborhood place in business for 35 years or more. The cook was died in the wool Red Sox fan with nothing nice to say about A Rod.

Followed RT 10 to Lyme NH, famous for being the site of the first case of Lyme disease, caused by deer ticks. Small little innocent looking village, didn't look like a dangerous place.

Rt 5 took us back into Vermont and to Thetford. Found the SP there, but it is now only a day use area, the camping part leased to a local adventure club. Office looked like a day care center with toys and tricycles scattered all around. Trails and picnic area is supposed to be maintained, but looked pretty shoddy.

Union Covered Bridge, one lane with stop signs on both ends, built in 1888 and restored in 2002. Looked for Union Village Dam recreation area. Only dam access road was gated and locked. Vermont does NOT believe in signage and GPS only works - sometimes - with specific street addresses.  Rte 132 took us back to Norwich where Rte 14 crossed the White River and led to Center of Town Road, my favorite short cut back to Quechee from White River Junction.

Time for quick Visit to library for some movies. Looking forward to real TV again.

Started a fire and roasted hotdogs on wire hangers, haven’t done that in years. Something to be said about smoky old wieners. Heard a Barred Owl calling, quite a distance away, but still very recognizable. Walked to field for glimpse of Venus through the clouds. Took some cell phone photos. Nice ISS flyover 9:03, watched from home, 6 min SW to ENE

One of the movies was Robin Hood with Errol Flynn. James Cagney was originally tapped for the role, cannot imagine him as Robin of Locksley in green tights. Best part of DVD movies, the extra stuff is sometimes more interesting than the movies.



Checked out Dewey Mills Pond, found family of Wood Duck. 2 adults and 6 juves - as big as adults but definitely first year plumage.

West Rutland Marsh Sunday August 12

West Rutland Marsh

Sunday morning we drove to West Rutland Marsh, about 40 miles west from Quechee, but more than an hours drive. Rt 4 is mostly 40 mph all the way across the state.

Boardwalk

Another well kept secret belonging to Rutland Audubon, I found it only after subscribing to an email alert from e-birds. We arrived later than we had planned, but still had a great day. Virginia Rail and Sora responded to calls quite readily and Virginia Rail actually came out onto the board walk, didn't stay long enough for a photo. Yellow-throat and Catbird put in appearances, with a Kingfisher flyby and Barn and Rough-wing swallow swarming overhead. Eastern Kingbird were abundant, counted 8 and might have missed some of them.

Best bird of the day was this immature Rose-breast Grosbeak, he actually posed for several minutes. 

The marsh is located on Marble Road, the road cuts show where the name originated. 

A carving studio with marble carver at work was just down the road and several projects in progress. 

Monday August 5 Going to Jamaica

Monday August 5
Going to Jamaica SP
Vermont is a strange place to navigate, roads tend to follow rivers and valleys and many place are situated in convoluted locations.  Jamaica State Park is one of those places.  Trusty GPS took us on back roads through secluded farmsteads and several unmarked byways.

Townshend Dam Reservoir 

On route we accidentally discovered Townshend Dam, an ACOE flood control project. The spring floods had really silted the beach so the water level was down and the beach was closed. Needless to say, the entire lake and recreation area was all ours. Just us and the birds, a flock of geese, Great Blue Herons Phoebe, Peewee, Robin, Crow, Goldfinch, Killdeer, and Spotted Sandpiper. The West River was running strong through the center channel. Down stream from the dam was a trout and bass fishing area and habitat for the endangered Atlantic Salmon. Warning signs cautioned anglers to avoid the electric fish gate, designed to funnel the salmon into the fish ladder for safe passage past the dam.
We were greeted by a very energetic hummingbird and treated to a good look at a Least Flycatcher.

Back on the road to Jamaica. Entrance to the park required crossing a one lane bridge with a 6 ton weight limit. Nice park, lots of spaces, miles of trails, and the West River for swimming and fishing. Salmon Hole is the best swimming area, the water was very cold and air temp that day was low 70’s, too cool for me.

Salmon Hole Jamaica SP

The Salmon Hole massacre occurred here in 1748 when French and Indians ambushed a group of English soldiers from near by Fort Dummer killing 6.
Birds for the park were Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, Chimney Swift, and Rough-winged Swallow.
Located a place for lunch near Stratton Mountain, between the golf course and the ski slopes. Every other place around only served dinner. We shared a Texas Ruben, BBQ brisket on sourdough bread served with Cole slaw and dill pickle spear. Pretty tasty.

The West River was a wonderland of hoodoos carefully constructed from stacked rocks. The fairy land stretched ½ mile from the bridge. Castles, arches, and towers just awaiting the next torrential rain.








Ball Mountain Lake, upstream from Jamaica SP, is another ACOE flood control project. 296’ high and 915’ long and the water was far below.

Several bird houses were scattered around the fields but no birds were present. Expected to see hawks soaring in the open skies, but disappointed.




Did find and photo Common Wood Nymph but dipped on a photo of large red dragon.

Wood Nymph

We located Winhill Camping area, another ACOE project. Nice visit with host, who let us drive through yet another  splendid getaway.


Back home to rest before impromptu star party, not scheduled on the calendar, but spread by word of mouth to campers.
Used park truck to move scope to edge near stairs to VC for Venus right after sunset.  Then moved in truck again to center of field where Saturn was visible. Damn tall tree! About 20 people all had good looks at both planets. Can’t find a clear eastern horizon for morning planets Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury. Moved the scope once more back to storage. Put truck back at office and walked back to field for 6 min flyover of ISS.  WSW to ENE. Family of 6, plus Dale and Carol and friends were the only observers by then. Realized my phone was in the truck so another walk to the office. Young Amish man just arriving needing camp site. Put him in #1, left the money on the counter, and finally made it home about 10:15. Long, but satisfying day.

Allergy Testing July 31

Looks like a fun game?

We spent the morning at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for allergy testing. Tested Alvin for 38 different substances, including pollen - tree, grass, all sorts, dog and cat dander.

All negative - doesn't explain the itchy eyes, runny nose, and marathon sneezing sessions.

Tried Gusanoz Mexican restaurant again, we enjoyed it so much the first time. Almost like West Texas.
Big disappointment, we waited for our food way too long, and when it finally arrived, could tell it had been setting under the heat lamps for some time, the refried beans were crusty and my green enchiladas were so dry I had to ask for more sauce. Probably will not go again.

Burlington

Lake Champlain

North Beach

Monday July 24 - can't believe I'm so far behind with the blog...

On the road by 7:45 arrived Burlington by 9:30

Down town area called Church Street Market, a pedestrian mall about 4 blocks long, lots of cafes and coffee shops, restaurants and arty shops. Lake Champlain Chocolateers  had excellent selection of fudges, both maple and chocolate. I purchased cherry cordial, wished I had bought several more, and Maple Latte. Both very tasty.

Drove along the waterfront as far as we could, found North Beach for a good view of the lake. Largest fresh water lake after the 5 Great Lakes, 125 miles long and 14 miles wide max. The depth varies from 64' to 400'. Looked all over for Champ, but didn't locate him. Too many boats on the water that day, maybe.

Lake Champlain

Farther north from Burlington on islands named North Hero and South Hero we found Grand Isle and Sand Bar SPs. As volunteers hosts we have free access to all the state parks and historic sites, so we're trying to see as many as possible. Don't think we're going to make it around to all of them. Even though the state is small, there are 54 state parks, I haven't counted all the historic sites, plus we have to throw some birding in every day. 

Sand Bar SP

I really liked Sand Bar, a small day use only with a nice beach on one side and a wooded march on the other. The marsh was filled with Osprey nests, I counted 6 along the highway. We met Jacob, who worked with Ranger Lisa at Stillwater SP, very nice young man. 

Birdiest spot all day, Ring-billed Gull were prowling the grassy areas looking for unattended food. 

Green and Great Blue Heron, Common Yellow-throat, Belted Kingfisher, Common Tern, Cormorant, Robin and Song Sparrow. 

Going back through Burlington, I found Oakledge Park, home of the Burlington Earth Clock, 

Earth Clock

life sized sundial on the order of Stonehenge. 

Lots of sunbathers and swimmers, but no one else seemed interested in the sun clock. When I inquired about it with the parking attendant, he seemed surprised that I asked. 

We took Rt 7 south to Rutland and Rt 4 back to Quechee, arriving home about 6:30.