Vermont News Guide

As I sit here by my window watching the birds at our feeders, I wonder if the winter finches will come south this winter. It’s a drab day, today and I look for some color in the landscape. Over by the compost piles, the red stems of the red osier dogwood make a splash. Behind them, the green of the conifers, more evident now than in the summer, and the brown, black, and white tree bark stand out in contrast against the skyline.

In addition, of course, our birds show us flashes of red, blue, black, white, yellow, gray, brown and orange as they dart back and forth to the feeders and through the trees and shrubs. A bright orange fox showed up unexpectedly in the yard late one afternoon, so there is color if you look for it.

The Rufous Hummingbird at Sharon Derosia’s house in East Arlington has not been seen for a few days. We hope this valiant little one did not succumb to the deep cold we experienced last week. Diane Wechter in Arlington called to say she has Eastern Bluebirds flying in and out of her birdhouses. They may be looking for places to roost at night or perhaps they are far-thinking types who are checking out housing possibilities for spring.

I read that this is the normal time for a January thaw. However, we haven’t had a January winter, so think we will also miss the thaw this year.

The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place on February 17, 18, 19 and 20 this year. Go to www.birdcount.org for instructions, bird lists, data forms, etc. Basically, we watch our birds for at least 15 minutes on each day we count. We can count for one day or for all four, but we must submit a separate form for each day. We can count in two or more places on any day, but again, we must submit a separate form for each place we count. As we watch birds, we count the largest number seen of each species at any one time. If we see four Blue Jays in the morning and then three more in the afternoon, we would submit the number four. I remind you again that our local libraries all have public access computers and staff who can help you if needed.

Enjoy the winter months. Search for the color and sounds unique to the cold time. Let me know what you experience. 802-447-7433 or cockatielvt@yahoo.com