Scientists Combine Bird Survey Data to Identify Vulnerable Songbirds
Mountain Birdwatch data lie at the heart of a published study revealing that continent-wide bird surveys may offer important conservation insights, but they can miss rare or isolated species whose habitat lies off the beaten path, such as at high elevations or in remote bogs.
Judith Scarl Migrates Southward
For the past five and a half years, Judith Scarl has been a mainstay of VCE’s conservation biology staff. Now, she’s moving on, leaving the Green Mountains to try her hand on the bigger bird conservation stage in Washington, DC. It’s an understatement to say that we’ll miss Jude, and that she has left a lasting mark here.
The Long Life of Tropical Mountain Birds
Bird banding data collected for over 15 years by VCE researchers shows that resident tropical birds live a long life. Some of the small songbirds lived nearly 14 years.
A Field Guide to June
Here in Vermont, we dream of June during the darkest days of January. Verdant wooded hillsides glowing brightly under a robin egg sky. We forget about the clouds of black flies, the hum of the mosquitos and the rainy days. June is a dream here. Its days last forever.
It’s Loon Nesting Time
Eric Hanson, VCE loon biologist, recently visited 9 territories and found 5 nests. “It’s always a thrill to find a loon sitting on shore at the start of its month long incubation period,” exclaimed Hanson. He has been installing signs to help warn people to give the loons a break while they are breeding.
By Land and by Sea, VCE Birdathon a Success
On May 21 the VCE staff watched birds with even greater purpose and determination than usual: Birdathon. The VCE Green Mountain Goatsuckers opted for our customary low-carbon birding, launching an armada on the Connecticut River after pre-breakfast terrestrial birding.
A New Habitat Stamp for Vermonters Interested in Conservation
Fashioned on the success of the federal duck stamp, Vermont is releasing the new Habitat Stamp, a voluntary way to donate to protecting wild places in the state.
Metal pollutants in Earthworms may Threaten Forest Predators
Invasive earthworms in New England’s forests are absorbing toxic metal pollutants that may be contributing to a decline animals that feed on them.
Outdoor Radio: Eye on an Eyrie
VCE Biologists Kent McFarland and Sarah Zahendra recently took a trip to the Bolton Notch and joined Margaret Fowle, from Audubon Vermont in search of this lightning fast bird. Listen to the show.
Choose Native Plants When Landscaping
Beyond the beauty new gardens provide, landscapers can make a big difference for wildlife with the plants they choose.
What Are They Worth to You?
On May 21 the VCE staff will watch birds with even greater purpose and determination than usual: Birdathon. In our annual 24-hour birding blitz, we’ll be raising funds to support VCE’s wildlife and habitat conservation projects.
Be Aware of Endangered Piping Plovers Nesting on the Beaches
Be aware of endangered birds on the beaches this holiday weekend and beyond, as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reports there are six pairs of piping plovers nesting along the sandy shores of Hampton and Seabrook.
