[CT Birds] birds and sites to keep an eye on up north

[biobrand at comcast.net]

I spent a couple of hours Sunday (12/30/2007) morning driving around the northwest corner looking for Bohemian Waxwings with no success but I did discover a couple of sites worth checking over the next few days for northern goodies.
The first is the Torrington Industrial Park off Rt 8, exit 46. Coming from the south you would turn right at the end of the ramp onto Pinewoods Rd. and right again onto Industrial Lane. There are a few crabapple trees in front of some of the buildings here. Follow to end and turn left. At top of hill the building on the right had a couple of crabapples as well as multiflora rose which were being worked over by about 50 CEDAR WAXWINGS (not a one Bohemian!)
The second site is also an industrial park off Rt 20 after leaving Rt. 8 heading towards Riverton. Watch for an Industrial Park sign on your left (I think it was the Winchester or Riverton Industrial park?). Maps say it is Groppo Dr. Take first left off Groppo and check crabapples at both buildings at end of street. Evidence of  feeding. CEDAR WAXWINGS around along with AMERICAN ROBINS. Also follow Groppo to the end and check the EMC (Electric Motion Company) building. Many crabapples where I found 1 female PINE GROSBEAK.
I hope the directions are accurate.

I observed a flock of approximately 18-20 PINE GROSBEAKS around noon feeding in a crabapple tree off Rt 63 just north of N. Goshen Rd. on the east side of Rt. 63. The tree was back off the street but some birds were sitting high in adjacent tree. There was also 1 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER seen there as well.

I hope hear from others who might have a chance to watch the above areas over the next few days.

Andy Brand
Hamden