January 14, 2011 The day after. More birding on the Avalon.

After yesterdays record snowfall of 37.8 cm in eastern Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula birdfeeders were very active today. Lots of Dark-eyed Junco, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, some Evening Grosbeak, and a one feeder a couple of Northern Flicker. Today we birded various areas on the Avalon including Trepassey, Portugal Cove, Renews, Fermeuse, Ferryland, and Cape Broyle. An amazing change since January 12th when the area was snow free and green instead of white since the snow storm. To our surprise the Northern Lapwing was still alive and feeding in a field with a couple of Killdeers at Renews. We saw at least one Killdeer successfully pickup a small worm off the snow and eat it. We counted a total of 9 Killdeer between Trepassey and Cape Broyle down from 25+ on January 12th. Other birds of interest included Snow Bunting, Red-throated Loon, Belted Kingfisher, White-winged Crossbill, Purple sandpiper and Black-bellied Plover. Looks like milder weather is on the way.

A flock of Evening Grosbeaks at Conception Harbour was a delight to watch while they fed at a feeder.

A Northern Flicker made a brief appearance at the feeder too.

A male Evening Grosbeak dominants the feeder.

The Dark-eyed junco was the most common land bird we encountered both at feeders and along roads.

The Northern Lapwing at Renews searching for food.

With milder weather on the way hopefully the lapwing will survive.

The Killdeer is also having problems finding food with the new snow on the ground.

Some areas are open now and Killdeers are finding food.

Common Loons have no problem finding food in the open water.

The Purple Sandpiper regularly winter in small number along the Newfoundland coast.