Evening Grosbeaks in Jefferson and Pondicherry 25th Anniversary

[David Govatski]

The number of Evening Grosbeaks at our feeders in Jefferson on Monday morning was 46. The numbers seem to have stabilized between 40 and 50. But it is entirely possible that we get multiple flocks during the day. The only other sizable species of bird present is the American Goldfinch at 35 today. We have two tree sparrows, two juncos, plus the red and white-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, mourning doves, blue jays, and a brown creeper every so often. A Jefferson resident saw 5 Pine Grosbeaks collecting grit on Ingerson Road on Sunday. We have 12 inches of snow on the ground.

Monday 22 December marks the 25th Anniversary of the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge. That first acquisition by the US Fish and Wildlife Service was marked by the arrival of a Northern Hawk Owl that brought good tidings and stayed for 79 days. Today this refuge is over 10 square miles in size and protects valuable wetland habitat. The ten miles of trails are maintained by volunteers and several birding events occur here each year. The refuge is a conservation partnership with NH Audubon, NH Fish and Game, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

David Govatski
Jefferson, NH