Yesterday I saw one of the Peregrines that Patrick Comins has reported occasionally soaring over Rt 8 just north of the I-84 Mixmaster in Waterbury. Today I settled in at my desk at the Waterbury Republican-American and got a message from a co-worker that I've received a number of times in recent years - "bird head in parking lot."

The big brick tower you see off the north side of I-84 when you pass through Waterbury is part of the newspaper's building. Peregrine have used it sporadically as a roosting and feeding perch for several years, and as Patrick noted they also use billboards and possibly the superstructure beneath the highway for the same purpose. No nesting has been confirmed, but it wouldn't be surprising.

I went out to check the head, and as has been the case on at least 4 different occasions, it was the head of a Woodcock. These Peregrines seem to have made them something of a spring dietary specialty, which means the falcons must be pretty good at hunting in the low light of dawn and dusk.

Greg Hanisek
Waterbury

Earlier this week, I went with my family to an
excellent local place to observe woodcocks displaying.
We had nine.  A Great Horned Owl was perched in a
strategic location over the area and although we did
not observe predation, I am sure that that was what
the owl was hoping for.  A Barred Owl was also in the
area, though only heard.

Glenn Williams
Mystic, CT

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Since the birding community really stepped up to the plate with regard to the opportunity to increase funding for the CT DEP, I wanted to let you know that your efforts were successful!  There is still some way to go yet, but a huge hurdle has been cleared.  Please see forwarded message below from Sandy Breslin and thank you to all who made calls/sent emails!

Sincerely,

Patrick Comins, Meriden

This is just a quick note to pass along thanks to all of you who responded so quickly and effectively in support of increased funding for CT DEP. The Appropriations Budget released today (3-25-08) contains $4.5 million in additional funding for DEP. This would not have happened without your efforts!

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK THE LAWMAKERS WHO LISTENED TO OUR CONCERNS:

• Senator Toni Harp, co-chair of the Appropriations Committee
• Representative Denise Merrill, co-chair of the Appropriations Committee
• Senator Bob Duff, co-chair of the Conservation and Development subcommittee of Appropriations
• Representative Terry Backer, co-chair of the Conservation and Development subcommittee of Appropriations

THANK THEM FOR INCLUDING THIS CRITICAL FUNDING INCREASE FOR DEP IN THE FY09 BUDGET. Contact information for these key lawmakers is provided below.

This is a great accomplishment, but the current economic forecast for declining state revenues means our work is not finished. Additional support will be needed during the next few weeks to ensure this funding increase survives the next phase of the budget process. We will keep you posted as things develop.

I have attached a PDF of the Conservation and Development budget for your review. If the list serve strips it off, please contact me and I will be happy to send it to you individually. Apologies for any duplicates.

Once again, many thanks and great work!

Sandy

Director of Governmental Affairs
Audubon Connecticut
185 East Flat Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
(203) 264-5098 x307 phone
(203) 804-0488 cell
(203) 264-6332 fax
sbreslin@audubon.org

CONTACT INFO:

Senator Toni Harp
Harp@senatedems.ct.gov
(860) 240-0393
(800) 842-1420

Representative Denise Merrill
Denise.Merrill@cga.ct.gov
(860) 240-0394 or
(800) 842-8267

Senator Bob Duff
Duff@senatedems.ct.gov
(860) 240-0414 or
(800) 842-1420

Representative Terry Backer
Terry.Backer@cga.ct.gov
(860) 240-8585 or
(800) 842-8267