Eastern Screech-Owl.
Photo courtesy of Marion Bayly.
Eastern Screech-Owl.
Photo courtesy of Marion Bayly.
A delightful group joined Paula McFarland and me for some birding at Newburyport Harbor on pleasant Labor Day morning. We spent our time at several viewing sites along Water Street, observing, appreciating and identifying resident birds and migrants. Our focus was on the aids to field identification, habitat preference, feeding techniques and physical characteristics.
During this morning walk, we watched a male Belted Kingfisher seeking and consuming prey. An Osprey gave us close looks over Water Street. Those medium-sized, white terns with black caps, the Common Terns, were very active, and the participants were thrilled as they studied the long tails that are deeply forked. The white wings with dark tips were well seen. Immature terns perched on the sailboats resembled winter adults but had even darker primaries.
A Great Blue Heron was perched high in a tree on the Salisbury side of the river. Hundreds of Great Yellowlegs were roosting in the Salisbury marshes.
We witnessed hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls take flight and resettle. These gulls breed near bogs or lakes in the conifer forests of western Canada & Alaska. They nest in conifer trees and sometimes on the ground. Bonaparte's Gulls forage in flight and pick up objects while swimming or wading. They mainly eat crustaceans, insects and fish and rarely scavenge. They are graceful in flight and tern-like. They were named after Prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte, a zoologist and nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Full List: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Palm Warbler, Common Tern, Belted Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Common Grackle, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Harrier, Double-crested Cormorant, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Gray Catbird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, House Finch, Rock Pigeon, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Northern Mockingbird, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Bonaparte's Gull & Great Black-backed Gull.
Two, small groups joined Paula McFarland and me for some birding of the extensive mudflats of Newburyport Harbor on Sunday. We spent our time at several viewing sites along Water Street, observing, appreciating and identifying resident birds and long-distance migrants. Our focus was on the aids to field identification including habitat preference, feeding techniques and physical characteristics.
During the morning walk, we watched a hovering Belted Kingfisher and an Osprey. Those medium-sized, white terns with black caps, the Common Terns, were very active, and the participants were thrilled as they studied the long tails that are deeply forked. The white wings with dark tips were well seen. Immature terns perched on the sailboats resembled winter adults but had even darker primaries. Participants at the evening program witnessed hundreds of gulls enjoying a "hatch"; it was an aerial, feeding frenzy.
The Bonaparte's Gulls were favorites of many as they breed near bogs or lakes in conifer forests of western Canada & Alaska. They nest in conifer trees and sometimes on the ground. Bonaparte's Gulls forage in flight and pick up objects while swimming or wading. They mainly eat crustaceans, insects and fish and rarely scavenge. They are graceful in flight and tern-like and were named after Prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte, a zoologist and nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.
At the morning program, we watched a Monarch nectaring. The evening program brought us Black-crowned Night-Herons, and at both programs, we sampled Beach Plums.
Full List: Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, 6; Osprey, Northern Mockingbird, eating poke berries; Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, huge flotilla; Great Black-backed Gull., Common Tern, Belted Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Common Grackle, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, 1; Double-crested Cormorant, migrating; American Crow, Tree Swallow, large gatherings along the Salisbury marshes; Chimney Swift, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Gray Catbird, American Goldfinch, 3; House Sparrow, House Finch, Rock Pigeon
Sue’s final, Birding for The Cure fundraiser, bird walk was on Sunday, June 27th. In July, she’ll be raising her heart rate in preparation for the 3-day walk instead of securing funds for breast cancer research... Thank you to the many of you who have supported this effort!
We met at the end of Way to The River Road in West Newbury as the proposed, small parking area near the river was defeated by voters at a special town meeting last fall. Breeding birds were our goal on the improved trails at Riverbend. Members of the Essex County Trails Association have made improvements at Riverbend; an Eagle Scout, Jeremy Baker, took on the trail markers as his project, and the West Newbury Riding & Driving Club contributed $2100 toward this $5000 upgrade of the River Road trail. West Newbury’s DPW provided material and will mow the open field areas. Open Space Committee members created maps and signage making this property easily navigated between Pipestave Hill and Mill Pond. To learn more, log on to www.westnewburyopensapce.net or see the kiosk at the east end of the River Road trail.
The group was diverse with birders from Texas, Virginia and many towns in Essex County. We heard and then saw agitated Ovenbirds being pursued by an expert mouser, a Short-tailed Weasel, in its summer dress ~ brown with white underparts. It was a life mammal for some! We saw the heart-shaped leaf of Marsh Marigold and the arrow-like leaf of Pickerelweed. The Canada Lilies were in bloom, reaching above four feet. The Wild Rice was verdant, and some loosestrife was seen along with Broad-leaved Cattails. The down of last year’s cattail is utilized by many birds to line their nests. Peter Alden & Brian Cassie’s book, “Field Guide To New England”, was very helpful during our summary.
We saw a trio of Osprey, and one flew with a fish toward Mill Pond; others hovered and flew close overhead, showing their plumage and flight cadence. Red-bellied Woodpeckers were seen. An American Beaver was swimming in the Indian River, and we saw its massive head well. American Crows and Blue Jays were scolding in the woods. A Great Blue Heron was skulking at the water’s edge. Great Black-backed Gulls were perched on a power-line stanchion and on a moored boat. Mallards were maintaining their feathers on the flats. Herring and Ring-billed Gulls patrolled the flat water at low tide. A lone Tree Swallow foraged over the Wild Rice; Song Sparrows were vocal, and a Chipping Sparrow was seeking food on the slope. Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds and European Starlings were present.
The family groups were fun to observe; we had a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks with two fledglings; the male sang softly from a close branch. The White-breasted Nuthatch young were having foraging lessons, and the Downy Woodpecker young followed a male along horizontal branches. Black-capped Chickadee young were exploring. Marsh Wren, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Eastern Wood-Pewee and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo were our Sunday morning chorus with an occasional bullfrog joining in. We missed Belted Kingfisher and an immature Bald Eagle along this stretch of the river. Eastern Phoebes sallied for prey at the footbridge which was recently shored up with granite curbs and the eroded trail was filled to the level of the bridge. We enjoyed the variety of ferns and deer tracks along the trail. We caught sight of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat were seeking insects.
Birding for the Cure was along the Merrimack River beginning at Coffin Street then proceeding upriver on River Road in West Newbury. We were greeted by a “hat trick” of swallows foraging over the wild rice on this cool, moist morning. The tide was low, and we had Sora on our minds.
Mallard, Baltimore Oriole ~ 4 - one nest seen, Chimney Swift ~ 2, apparent pair, Red-tailed Hawk ~ harassed by crows, Wild Turkey ~ heard, Rock Pigeon ~ on Amesbury shore, Cliff Swallow ~ 3, likely Rocks Village breeders, Barn Swallow ~ 6, Tree Swallow ~ 5, Herring Gull, House Wren, Great Black-backed Gull, Carolina Wren, Bald Eagle ~ immature - most likely one of West Newbury’s offspring from a previous year, Ring-billed Gull, House Wren, Double-crested Cormorant, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbird ~ 3, Hermit Thrush ~ heard, Hairy Woodpecker, Osprey ~ 2, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Wood-Pewee ~ 1 heard, Eastern Phoebe ~ 2 - likely nesters on a gangway, Northern Flicker ~ 3, 1 at nest hole, Great Crested Flycatcher ~ 2, Eastern Kingbird ~ 1, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Belted Kingfisher ~ 1 female on patrol, Cedar Waxwing ~ 6, Gray Catbird ~ 8, American Robin ~ 12, Black-capped Chickadee ~ 1 transporting a fecal sac, White-breasted Nuthatch ~ 2, Blue Jay ~ large band of them protecting a nest that was being investigated by an American Crow, American Crow ~ 5, European Starling, Red-eyed Vireo ~ 2, both singing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ovenbird ~ heard, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Swamp Sparrow ~ 2, Song Sparrow ~ 3, 1 carrying food, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle.
We birded this grassland habitat in search of breeding birds. We had rain and frogs were plentiful. Paula McFarland and I didn’t observe any Eastern Meadowlarks ~ maybe on nests. The rain shortened our Woodsom Farm outing...
Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Osprey, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift-2 apparent pairs, Downy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow
Researchers from Tufts University are back to Woodsom Farm to continue studying the habitat requirements of grassland birds this summer and fall. The researchers are studying field size and the impact on grassland bird habitation, specifically why small fields are unoccupied. This is the third year of a multi-year study to understand the patch size impact, the researchers will be looking for differences between large and small fields, including nest density, vegetation structures, predator avoidance, and physical attributes of the birds. The study will include assessing population density of the grassland birds at Woodsom Farm, alertness behaviors, body conditions, and habitat quality including vegetation and insect populations. The researchersŐ work may include visiting the site at night, drawing blood samples and tagging of birds, and observations of activity both passive and active.
Their work will began in May and will continue through the fall. All of the field studies are being conducted according to accepted research principals and are designed to minimize disruption to the birds. Nets will be used throughout the study area. Those visiting Woodsom Farm are asked not to approach or tamper with the nets as this may endanger the birds and impact the research. Those walking their dogs are asked to obey Amesbury leash laws and not allow dogs to approach the nets.
Our group gathered and quickly departed to Ash Street in West Newbury. We were welcomed by a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Wood Ducks, a Great Blue Heron, Common Grackles, Canada Geese and Red-winged Blackbirds were seen. Woodpeckers were drumming, and Tree Swallows were interested in the natural cavities. We found one cavity that was occupied by a Common Grackle, and another Common Grackle was carrying nest material. The Wood Ducks were in flight and on the water. We heard their up-slurred whistle and the squealing, flight calls. We listened for rails but were not successful.
At Cherry Hill Reservoir, we watched the Ruddy Ducks and discussed “stiff-tailed ducks”. Ruddy Ducks have a spiky tail that they often hold straight up in display. Their wingspan is 22 – 24.4 inches, and they weigh in at 1.20 lbs [males] and 1.19 lbs [females]. The overall length for males is 15.4”, and females are 15”. Most females do not breed until two years of age. Ruddy Duck hens lay an average of 8 eggs and construct nests in cattail and bulrushes over water. Two, hen Red-breasted Mergansers were foraging as were a few Canada Geese.
At the Ordway Reservation, the Marsh Marigolds were in their glory in a swampy area. Marsh Marigolds emerge from shallow water or grow on small mounds that hold the plant just above the water. During their dormant period, the soil should not dry at all. Marsh Marigolds are a welcome sight in early spring and often are overlooked. They can disappear as fast as they emerged. We saw Mourning Cloaks, Spring Azures, moths and many Jack-in-the-pulpits. These are common to abundant throughout in this open, dense, moist property. Though commonly regarded as an early spring plant, it persists through the growing season and is conspicuous in late summer and fall by its dense clusters of red berries. This stemless plant, [8 inches to 2 feet tall] has one or two long-stalked, 3-parted leaves at the tip of its flower stalk, which is not quite as long as the leaves. This plant has a peculiar, flowering structure. The tinted shades of green, greenish-white, and purple were lovely. The leaves and flower stalks rise from an underground, perennial corm, hard and turnip-shaped. The fruit is a mass of brilliant red or scarlet berries, each containing 1 to 5 seeds. We heard and then had stunning looks at an Eastern Towhee. A Northern Mockingbird made it seem like there were more species present...
We stopped at the entrance of Pike’s Bridge Road and heard gnatcatchers and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Along the road, we listened for warblers and headed to Rogers Street. We searched for grebe and waterfowl, but a Mute Swan nest and two geese were the only observations other than an angler who was not having success either.
Tonight was the first of several Birding for the Cure programs and with great fortune, it was a dry evening. We began at Hellcat and headed north for a Snowy Owl on the dike at the North Pool. This winter specialty bird will be heading north for breeding grounds soon. We saw Gadwall and American Black Duck in pairs. In the saltpannes were courting Red-breasted Mergansers ~ 6 drakes and only 2 hens... Their courtship is interesting to witness. We worked our way south and saw Red-winged Blackbird, American Robin and a small group of petite Green-winged Teal in flight. At the Pines, we saw a pair of Osprey on the nesting platform. One was looking north, and the other was peering south. Many Bufflehead were in the Bill Forward Pool along with American Black Duck and Mallard. On the dike, Canada Geese were grazing. As the light faded, the peenting of American Woodcocks started. One bird was at the Hellcat rotary, allowing great looks. Two birds flew into a breeding field. As we exited, we heard the aerial displays; Killdeer were vocal along with a frog chorus as we progressed north. We encountered a staff biologist conducting a frog survey, and she was excited to learn of the woodcock activity. I saw a handsome, male Northern Harrier near the saltpannes, using the tide to his advantage, as I headed to Hellcat prior to the program, and a male American Kestrel was perched opposite the “Tick Farm”. I was treated to a pair of Blue-winged Teal as well.
To enjoy the sights and sounds of spring, please join me on the Refuge Tuesday evenings this month as I raise funds for Birding for the Cure!
On a recent Saturday morning, Paula and Sue led a small group of birders on a tour of Great and Little Necks in Ipswich. The north-northeast winds made it feel like winter instead of an early spring morning. We headed to River Road on Little Neck to scan the mouth of the Ipswich River and enroute were treated to Common Loons, Herring Gulls, and Buffleheads. We set up in the sun, and saw Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Eider and Brant. The three Brant put on a great show in flight and on the water, pleasing several participants with life looks. Three Horned Grebe were foraging in the wind sheltered waters. American Crows foraged in the wrackline.
As the wind settled down, we headed to the thickets bordering Clark Pond and studied Song and White-throated Sparrows. The area was alive with birdsong. We heard a Gray Catbird, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-winged Blackbirds, Downy Woodpecker, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch and Mourning Doves. We watched several crows in the area. They were silent! One bird was overhead with nesting material. We watch this bird arrive at the nest tree.
We spent time watching the foraging style of American Robins and their hopping and rest with their wings drooped in true thrush fashion. The European Starling, House Sparrow and House Finches were vocal and active. We spent the remained of the program focused on waterfowl in Clark Pond. The phragmites have been cleared from the edges and we saw three pair of Mute Swan procuring reeds for their nests. We enjoyed the handsome plumage of Gadwall and their courtship along the edge and in flight. There was serveal Hooded Mergansers and both hens and drakes pleased our participants.
This morning was another of the series of Bald Eagle Adventures Along the Lower Merrimack River that Paula & Sue have been conducting this month. Our group gathered at Riverside Cafe at the Towle Building on Merrimac Street and headed directly to the Newburyport Water Works on Spring Lane. We were welcomed by House Finches singing, a Mallard pair, a vocal Tufted Titmouse and several Great Cormorants displaying along with a lone, drake Common Goldeneye, American Crows, Great Black-backed and Ring-billed Gulls and Rock Pigeon. We had a splendid, close-up [20ft.] view of an Osprey as it flew overhead showing its contrasting black-and-white underwing pattern.
As Harry E. LeGrand once said, “It’s the hawk that looks like a gull but it’s not.” This small-headed fish eater was black, brown and white with a hooked bill. In flight, it was like a gangly gull but slow and buoyant with great effort centered in the elbow. The more advanced, immature Bald Eagles may show a dark mask through the eye but are often unkempt and heavily mottled brown with dirty white. We all had great looks at this early Osprey, and it was the perfect way to introduce our participants to the MAS’s Massachusetts Daily Field Card.
We headed to Old Merrill Street and heard more signs of spring as a Carolina Wren and a Red-winged Blackbird sang. We had more Common Goldeneye, Great Cormorants, American Crows and the usual waterfowl.
At the Salisbury marshes, we saw an adult Bald Eagle preening on a favorite perch. It was disturbed by a passing dory. The eagle flew over the marsh and stooped to gather soft, golden grassy materials for nest lining. We saw Northern Flicker, Blue Jays, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Harrier, Common Goldeneye and heard a vocal Tufted Titmouse.
After our wrap-up, Paula headed upriver. At the Amesbury Boat Ramp, she saw the Osprey again as it flew upriver toward West Newbury. It was a delightful time in the field with hints of a gentler season ahead.
A small group of pleasant birders from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire joined Paula McFarland and me at 3:00pm for a late afternoon of birding at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. The visibility was fabulous and the weather mild.
We began at the boat ramp with gulls, loons and Red-breasted Mergansers. We watched Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and several American Black Ducks.The regular Bald Eagle that perches near Doc Wheeler’s home wasn’t present for us. Plenty of Canada Geese were foraging in Black Rock Creek. We saw a Red-tailed Hawk perched. We walked along the river and watched a Northern Harrier take off over the river. We spent a good amount of time with Red-throated and Common Loons. The drake Red-breasted Mergansers were the waterfowl show stealers. Long-tailed Ducks headed low over the water out to the mouth of the Merrimack. Common Eiders foraged along the jetty. We saw Tree Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Song Sparrow and a lone European Starling. Several seals were lounging and bottling near the tide-covered Badger’s Rocks.
Paula pointed out two Horned Larks to the group. They were “gritting” at the sand pile near the pump out area. The ingestion of grit helps birds grind up difficult-to-digest items. By grinding, these food items become better utilized by the bird. The gizzard is the primary grinding organ. This muscular part of the digestive system attempts to grind up large particles, such as husks and shells. Ingesting fine rocks or sand allows the grinding to become easier and more effective. Since the primary purpose of grit is to help remove husks and shells from seeds, birds that ingest whole seeds incorporate grit in their diet.
We did our summary and enjoyed “Red-tailed Hawk hot chocolate” ~ Droste, a Dutch, rich chocolate, with mini-marshmallows in bird mugs accompanied by delicious cookies provided by two participants in the day’s fading light.
A pleasant, small group of birders joined Paula McFarland and me at 3:00pm for a late afternoon of birding at Plum Island. We began oceanside at Lot #1 and studied grebes, loons and Red-breasted Mergansers. The gulls were trailing a fishing boat. The visibility was fabulous ~ we saw Mt. Agamenticus in southern Maine. Its rich coastal forest supports a high diversity of animal and plant species. The mountain and the surrounding area provide an ideal location for hiking, biking and sightseeing. This stretch of protected land is a natural treasure. The Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands and tidal ledges situated approximately 10 miles off the coast, sit along the border of New Hampshire and Maine.
We then headed to the boat ramp and saw a flock of Common Goldeneye, several American Black Ducks and a quartet of Hooded Mergansers. We had the Wardens planned as our next stop, but we were detoured by an encounter with an adult Bald Eagle and a Peregrine Falcon in the marsh so near each other. We spent a good amount of time there with these two, exciting species. We made it to the Wardens and watched a Snowy Owl perched on a granite marker. We did our summary while we enjoyed “Red-tailed Hawk hot chocolate” ~ Droste, a Dutch, high-quality chocolate, with mini-marshmallows in bird mugs and insulated, travel cups accompanied by participant provided, sugar cookies in the day’s fading light.
Our list: Red-throated Loon, Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Hooded Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, American Black Duck, White-winged Scoter, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Harrier, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Snowy Owl, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Mockingbird
The next “Birds, Sunset & Hot Chocolate” will be at Salisbury Beach State Reservation on Saturday, Jan. 23rd.
Paula McFarland and Sue McGrath began their Birds of Nelson Island program at the junction of Stackyard and Patmos Roads in Rowley this afternoon. As we gathered, we were greeted by two Red-bellied Woodpeckers ~ one of which was caching acorns. Bent mentions that the Red-bellied Woodpecker has “the habit of storing acorns, nuts, insects, and other articles of food for future use”. We walked toward Nelson Island, seeing Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee and heard Northern Cardinal and White-throated Sparrow. One of the residents we encountered said he’s been seeing Red-bellied Woodpeckers at his suet. Sue thanked him for the report and said we saw them up the road, storing acorns.
A Northern Harrier was coursing over the marsh. A plastic owl was attached to one of the camps out in the marsh ~ another “Asian Owl”! We saw the silver wing linings of American Black Ducks. Migrating Canada Geese passed left to right in a string. In the sound, there were Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead, Common Loon. Along the path, we saw American Tree Sparrows.
The Common Milkweed along the edges was brown and dry. The views were bucolic ~ it was peaceful, and the golden hue of the marsh, the rich mudflats and reflections in the water were stunning on this mild, autumn afternoon. The regular gulls were foraging and took flight to drop their finds in hope of cracking the shells. Paula came across a small, molted Horseshoe Crab in a small pool. Before becoming mature around age 9, Horseshoe Crabs shed their shells up to 17 times...
As we walked back up Stackyard Road, we heard an owl calling in the last of today’s splendid light ~ a Great Horned Owl! Knowing they have nested there in years past, we waited quietly for it to vocalize again, and it did for all to hear.
After our group departed, Paula and Sue were reviewing our outing, and then we decided to head down Patmos Road to try to get a glimpse of this owl. As we approached the manure pile on the left, the owl was perched at three o’clock in a bare tree. We got good looks, considering it was dusk. The Winter Moths [Operophtera brumata] were out in great numbers as we departed.
The Winter Moth is an introduced pest in coastal areas of Massachusetts from the North Shore to Chatham. Often Eastern Screech Owls feed on the male [as the female doesn’t fly] moths that are attracted to lights including the outside and decorative, holiday lights. These moths in their caterpillar stage do serious damage to apple, blueberry, crabapple, oak, maple, ash and basswood trees by defoliating them.
As an aside, Sue got a call early this morning from an 89-year-old, Newbury naturalist who said a bird hit her storm door about one hour after dark last night while her porch light was on. She was curious to know what could have hit her storm door’s glass... She told me that it was not harmed by the collision. She often hears screech owls in her neighborhood. I asked her to look at her shingles this morning to see if any Winter Moths were resting on the siding in the area of the light. Sure enough, that’s what she found as I waited on hold. She knows now that she has an owl feeding station... Tonight she’ll be watching the front porch from a window, hoping to see that small owl pursuing moths. Sue looks forward to her morning call and learning of her findings.
Sue has led many children’s programs through the years and wanted to show some children Wild Turkeys this Thanksgiving morning. The flock of Wild Turkeys were ground gleaning, and we saw some with beards. The turkeysŐ heads changed color as they became excited. We kept our distance as turkeys can see movement almost a hundred yards away, and they can see in color. We talked about turkey feathers being used by Native Americans to stabilize arrows. We chatted about poults and their tan and brown coloring. One child asked where their ears were. Turkeys donŐt really have ears with a pinna [the visible part of the outer ear] like we do, but even so, turkeys have good hearing.
A Red-tailed Hawk was perched, searching for prey; a Carolina Wren announced its location and House Sparrows were as vocal as a classroom of unsupervised first graders. A few American Crows sailed past us. A Downy Woodpecker probed for insects, and European Starlings were visible in the bare trees. We watched a White-breasted Nuthatch forage up, down, over a tree trunk and on large branches. It craned its neck and looked around. It probed at bark crevices and chipped, seeking food in a head first position.
Each of these wildlife observers departed with a small backpack containing a miniature wild turkey, an assortment of personal hygiene items, supplies for school, a birding puzzle, bird magazine and a Wild Turkey fact sheet. They liked their new vocabulary words: caruncle, snood and wattle...
Sue poked around several locations in Salisbury this afternoon with a small group. The Salicornia, that crimson,succulent of the salt marsh, announced the season. When their foliage turns red in autumn, salicornia finally gets noticed when not immersed in saltwater. In spring, when green, they have small, scale-like leaves and at first glance, can appear leafless. The good news is that Salicornia is native to North America and has the monikers “glasswort” and “pickleweed”.
Sue has been told that glasswort is a bit crunchy and salty ~ somewhat like a cross between cucumbers and olives. Salicornia is a halophyte, a salt tolerant plant that is seen with golden-hued spartina that’s growing old as the days shorten. The ashes of glasswort plants were historically used as a source of soda ash for glass making and for making soap.
Highlights:
Various Location in Salisbury:
Gray Catbird, Green-winged Teal [migrating], Double-crested Cormorant [migrating], Common Loon [migrating], Great Egret, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Snowy Egret, Peregrine Falcon, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Bald Eagle
Salisbury Beach State Reservation:
American Pipit, Marsh Wren, Magnolia Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Blackpoll Warbler, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Bobolink, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler
A small group gathered at the Riverwalk Trail along the Powow River in Amesbury. The river’s tidal nature makes it good habitat for birds. We were met by some of the local gulls and an American Crow. We headed on our ramble, and Paula McFarland called out “Magnolia Warbler.” It was foraging in a sunlit tree ~ the sun on the leaves makes the insects move... Because both of us are still birding in Atlas mode, we found several nests. A Cedar Waxwing was teed up on a snag. Black-capped Chickadees and Gray Catbirds were busy along the trail.
We stopped and watched several Spotted Sandpipers foraging and taking short forays, allowing for prolonged looks at their distinctive, stiff-winged flight low over the water. These birds forage on ground or water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering. Spotted Sandpipers nest on the ground, and females mate with more than one male, leaving the male to incubation and raise the young. Canada Geese, a Mallard and Great Blue Herons were in the inter-tidal zone. We watched several crows bathing.
Our conversation went to the Japanese Knotweed as it was in full bloom along the river bank. Japanese Knotweed is known to grow on disturbed soil, along roadsides and riverbanks, in other moist areas and in fields. It often displaces other plants and is difficult to eradicate. This upright, shrub-like, herbaceous perennial can grow to over 10 feet in height. As with all members of this family, the base of the stem above each joint is surrounded by a membranous sheath. The stems are smooth, stout and swollen at joints where the leaf meets the stem. Although leaf size may vary, they are normally about 6 inches long, 3 to 4 inches wide, broadly oval to somewhat triangular and pointed at the tip. The minute, greenish-white flowers occur in attractive, branched sprays in summer and are followed soon after by small, winged fruits.
We talked excitedly about the soon to be released “The Sibley Guide To Trees” and how helpful it will be for so many birders. A Carolina Wren was announcing itself while we chatted. It was a breezy morning walk, and the squirrels were preparing for the next season.
We saw a Blue Jay with few feathers on its head; several species of crested birds [Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal and Blue Jay] seem to be affected by feather mites this year. The Cornell Lab has the following on its web site:
“‘bald-headed birds,’ mostly Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is an abnormal replacement of feathers (molt). Most bald-headed bird reports occur in summer and fall, which are typical molting times. Many of these strange-looking birds may be juveniles undergoing their first prebasic molt, which produces the first winter adult plumage. For some unknown reason, the bald birds may have dropped all of their head feathers at once. Staggered feather replacement is the normal pattern. Other cases of baldness may result from feather mites or lice, or some environmental or nutritional factor. But no one knows for sure, and the condition has not been well studied. Fortunately, new head feathers grow in within a few weeks.”
The trail has lots of berry-bearing shrubs on both sides which are just ripening. After we completed our summary, a Green Heron flew past Paula and Sue as they lingered, chatting about birding by kayak.
Paula and Sue led an enthusiastic group of birders in several areas in West Newbury on this gem of a summer morning. We explored areas along the Merrimack River, the lower Artichoke, the Ordway Reservation and Ash Street Swamp. Our out-of-state participant was able to add several species to her Massachusetts list.
In the lower Artichoke area, there were Wild Turkeys still roosting in trees; a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds were foraging in a field of oats. A Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Northern Flicker were calling. House and Carolina Wrens made themselves known by chattering and scolding. We watched a Green Heron. A Great Blue Heron made short order of a good size fish. At the Ordway Reservation on Turkey Hill Road, we spent time with a perch-hunting Broad-winged Hawk. Eastern Phoebe family groups had no shortage of insects to pursue. Gray Catbirds were plentiful, and Eastern Wood-Peewees were vocal.
At Ash Street Swamp, the Wood Ducks were preening in the sun. Green Herons provided stunning views in the morning light. A family group of Belted Kingfishers was moving from snag to snag. Tree Swallows were obtaining prey on the wing. We watched two Red-tailed Hawks and a Turkey Vulture overhead. We listened to a family group of Common Yellowthroats.
A small group of birders including a couple from northern Florida joined Paula and Sue on Saturday morning for a walking tour of Great Neck in Ipswich. We were blessed with good weather and ideal viewing opportunities for the following:
American Robin, Green Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Mute Swan with cygnets, Gray Catbird, Yellow Warbler, Killdeer with young, Brown-headed Cowbird, Osprey successfully fishing, Least Tern, Common Yellowthroat, Cedar Waxwing, House Finch, House Sparrow, Willet, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Willow Flycatcher “fitz-bewing”, American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, European Starling, Common Grackle
These sights and sounds of the morning were exciting to many of the new to birding observers:
The Killdeer with young became a subject bird as we discussed its plumage, disruptive colorization and countershading.
We discussed the importance of feather maintenance, molts and preening with Mute Swans and Cedar Waxwings as the teaching birds.
We came across a nearly complete, very fresh Cedar Waxwing nest constructed of dried grasses, weed stems and twigs.
Several, sneaky female Brown-headed Cowbirds were on patrol in the thickets for vessels to drop eggs.
We spent some time discussing the invasive plant species we encountered: Japanese Knotweed, Phragmite, Oriental Bittersweet and Swallow-wort. Swallow-wort vines twine 3 to 6 feet high and often smother nearby vegetation. The leaves are 2 to 5 inches long, opposite, toothless, oval-shaped with pointed tips and dark green with smooth, shiny surfaces. Flowers of Swallow-wort are dark purple, and each of the five pointed petals is triangular, equal in length and width and finely pubescent with downy white hairs. The seedpods are slender and tapering ~ 1.5 to 3 inches long ~ resembling milkweeds. The ripe seeds and their silky filaments are wind dispersed.
Paula McFarland and Sue co-led a small group of birders this evening on another of our Friday evening rambles at Hellcat. Each of these evening programs has been enjoyable. We were welcomed by a pair of Gray Catbirds and an Eastern Kingbird. As we headed north along the road, we saw American Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, American Robins and Yellow Warblers. In Goodno Woods, which was rather dry, we heard the incessant song of a Red-eyed Vireo which was foraging high in the canopy. We had great looks at several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a Veery and a male Eastern Towhee. Cedar Waxwings were looking crisp and sleek in the evening light. Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warblers were flitting about, and Tree and Barn Swallows headed north to roost. We walked the marsh trail and heard Sora, and a Virgina Rail was along the edge of the dead phragmites. We watched a muskrat swimming. We had good looks at a few Marsh Wrens and their nests. A Great Egret flew north, and several Double-crested Cormorants flew south with their bills wide open in flight. Red-winged Blackbirds were vocal, and our group had close up looks at a female in a cherry tree. Blue Jays were scolding and wandering in the woods. We saw American Black Ducks, a drake Mallard and a Black-crowned Night-Heron. Black-capped Chickadees were foraging, and we heard the cooing of several Mourning Doves. Common Yellowthroats were picking up insects on the boardwalk. A White-throated Sparrow was scratching in the leaf litter. We heard and saw American Woodcocks. On our way north, we encountered several, vocal Whip-poor-wills. One ‘whip’ was resting on the wood chips at the Japanese Black Pine clearing and Pitch Pine reforestation area. A coyote was seen there as well.
We’re already looking forward to next Friday’s ramble to enjoy and share the sights and sounds of Plum Island in May.
Paula and Sue led a small group of explorers at one of Newburyport’s best kept secrets, the Little River Nature Trail, in Newburyport under less than favorable weather conditions. While gathering, we saw and heard Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, Mallard, Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. Once on the trail, we encountered Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green Warblers that were vocal and active. We found fragrant honeysuckle and olive which provided nectar for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on this cool, damp, spring morning. The hummingbirds were chasing one another and being protective of their nectar source. We heard several Blue-winged Warblers. “Teacher, teacher, teacher” rang out of the woods ~ an Ovenbird. Blue Jays were sneaking around. As we approached the forested area [conifer and deciduous trees], we heard a Red-eyed Vireo singing its repetitive song in the rain. Its incessant song was heard by all, and we enjoyed good looks while it vocalized. We saw the protein source for many birds ~ tent caterpillars. We heard the large long-tailed sparrow, the Eastern Towhee, keeping to its cover. Two Chimney Swifts were aloft, seeking a meal on the wing. With the rain and cooler temperatures, their forays were challenging. We watched a Downy Woodpecker pecking at the stalk of a Broad-leaved Cattail, seeking small insects or larvae. We saw the “pink moccasin flower” ~ Lady Slippers. The Canada Mayflower, “Wild Lily-of-the-Valley”, was in bloom. The Skunk Cabbage stream-side was unfurled. A Brown Thrasher flew low across the path, and we saw American Crows. We heard Eastern Phoebes. Our program was shortened by heavy rain. We were all thrilled with the number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds we saw.
A small group gathered to join Paula and Sue at the Jodrey/Soucy viewing platform at the Common Pasture Wet Meadow. This platform was installed by the Essex County Greenbelt Association and dedicated in memory of the Honorable H. Lawrence Jodrey and Gerald Soucy in the fall of ’08. Both Larry and Jerry were life-long conservationists and renowned Essex County birders. This morning’s birders were hardy on this windy, sunny, Sunday morning. We assembled on the platform overlooking the lovely, wet meadow, a cherished birding location which has been preserved by the cooperative efforts of Essex County Greenbelt Association, Parker River Clean Water Association, The Trust for Public Land, Town of Newbury, City of Newburyport, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Brookline Bird Club, Essex County Ornithological Club and so many, generous, individual donors. The proceeds from today’s program will be donated to land protection.
We were greeted by a Northern Mockingbird, Canada Geese, a “greenhead” [drake Mallard], a drake Blue-winged Teal, several pairs of Killdeer, a Turkey Vulture along with the chorus of blackbirds ~ European Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles. Wilson’s Snipes were feeding in standing on their short legs in shallow water. They probed deeply, pausing after two or three probes. Snipe’s heads are small with rearward and seemingly high placed eyes. Their cryptic plumage with lines that run along the face and down the back allows this bird to appear sleek.
Two American Kestrels were on the fence posts off to the left. They took flight, hovered and sallied for prey. Morning Doves perched closely on the wires. We watched Greater Yellowlegs arrive and forage in a larger pool. We had an Eastern Phoebe in a mouse-like position in the westerly wind. The wind had a Turkey Vulture up, rocking, tilting and sailing. The sun hit the red-hued tail of a Red-tailed Hawk, allowing for stunning views for all our group. We watched the American Robins and Blue Jays as they foraged.
We headed to a different area of the Common Pastures, the developed, industrial park for the comfort of the group as the wind was harsh. We obtained good views of a Great Egret skulking prey in a pool. A pair of well-marked American Kestrels were close, allowing us to study their plumages ~ a handsome russet and gunmetal male and the brownish and barred female. Both showed vertical, facial slashes ~ sideburns and mustaches. We got good looks at the ocelli, the false eye spots on the back of the head. This small falcon has eye-like patches on the back of its head, giving it the appearance of a false face. Ocelli offer protection against attackers. A predator may abort the effort, deflected by the false eye spots. Or it is warned that the bird with the false eyes may retaliate. Some raptors with ocelli typically include passerines in their diets. It is thought that ocelli may have evolved as an aid in securing small birds by provoking their mobbing response.
We watched a Northern Mockingbird perched lee of the wind in the sun and occasionally dropping for prey. We heard Song Sparrows and got good looks at one singing at two o’clock in a short tree. Rock Pigeons were active along with Herring Gulls. Three American Goldfinches showed varying stages of breeding plumage. We heard the Black-capped Chickadee vocalizing its “fee-bee” song from the pines. We discussed the nesters of flat roofs since the industrial park has many, flat roofed buildings. As we summarized the morning’s sightings and behavior, a pair of Killdeer were vocal, reinforcing “Charadrius vociferus”, and a kestrel was balancing nicely in the wind on a wire.
Our fully subscribed program on Sunday evening was Woodcock Watching with a Friend was led by Paula and Sue with a special permit. The group enjoyed the sights and sounds of the woodland shorebird ~with monikers of “timber doodle, bog sucker, woods snipe, Labrador twister, brush snipe”. We reviewed the size and shape of this cryptic, plump, medium-sized football shaped bird [length 11”, wingspan 18”, weight 6 oz.]. The field marks were presented: long bill tapers from thick base; eyes are large and dark; large head with a crown crossed by transverse narrow buff and wide black bars; woodcock have short necks, legs and rounded wings and tail. The plumage is heavy pattern of dark, light brown and gray above, cinnamon or buff below with no seasonal plumage change. Both sexes look similar. References state that the females average 10% larger with slightly longer bill and wider outer primaries. There is some overlap in bill lengths between males and females.
Woodcock are widespread in eastern half of North America from southern Canada south almost to the Gulf of Mexico and west to the eastern edge of the Great Plains, winters in southeastern and Gulf coast states. In Massachusetts, arrival is the first week of March and often they have depart by the second week of November. Plum Island’s damp woods near water with wet thickets adjacent to woodlands and fields brushy areas and mixed forests are ideal for this shorebird. We took time sharing that the birds are active at dawn and dusk [crepuscular], have nocturnal habits and are known to be solitary and secretive.
As for the diet of and foraging style ~ woodcock probe in moist soil and rocks back and forth to shift weight and stomps foot to locate subsurface prey. Diet consists of Earthworms up to 75% of diet. Woodcock can consume its weight in earthworms in a 24 hour period. These birds can be seen turning over leaves and searching the leaf litter for insects, small invertebrates, slugs,seeds and buds.
We spent time under a waxing Planting Moon with little wind sharing the special adaptations of American Woodcock with visual aids:
Bill tip has concentration of tactile sensors known as Herbst’s corpuscles and is very flexible [rhynchokinesis] which help it better sense and grasp prey.
The eyes set high and far back on head - allow for a wide field of monocular view to observe approach of predators from sides and/or above, and area of binocular view to observe approach from behind. Woodcock’s vision is better to back of head than to front ~ due to the placement of the eyes. The brain is positioned at 120ˇ from horizontal.
The three outermost primary feathers are shorter, narrower and stiffer than the others and produce the twittering heard on ascent of display flight.
The cryptic coloration of adults, eggs and young - to blend with surroundings for better protection from predators
We listen to this elaborate display flight, beginning with on ground with nasal “peent” calls, the ascent begins with flight in wide circles, continues with musical twittering of wings and movement in smaller circles as the bird spirals up to a height of 200 - 300 feet. Then the wing twitter stops, bubbling flight song begins and a rapid zigzag descent is made back to nearly the starting point. If the male is fortunate, a female will come into the area where male lands, male raises wings and walks stiffly towards female. Female crouches down, he steps on her back, they mate. She departs area, he repeats display. The performance was impressive and would last all night long if the moon was full. The males are polygamous and polygynous ~ there’s no pair bond.
We encountered male and female Northern Harriers, Carolina Wren, Tree Swallows, Song Sparrows were vocal, American Robin, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, and many ducks settling in the for evening. One participant, Jim, shared his astronomy skills and he pointed out Orion, the Ring of Saturn and the Seven Sisters and our summary was augmented by views of the moon and Saturn through our scopes. It was amazing!
As we departed, deer were foraging in the southern portion of the North Field and a beaver was walking north the warm road. I’ve seen two beavers out of the water on Plum Island in less that a week. Others Plum Island regulars have seen beavers wandering around as well. They don’t take to saltwater. These animals move slowly and have poor eyesight and beavers prefer to stay close to the water and are not prone to setting off across land to relocate.
Weather-wise, we had a crisp start to our morning program, Spring on the Ipswich Necks. The participants were a pleasant, curious troupe from Essex County and beyond ~ New Hampshire and the Metro-west area of Boston along with a half dozen Ipswich residents. Paula McFarland and Sue McGrath began the program with Bufflehead and Common Mergansers. At Eagle Hill River, we watched gulls utilizing their time efficiently, roosting and preening as the tide was just beginning to recede. Vocal Song Sparrows were in active in the wrackline. A Red-tailed Hawk flew in and landed in a tree. We saw American Black Duck, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. Several American Crows were scavenging on the marsh, and we saw some in a sheltered, sunny tree.
We proceeded to Great Neck and set up out of the wind at the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club area and watched rafts of Common Eider and Common Loon. A russet-breasted Northern Harrier was perched on Plum Island. We had a distant look at a Snowy Owl on a driftwood log. A Mourning Dove was sunning on the yacht club’s roof, and we watched a hormonally charged, male House Sparrow carrying nesting material into a louvered vent on the side of the building. We chatted about the high-insulative quality of eider down, their nests and diet. Eiders are colonial breeders. They nest on Essex County islands in colonies. Common Eiders exhibit natal site fidelity, returning to breed on the same island where they were hatched. We discussed the “daycare” of eider young known as a creche.
We set up at Clark Pond and enjoyed the Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, American Wigeon. As we all know, there’s no shortage of Mute Swans in Ipswich. Several pair were displaying, and other birds were sleeping, resting their bills on their scapulars. We discussed the rusty colorization of their necks and saw their large, black, anatid feet. The new trail was being worked on earlier this morning, possibly disrupting the Northern Shoveler and Green-winged Teal seen earlier in the week. We explored the thickets some and watched a Black-capped Chickadee excavating a nest cavity in a partially rotted, gray birch. The diameter of the nest hole will be about 1 inch and will be lined with wood chips, moss and soft fibers. Up to six eggs will be laid, and the incubation is done by the female only. This species will often have two broods in a breeding season.
We continued to Pavilion Beach and saw several Brant and more Common and Red-throated Loons. We watched the eiders in flight and spoke of wing loading. While we watched the loons, we discussed their winter and breeding plumages. The sun was warm, and our group was enjoying the morning as several of the Ipswich residents were sharing their local, birding experiences.
We headed to Little Neck and had excellent looks at Brant out of the water on a sandbar. We could hear their soft and throaty “cr-r-r-rk”. We discussed their diet of almost exclusively green plant matter and a small number of aquatic invertebrates. Loons were fishing in the outgoing current of the Ipswich River. One loon was struggling with a fish but managed to consume it. We watched them snorkeling and treading water. The Ipswich River headwaters are in Wilmington at the junction of Lubber and Maple Meadow Brooks. It then flows easterly and northeasterly for 45 miles through the towns of Wilmington, Reading, North Reading, Middleton, Topsfield, Hamilton and reaches the Atlantic Ocean in Ipswich.
We conducted a summary of our time in the field while appreciating the backside of the Crane Reservation and the tidal area along the Ipswich River.
Happy Spring!
Paula McFarland and Sue McGrath led an affable group of birders today during our Ides of March birding program on Parker River NWR on March 15th. Our participants ranged from a teen to a senior, hailing from Newton, Winchester, Lowell, Ipswich, Stratham, NH along with several of our Newburyport regulars. We enjoyed the afternoon’s mild temperature and clear sky ~ it was a spectacular day to be outside!
At the boat ramp, we observed a Red-tailed Hawk at treeline, Killdeer foraging in the flats and Common Goldeneye displaying. At the boardwalk oceanside, we had White-winged Scoters, Horned and Red-necked Grebes, Common Eider, a bathing and preening Long-tailed Duck, a flock of Snow Geese, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls. The visibility was excellent, affording looks at Red-throated Loon, a raft of Common Eider, White Island Lighthouse, the Isles of Shoals and Mt. Agamenticus. Mt. Agamenticus is owned and managed by the town of York, Maine, and several groups are working in concert to protect and maintain it, including The Nature Conservancy, York Land Trust and Great Works Land Trust.
When we headed to the salt pannes, we studied Northern Pintail and American Black Ducks along with Canada Geese. While focused at the salt pannes, one of the PRNWR’s Law Enforcement Officers stopped to alert me to a report of a Snowy Owl at the Pines Trail. So without further ado, we headed directly there. We saw Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, American Robins and Mourning Doves. While at the Pines Trail, we were treated to a Northern Shrike teed up in fine light in its usual, sentinel fashion, and then it took flight and landed again. Hooded Mergansers and Buffleheads were diving, and a Northern Pintail was sleeping, resembling a rock. We discussed the beauty and nuisance of Mute Swans and watched and heard them in flight. A Black-capped Chickadee and a Song Sparrow were at the Pines Trail. We encountered North Andover’s Jack Holt, and he provided us an ornithological history lesson on owls, eagles and goshawks which augmented our program as we watched a dark Snowy Owl perched on the Osprey platform. While conducting our summary, all of the participants raved about their time with Jack and his life experiences.
Two, small groups of enthusiastic, young ladies from Esperanza Academy – School of Hope – joined Newburyport Birders on Bald Eagle Adventures. The School of Hope welcomes girls of diverse faiths, races and cultures. The school challenges each student to realize her potential through academic competence, confidence, curiosity, integrity and hope. It is a tuition-free school and creates an enriched environment, fostering individual success and community commitment for fifth through eighth grade girls who reside in Lawrence, MA.
We met at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters and headed to various points along the Merrimack River. These middle school explorers were well-prepared for their focus bird, having studied their Bald Eagle Fact Sheet. On the bus, I showed the eagle’s wingspan which exceeded the width of the interior of their bus. We reviewed the eagle’s slotted wingtips and flight style. We studied the size of the eagle’s eyes, skull shape and discussed the material of which the talons are composed. An eagle’s vision is four times better than ours. We chatted about their refined vision and how Bald Eagles have two centers of focus [foveaes], allowing them to see both forward and to the side simultaneously.
We saw immature and adult Bald Eagles at Spring Lane. We were very lucky to see fresh Wild Turkey tracks in the snow right at our viewing area, and we heard the Wild Turkeys in the woods. We talked about how in 1782, Benjamin Franklin was opposed the Bald Eagle as our signature bird. He wanted the Wild Turkey to be our nation’s symbol. We chatted about the prey items on which eagles feed and that they are highly skilled hunters, preferring to hunt using the perch and search method. We compared the adult and immature plumages in the scopes and talked about the field marks, bill shape, cere, strong legs and talons. We talked about the Merrimack River and its importance to Bald Eagles in winter. The students told me about DDT, the speed at which eagles fly [30-35 mph] and the altitude of their flight [10,000 feet]. Eagles perched and took flight for us. Several of the students captured Bald Eagle images through the scopes on their cameras.
Hooded Mergansers were foraging in the cove. Common Mergansers were chasing after one another over fish. Great Cormorants were looking spiffy in their finery. Rock Pigeons landed on ice floes to rehydrate. American Crows were active along the shore. We saw the usual gulls and puddle ducks as well.
The students were provided with an animal track identification guide and “Mass Wildlife” journals to foster their interest in the natural world. I enjoyed my time sharing the Bald Eagles with these young ladies and their educators. Our adept bus driver, Bob, got a “big tip” – a full frame, scope view of his first, adult Bald Eagle.
A group of 7 to 10 year olds from Pathways for Children of Gloucester joined Sue for a Bald Eagle Adventure on Friday morning. Pathways’ mission is: “To help children discover their potential and grow into confident and empowered adults who contribute to the well-being of the community. Pathways fulfills its mission by providing high quality, affordable and comprehensive care, education, recreation and other support services for children and their families”.
The children, dressed in layers, hats, mittens and scarves, along with three chaperones and Sue set up at the bridges over the Merrimack River as the first observers of the morning, It was there that these children were graced with sights of five Bald Eagles. One bird soared right overhead, and the wingtips were well seen. Another perched in a close pine, and through my scope, everyone got great looks at its legs, talons and bill while several other eagles soared over the protected islands, Deer and Eagle. The pines and deciduous trees were coated with white from Thursday night’s snow, and the sky was azure.
The scope views yielded “oh my god”, “magnificent” and “how majestic”! The children told me about DDT, Ben Franklin, the Wild Turkey and the keen vision of eagles. Their chaperones had prepared the children well for their annual outing to seek Bald Eagles along the lower Merrimack River. We chatted about the birds’ perch and search style. The question of nest and egg sizes was raised. A multi-generational, family group arrived, then attached themselves to us and those two children joined the Pathways’ children for close up looks through the scope until they were satiated. They too had questions on breeding habits, size of nest and range of territory that served as a review for the Cape Ann explorers.
We retreated to the warmth of the Pathways’ bus and spent time discussing feather and bone structures, length of body and wingspan. The lesson continued on diet, health of the Merrimack River and breeding success of eagles in Essex County. Sue so looks forward to this outing each year, and this year the Chain and Derek Hines bridges served as our ideal, “outdoor classroom” for lessons on the Bald Eagles’ natural history.
I led a small group on a Bald Eagle Adventure. We headed to two locations along the lower Merrimack River for a few hours with Bald Eagles and their river.
At our first location, we watched five eagles in varying plumages. Several were hunting for prey, and the fish were plentiful. We had stunning looks at the Commons – Loon, Goldeneyes and Mergansers. The glowing, orange-red, tapered bill on the drake, freshwater sawbill was well seen – we watched one drake attempting to pirate a fish from another. The lead drake employed his pointed wing to scoot away. It reminded me of a cartoon. Their gleaming white sides were crisp and brilliant in the late afternoon light. The large, blocky head of the loon was well seen, and participants were aware of how low loons ride in the water. The goldeneye were buoyant and diving. Several took flight, and we all heard the whistle of their wings. A Great Blue Heron was active, hoping for another fish before twilight. We studied two Red-tailed Hawks on the Salisbury salt marsh. We heard crows approaching their evening roost. A female Northern Harrier was too far off to share with the group. We watched gulls and rowdy Mallards. The river had many ice floes headed toward the mouth, and there was plenty of flotsam and jetsam. We commented on several ice sculptures – some geometric in shape and others resembling waterfowl – hybrids for certain.
We headed to our second viewing location and immediately got on a third year Bald Eagle, the sentinel of the protected island, with a dark eye stripe . We saw its yellow bill with a dark culmen and hook. The yellow hue of the legs and cere was well seen by all. We reviewed the field marks, size, weight, skull structure, eye size and color. We discussed eagles’ “perch and search” style. There was a seal in bottling position not far from shore. While we sipped hot tea and snacked on dried fruit and nuts, we saw a Red-tailed Hawk and a Cooper’s Hawk. We chatted about there flight style and wingbeat cadence.
I saw a doe leave the vegetated island and begin to swim to another islet. This doe was startled when the sentinel left its perch and began to badger it. The eagle made several passes over the doe’s head, and I was grateful it was lacking antlers, or the eagle might well have landed. The female swam fast and made her way to shore, came up and out of the water, shook on the saturated, salt marsh peat and stood motionless for a few minutes – catching her breath or counting her blessing that the looming, dark shadow hadn’t struck her head. The cardiac system of this animal had a workout in yesterday’s ice as yellow legs and black talons stooped overhead... Whew – it was an action filled, afternoon...
A hearty group, a dozen, joined Paula McFarland and Sue McGrath this morning to learn to love Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Newington, NH. This Refuge was established in 1992 and is located on the eastern shore of Great Bay. This rich habitat encompasses upland and open water. In the upland habitat, we searched for wintering songbirds. In the bay, we found Bald Eagle, Common Loon, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Red-breasted Merganser. Our slow-paced walk introduced participants to this birding area, and we discussed the natural history of the species we encountered. We enjoyed the anisodactyl Wild Turkey tracks that registered in the crusty snow. We saw tracks leading to a watering hole and many leading into the woods. The White-tailed Deer tracks were plentiful and varied in depth. We saw tracks of fox and coyote and their scat. In winter, animal droppings are slower to decay. We were able to discern fox scat as it is pointed on both ends and almost always contains hair or fur from a mouse, rat or rabbit. The snow was covered with confetti from the birch catkins that are starting to release their winter seeds.
We saw a Red-tailed Hawk on two occasions. We saw two Osprey nests inside the restricted area. It won’t be long before this fish-eating raptor returns. We had hearty laughs at a Great Horned Owl mounted on a dark building in the former, weapons storage area. It was a good distraction viewing this plastic, perched owl in the scope, waiting for the harsh wind to subside. American Robins fed on sumac. Black-capped Chickadees were vocal and foraged in the wooded areas. Hairy woodpeckers announced their presence. We saw signs of Pileated Woodpecker.
We stopped to admire mature Shagbark Hickory trees which nearly everyone recognized because, as their name implies, they have shaggy bark. This characteristic is, however, only found on mature trees; young specimens have smooth bark. The Shagbark Hickory nuts were on the ground – empty from sustaining wildlife this winter. The nuts are known to be very sweet tasting. As we approached the viewing platform, we heard a Bald Eagle vocalizing. We saw an adult Bald Eagle in flight between Welsh Cove and the tip of the Ferry Way Trail. We heard sighs, oohs and aahs – sounds of contentment on happy hearts day because, for a few in the group, the eagle was a life bird. A Northern Flicker undulated in front of us on the trail on our way back, showing its white rump. As we approached the road, we saw another Bald Eagle at tree line heading toward Little Bay. In the parking lot, an immature Bald Eagle glided right past us, providing great looks at its underwing and slotted primaries. Several American Crows were rowing from one area to another.
Our time in the field was pleasant, and we enjoyed hot tea, dried apricots and almonds as we summarized the two mile ramble. The icy, parking lot had become more fluid, the wind subsided and the late morning sun was warmer.
I guided a group of four, affable and hearty ladies today, hailing from the Adirondack area in New York; Houston,Texas and Saugus, Ma. We began our day with a brief search then fine views of a roosting Long-eared Owl in Salisbury. We had outstanding looks at Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark and Snow Bunting. Four Bohemian Waxwings were feeding on Eastern Cedar berries by “The Grove” and close to the boat ramp. We had a Cooper’s Hawk and those regular greeters, the Northern Mockingbirds. The White-winged Crossbills were foraging in the trees along the road by “The Grove” and gave us stunning and prolonged views. A Red-tailed Hawk in wonderful light flap-flap glided overhead.
In Newbury, at the Parker River bridge, we saw Common Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser concentrated in the little open water – the river is jammed with ice in the bridge area. I looked hard for a Barrow’s, but there were none. In years past, that has been a reliable spot for them. A Red-tailed Hawk perched – then was badgered and ushered off by an American Crow.
Along the Merrimack River, we had Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Cormorant and Common Goldeneye. A pair of Mallards were bill dipping, inciting, mock preening, and then we witnessed copulation in the ice slurry. Immature Bald Eagles were seen at every stop along the lower river – the Carr Island raised eagle was seen on its island. The three, Cashman Park, regular gulls were preening and roosting on the ice. We saw a Great Blue Heron land, then ride down-river on an ice floe. American Robins were plentiful, consuming sumac, elderberry and poison ivy berries. We watched four Yellow-rumped Warblers [4 X 0.44 ounces equals 1.76 ounces] devouring bayberries along a native planting border. Yellow-rumped Warblers are capable of processing about 80% of the waxy bayberries they consume. Apparently, they’re equipped with unique, gastrointestinal trait which allows them to subsist on this food source. The Yellow-rumped Warbler is the only warbler able to digest the waxes found in bayberries – their ability to feed on these high lipid berries affords them to winter farther north than other warblers, often as far north as Newfoundland. We could mail two Yellow-rumped Warblers in the US for just 0.42 cents – that’s first class...
After I dropped my guests off at their lodging site, I had waxwings on my mind and made a loop through the Newburyport Industrial Park to give the fruit trees there a look with hopes of Bombycilla garrulus or Bombycilla cedrorum – I really bombed at this stop...
While guiding a pleasant and appreciative trio of British birders yesterday morning, I stopped at a feeding station in Salisbury where we watched a male Red-bellied Woodpecker on a suet feeder. It was a cold day for the black creeper of the Carolinas [Melanerpes carolinus]. In another tree were three Hairy Woodpeckers – two males and a female. The female started drumming. The males were still-posed, and then they began the repeated bill-waving, waving their bills from left to right. Tails spread, they flicked their wings. Their nape and breast feathers were fluffed out. Again, they assumed the still-pose. The still-pose is done in the middle of aggressive encounters. The female continued drumming on her signal post. I remembered reading about triangle disputes where a male is being challenged for its mate. On this deep winter morning, we had the opportunity to witness this behavior. Meanwhile, that Red-bellied remained focused on the fat fuel, pecking and probing at a cage of needed, high-energy suet. Food, asserting one’s presence on territory, expending energy and effort in hope of securing a mate for reproduction were all parts of this Sunday morning’s lesson.
At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, we watched Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs foraging on the edge of the exposed median. As we entered the campground, Wally and others were focused on a pine opposite “The Grove”. I lowered my window to listen for crossbills and learned of the Long-eared Owl – how thrilling for my guests! They had full frame views of the roosting owl from an unintrusive distance, and a few digiscoped images were obtained while we lingered until others – birders and photographers – arrived. The owl was being warmed by the sun’s rays while sheltered in a windless portion of the tree. Many thanks to Wally for sharing this tightly sitting, richly patterned, splotchy owl!
We encountered crossbills and watched them hopping on windswept ground and then foraging with their oddly crossed bills – a special adaptation for extracting seeds from cones. While watching them, I thought some of their behavior to be similar to that of parrots.
We continued to the boat ramp and had close up looks at a vocal, lone Horned Lark. An immature Bald Eagle sailed overhead, looking for prey. Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Mergansers were diving and employing their palmated feet to keep out of the slurry ice. A sentinel of the serviceberry, a Northern Mockingbird, served a bitter morning shift while we exited the reservation to continue on our foray.
Once home, I could see on a neighbor’s snowy roof a tableau of the efforts of a Cooper’s Hawk. There are feathers and imprints of a take, and in our backyard, the snow on the patio was littered with grayish-tan, rose-hued feathers – that of a Mourning Dove. As we lost light yesterday afternoon, a content, full-cropped Coop’s perched on our garden fence, peering down at leftover seedheads and a blood-streaked snow arena. During another single-digit winter’s night, that Cooper’s Hawk was fueled by a dove fattened on sunflower, millet and safflower.
Temperatures were in the single digits with wind-chills well below zero. There is no doubt that it was a tough day to be out and about anywhere, but as you know, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is the coldest on days like today even under a blue sky. We had a warm, mobile, high-riding, bird blind for today’s outing, and six intrepid folks joined me. They hailed from Winchester, West Newbury, Newburyport and Rhode Island’s coast. We were well fueled with hot apricot tea, dark chocolate and an assortment of Greek pastry. We never saw the temperature rise above 18 degrees, and at times, the winds gusted to 30mph. Ah, we were breathless while birding at Hellcat and were rewarded with a Northern Shrike...
Our observations comprised of: Northern Shrike foraying between the johns and in the Hellcat parking lot, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Northern Harrier, two Rough-legged Hawks, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, American Robin, Northern Mockingbirds protecting their pantries of winterberry, European Starling, American Tree Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco.
We watched Northern Harriers heading for their nocturnal roost as the sun set and the Hunger moon was visible. It is my hope that today’s participants are inspired to continue birding. We had good looks even in such harsh elements.
We studied waterfowl and discussed the various fruits available to sustain songbirds in the winter. We chatted about the importance of the Boreal Forest as nesting habitat for many bird species. The group especially enjoyed the American Kestrel, the Buffleheads and the American Bittern. We watched an Eastern Cottontail in the thicket at The Warden’s and commented on the advantage of being cryptic.
We observed the following: Black Duck, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, American Bittern, American Kestrel, Mute Swan, White-winged Scoter, Surf Scoter, Common Eider, Blue Jay, Mallard, Great Blue Heron.
A diverse group gathered to learn about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and a 19 day canoeing adventure on the Canning River on the western edge of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mark and Marcia Wilson paddled north from a gravel riverbank that served as an airstrip in the Brooks Range; they navigated a 17-foot, folding canoe to explore 70 miles of Arctic wilderness. We were treated to intimate views of Snowy Owls at the nest, Caribou maneuvering icy river crossings and Barren Ground Grizzly Bears foraging the tundra. Close-ups of Musk Ox introduced us to a rarely seen species of prehistoric appearance. Peregrine Falcons, Yellow-billed Loons, King Eiders and Buff-breasted Sandpipers joined the nesting fray. We met Lemmings, Jaegers and Arctic Foxes. We had the opportunity to learn how light, weather, mosquitoes and lemmings play into the symphony of life in this remote, Arctic ecosystem. Our close up, personal looks at an Arctic, avian ambassador, a Snowy Owl, were stunning along with the Arctic treasures on the Wilsons’ touch table. The Wilsons are a charismatic team who shared their passion for the natural world. These avid naturalists drew a nearly standing-room-only crowd for their, fast-moving, colorful slide presentation.
Our monthly, volunteer-led, birding program was a visit to the bird banding station. Our small group enjoyed up close and personal views of American Redstart, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Eastern Phoebe. A short-tailed weasel was seen exiting a culvert pipe behind the banding shed. The participants watched the Mass Audubon-trained scientists capture, extract, measure, examine, weight, band and release migrant songbirds. The group learned about scientific research, molt, habitat preference and migration. While I conducted a summary at sub-headquarters, we had stunning looks at an American Bittern in the pool behind the metal garage.
Late this afternoon, I led a small group on a ramble at Geoff H. Walker Salisbury Marsh Overlook area . We were greeted by White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos. A Gray Catbird was feeding on wild grapes. We saw the usual, local residents in the thickets. Northern Harriers, a Great Blue Heron and a Belted Kingfisher were all surveying the golden-hued salt marsh in the late afternoon light. We watched Bonaparte’s Gulls buoyantly floating on the Merrimack. The more common gulls were trailing the returning fishing boats in hopes of food items. Migrating Blue Jays were loud and rowdy. Black-capped Chickadees were re-hydrating prior to settling to roost. American Robins were foraging; White-breasted Nuthatches spiraled the trees, “yenking”. Mourning Doves arrived to roost, and a Carolina Wren chattered as we did our summary. We observed birds, appreciated the marsh, collected monofiliament, and identified native and non-native plant species. The salicornia was beginning to change color; we saw fox scat, and a dozen monarchs were migrating. We chatted with “Doc” Wheeler, paid attention to his dog, “Mitzie”, and reported our highlights to “Doc” prior to departing. “Doc” reported that Turkey Vultures have been roosting on his roof and the shingles prove it.
On Saturday, October 4th, I conducted an Introduction To Birdwatching at Veasey Park in Groveland for Northern Essex Community College. One of the students had received this class as as a birthday gift. This 67 year young, Methuen resident was an active learner. He asked many, behavioral questions, and I encouraged him to continue his observations of bird behavior.
This morning’s students had wonderful views of a vocal band of corvids and migrating Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks. An Osprey hovered over Johnson Pond seeking a prey item. We followed a female Northern Harrier as she transected the field. The local Red-tailed Hawk was being badgered. We observed a Blue Jay transporting acorns to its warehouse. We studied Pied-billed Grebes, stunning Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Mallards and Canada Geese. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers were foraging. A Turkey Vulture rocked and tilted overhead on two occasions, providing knockout views. Several White-breasted Nuthatches and Black-capped Chickadees were scolding. Dark-eyed Juncos were active roadside along with berry-savoring American Robins. Several Ruby-crowned Kinglets were foraging near the lower parking area. We watched a flock of racing pigeons including a large, pure white one that proved to be the quickest on the wing. The field time was leisurely on this lovely, autumnal day with such enthusiastic, adult learners.
Sue conducted All Wings Considered on Saturday morning, and we were treated to the following:
We studied the gulls on the beach, comparing sizes and shapes of Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls [one was missing its three webbed and its hind toes] and Great Black-backed Gulls [one was sporting a black band with white 9 C 6 that I assume is from the Isles of Shoals]. I spoke about the perils birds face, including plastic, pony tail elastics, monofilament line and fishing tackle. Common Terns, Rock Pigeons, Mourning Doves, Chimney Swifts, Purple Martins were migrating while swarms of Tree Swallows were just over our heads.
A Canada Goose was preening its new, white feathers. Gadwalls with crisp plumage and red-legged American Black Ducks were well seen along with a Mallard with young and petite teal hens with green speculums peeking through the folded wing. A Common Loon was in flight overhead while Double-crested Cormorants in loose flocks were southward bound. A Great Blue Heron was motionless on the dike. Great and Snowy Egrets were skulking; a Turkey Vulture rocked and tilted overhead; an Osprey was shelling a crab.
American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird were feasting on the refuge’s fruits. Brown Thrasher, European Starling and Cedar Waxwing were lisping from treetops. We got looks at Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Eastern Towhees were vocal roadside. We had quick views of Savannah, Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed and Song Sparrows. Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole were seen. The usual House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow greeted us at several locations.
Northern Harriers transected the marsh. A Sharp-shinned and a Cooper’s Hawk were seeking prey. We spent time with Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plovers, Spotted Sandpipers and both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. A Whimbrel was in flight just north of the gatehouse. The Ruddy Turnstones, Red Knots, Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated and Piping Plovers, Least Sandpipers, White-rumped Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers, both Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers opened up our conversation about available food sources and shorebird migration. The Great Marsh is now a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site [WHSRN]. Shorebirds, champions of migration, have sharply declining populations. Habitat protection is vital so that shorebird species don’t become extinct within the next few decades.
A Downy Woodpecker probed phragmites; an Empidonax flycatcher was silently perched roadside; an Eastern Phoebe flicked its tail, and the Eastern Kingbirds were plentiful. The marsh is less verdant and showing its autumnal, golden hue. We encountered Blue Jay, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, and a Carolina Wren was heard at the Goodno Woods crossing. We saw an owl’s white wash at the blind in the pines. The boardwalk railings are heavily soiled from the plethora of birds savoring the assorted fruits.
Sue and Paula led women in wonderful spirits, dressed in pink, at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a fundraiser for breast cancer research early this morning.
We saw the following during our two hour walk:
Mourning Dove, House Finch, Black-bellied Plover, Least Sandpiper resting at the boat ramp, Northern Harrier, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Yellow Warbler, Northern Mockingbird and Eastern Kingbirds in “the middens”, American Goldfinch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Double-crested Cormorant southbound, House Sparrow, Cedar Waxwings and steady streams of Tree Swallows.
We discussed the fruits and flora of the island. We came across a Monarch caterpillar on Common Milkweed. We enjoyed some light refreshments at Lot # 1 as we did our wrap up and distributed literature on breast cancer. We departed just prior to the lot filling up with beach-goers. Parking was at a premium by 10:00am; it was a pleasant, summer morning on the island.
Paula and Sue led a small group focusing on “Thousand of Swallows” on Saturday evening. We conducted the program at the North Pool Overlook.
We were treated to chortling Purple Martins migrating with hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows. Great and Snowy Egrets were heading to their evening roost. Gadwall with young were foraging in the pool. Double-crested Cormorants were migrating, and their loose strands were seen well to the south. We saw and discussed the following: Gray Catbird, Barn Swallow, American Goldfinch, Glossy Ibis and Eastern Kingbird. An Eastern Phoebe was hawking insects in the mud at the pool’s edge. A Northern Harrier was coursing the North Pool area.
A flock of Canada Geese splashed in for the night. At least 20 Black-crowned Night-Herons, including a few juveniles, were leaving the North Pool phragmites. We saw Great Blue Herons and a Northern Mockingbird.
While enjoying handcut, bird-shaped fruit, brownies and strawberry lemonade, we conducted our summary of the evening highlights while several bats were in flight. It was a perfect, summer evening to enjoy the spectacle of staging Tree Swallows.
Sue led a delightful group of birders this evening at PRNWR. We gathered at Lot # 1 under a welcoming rainbow. Tonight’s group consisted of a 7th grader, Duncan; two 9th graders from New York, Cheryl and Emma; a 6 year old girl, Lucinda, and two parents, Susan and Gary. We spent time with the Purple Martins and watched the Tree Swallows feeding in flight. The Purple Martins were successful foraging for dragonflies and butterflies. We walked over to the boat ramp and watched Great and Snowy Egrets in flight. Marsh Wrens were flitting about silently. I introduced the group to The Great Marsh and the plethora of life it hosts. Double-crested Cormorants were headed south. Lot # 1’s Northern Mockingbird was back and forth, showing its banner marks.
We proceeded to the salt pannes and watched egrets in water up to their bellies – they’re long-legged waders. We focused on them as they skulked prey items. A Common Tern was hovering and dropping for small fish. A lone Semipalmated Sandpiper was pecking and probing at the edge. Its plumage was fresh and crisp. We discussed the leisurely migration of fall shorebirds ~ a migration not fueled by hormones but encouraged by the compacted length of the day.
We set up at the North Pool Overlook and were greeted by a juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron and a brood of ducklings supervised by a hen. The water’s surface was littered with white feathers from molting waterfowl. The Tree Swallows were obtaining night capsfrom the pool and settling in the phragmites. We had several thousand Tree Swallows. The Muskrat was present and swam with a mouthful of green grass obtained from the margin. A half dozen Black-crowned Night Herons croaked and left their roost. One Green Heron flew past us from the North and retired in the pool. Caterpillars were munching on the Common Milkweed, and our 6 year old was thrilled to sit and watch. The reflection of the moon in the still pool was lovely. A Great Blue Heron landed on the exposed mud. The sky to the west was lavender, blue, orange and pink. We conducted our summary and departed to Whip-poor Wills vocalizing under the nearly full, Sturgeon moon.
Sue led an enthusiastic group of new-to-birding folks on a two hour ramble this evening. It was a delightful, summer evening with only one, stalled, dark cloud overhead. After an introduction to The Great Marsh, the freshwater impoundment and the Refuge’s flora and fauna, we headed out to the sound. We watched the aerialists, Tree Swallows and Bank Swallows. We discussed the lipid-rich bayberry and its importance as a fuel for these migrants. Eastern Kingbirds were combative overhead. A dozen small flocks of vocal “peeps” passed at various intervals. A Double-crested Cormorant passed with its bill wide open; it was funneling in air into its efficient respiratory system. We talked about the Eastern Red Cedars on the dike; some people refer to them as “Friends” leaning on one another. Others call them the “Ball & Glove”.
We stopped to view the Orchard Orioles’ nest and chatted about nest structure and their breeding biology. We walked slowly along the road, pausing to view nests and flora. The four children in our group had sharp eyes and became very attentive to the skulking Green Heron at the North Pool. This bird was putting on a wonderful show, and its cryptic plumage made for a treasure hunt.
We saw several hundred Monarch caterpillars on Common Milkweed. The eating machines consumed the leaves, leaving only the spine and ribs as structural remains. Common Milkweed was discussed for several minutes, and at the North Pool area, we found no eggs but worm-like caterpillars. The caterpillars had already consumed their egg cases and were feeding on milkweed. During this stage, monarchs store energy in the form of fat and nutrients to fuel the non-feeding pupa stage. The caterpillar stage lasts around 14 days. Then in the pupa or chrysalis stage, the caterpillar spins a silk pad on a thin branch or leaf and hangs by its last pair of prolegs. It hangs upside down in the shape of a ’J’ and molts, leaving the encasement in a green exoskeleton. At this point, hormonal changes occur, leading to metamorphosis. The chrysalis darkens and then becomes transparent a day prior to emerging, and its black and orange wings are visible.
We watched an active Muskrat and the preening waterfowl. We chatted about the Muskrats’ diet of cattails and other aquatic vegetation. They do not store food for the winter but sometimes devour the insides of their lodges or steal food from a beaver’s storeroom. Plant materials comprise over 90% of their diet. They will also eat freshwater mussels, frogs, fish and small turtles.
Tree Swallows were dipping and skimming for rehydration, leaving only a slight ripple behind just prior to settling into the stands of phragmites. The moon rose, and the sunset was impressive. Cedar Waxwings were keeping us company as we walked back to the Warden’s. Eastern Towhees, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers and a Yellow Warbler were on the dune-side. A flock of Canada Geese flew past us as we did our tabulation. The sound of the air passing their wings was soothing to several in the group.
Paula and Sue led a field trip for New Hampshire Audubon’s Seacoast Chapter yesterday morning at Parker River NWR on Plum Island. We were in the field from 7:00 to 11:00 with ideal lighting and drier air. Newburyport is known for productive salt marshes in the estuary area, and the impoundments are excellent roosting and feeding sites for these long-distance migrants.
We enjoyed the plentiful foraging and roosting shorebirds of Sandy Point and Stage Island. Our group was congenial, and during this program, we focused on field identification tips including physical characteristics, foraging techniques and habitat requirements. Our relaxed pace was pleasurable.
Our tally is below:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher (Atlantic), Bonaparte’s Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Least Tern, Common Tern, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Empidonax sp., Eastern Kingbird, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Marsh Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Yellow Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch
Susan Sellers and I spent several days with Northern Gannets; they were dressed in their finery ~ crisp, white wings trimmed in black and heads tinged with a yellow wash. They were diving at every vantage point on the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec.
Northern Gannets are swift and powerful fliers. Their legs are short with large, webbed feet that make them awkward in landings and take-offs. We witnessed that less than graceful activity at the breeding colony on Bonaventure Island. We watched them glide for hours just above the breaking waves, rarely moving their wings. Their long wings have an angular look. The wing tips, head and tail make four points in flight. They are fascinating to observe because they hover momentarily prior to their vertical dives. These birds can sustain the force of the impact of their spectacular dives due to special adaptations and are designed to be superb divers. Their thick skull acts as a hard-hat, and it’s the reinforced skull that cushions the impact. Air sacs [bubble-wrap like] are strategically located in the neck and shoulder areas; they are inflated during the plunge-dive. Lacking external nares limits the risk of intake of water during the dive. They also close their pale, blue-gray bill very tightly so water doesn’t enter their mouth. This streamlined, torpedo-like body is nearly resistance free.
From a good height, these birds glided above the swiftly moving water, and with their binocular vision, they spied the scaled and slippery prey in the turbulent water. Once they had visually located their next meal, they began the descent. With wings tucked and back extended, they entered the water. The head-first dives at amazing speed enthralled us. As they plunged into the water, these aerialists drew us in. They were under and then resurfaced. We were students of this vertical diver as we watched intently. The magnificent and dramatic sight of these accomplished fliers with hollow bones and air sacs continues to intrigue us. The wedge-shaped head and the bill which is stout at the base and narrows to the tip are almost arrow-like. Their wings and feet aid in pursuit of herring, mackerel, capelin and squid underwater.
While on Bonaventure Island, we watched these birds on their breeding ground. Their feet are totipalmate with all four toes united by webbing. We studied the pale, green lines along their legs and each of their toes. Both sexes look alike, lacking sexual dimorphism. Males and females share incubation of a lone, light, bluish white, kelp-stained egg with their feet since they lack brood patches. Year after year, they occupy the same nest as it becomes a heap of feathers, kelp, fish bones and droppings.
We spent some time with some Canadian Wildlife Bird Surveyors and gleaned much from them. They were conducting surveys off the Perce area and shared the following with us:
Bonaventure Island – Northern Gannet Colony Data
1914 – 8,000
1938 – 14,000
1961 – 26,500
1966 – 42,000
1995 – 60,000
2004 – 106,000
These gentlemen told us that the next survey of Northern Gannets on Bonaventure Island is scheduled for 2009 at which point they expect it to be the largest and most easily accessible Northern Gannet colony in the world.
We spent hours with the birds, lured by their ice-blue eyes, their dives and their crisp plumage. We witnessed billing, copulation, allopreening, nest construction and nest material delivery.
We now return to our routines refreshed by this field experience.
Sue led a ramble along the Powow River in Amesbury. The river’s tidal nature makes it good habitat. The lower portion of the Powow is a tidal freshwater estuary and exhibits more freshwater than saltwater characteristics. It is brackish in the summer months. The upper Powow River, above Lake Gardner, supports trout and plenty of wetland habitat.
As we waited for the group to gather we saw a Common Nighthawk in flight. The Powow is a slow moving river with plenty of insects. A female Baltimore Oriole was actively foraging. A drake Mallard was in flight overhead.
We walked slowly along the trail listening to Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers. Gray Catbirds were foraging and very social. We watched a Eastern Phoebe sallying for a protein meal. Two House Wrens were scolding and chattering. A Great Blue Heron was lumbering toward the river. We watched Chimney Swifts courtship. Their V flights were fun to watch. Tree Swallows were in pursuit of on the wing prey. A Red-eyed Vireo was gleaning leaves.
As we continued along we saw young American Robins following adults, a Hairy Woodpecker scaled a tree and a nest cavity suited for a Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch or a Downy Woodpecker. We lingered in hopes of seeing a prey delivery to confirm the tenant. A Yellow-shafted Flicker crossed the path ahead of us. The odonates were plentiful.
In an area with understory thick with shadows we heard a Wood Thrush. This denizen was not seen but we listened for several minutes to the pure toned songster of the woods and reviewed the field marks ~ rufous back, crisp white breast with dark chocolate spots.
A small assemblage of birders joined Paula McFarland and me for an evening birdwalk at the hot Refuge. The participants were from Newburyport, Cape Ann and southern New Hampshire. We gathered with the Purple Martins and watched a House Sparrow compete for a nesting cavity. This male sparrow was very focused on taking over a nest cavity. The Purple Martin stood on its porch in defense. A Common Yellowthroat and a Yellow Warbler vocalized from the roadside thicket.
We headed to the boat ramp for good looks at a Herring Gull with a chicken bone; it was re-hydrating the dried meat on the bone at the water’s edge. We first saw it carrying its prey overhead. The goneal spot was highlighted, and its function was discussed. The Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows were flitting, Marsh Wrens were announcing their presence in the verdant grass, and Willets were active. An American Crow and a Common Tern were well seen. Double-crested Cormorants were in flight with bills wide open.
At the Salt Pannes, we watched Least Tern, Gadwall, American Goldfinch, Common Tern, Killdeer and Cedar Waxwing. A breeze picked up, and we were refreshed for a few moments. We studied Tree Swallows and elegant Great and Snowy Egrets.
We headed to the Maintenance Area and studied the Barn Swallows. We looked at the Orchard Oriole’s nest. The Bobolinks were busy in the field. Northern Mockingbirds patrolled their territories. Killdeer, Eastern Kingbird and Song Sparrow entertained us. Several flocks of egrets headed south to roost. Two Black-crowned Night-Herons glided north. American Black Ducks were aflight with drake Mallards.
While heading north to exit, an American Bittern was proceeding south, and several Brown Thrashers crossed the hot pavement ahead of us. Eastern Cottontails were browsing roadside.
Prior to the walk, while scouting, Paula came across a Green Heron north of the Wardens, and we watched a Tricolored Heron land at the North Pool. I had an Eastern Meadowlark transporting a fecal sac from the North Pool field.
A small group of birders gathered at Lot # 1 for a few hours of Sunday morning birding. It was a delightful morning to be in the field, enjoying the sights and sounds of spring.
We spent some time with the Purple Martins as they gathered nesting material from the wrackline. We listened to the exclamatory chirps and gurgles and saw a bird sporting a green plastic band along with the USFWS band. This bird was banded in 2006 on Plum Island. It brought me great joy to see a Plum Island home-grown return to its natal site. The House Sparrows were gathering their construction supplies in hopes of settling up housekeeping in the presence of a volunteer landlord... eviction day is on Thursday.
We saw an Osprey in search of a fish brunch. A Snowy Egret was in flight, and its yellow feet were well seen by all in the group. The Willets were very active and vocal. A Great Egret sailed passed.
We saw a Spotted Sandpiper and a Willet side-by-side at the boat ramp. Marsh Wrens in the salt marsh were announcing their availability. Mourning Doves were blending into the substrate. Double-crested Cormorants were migrating. Several Blue Jays were in flight north.
We headed to the Maintenance Area and watched Barn Swallows foraging and gathering nest material. Bobolinks were in the field, and we studied their plumage. They’re much like Dandelions ~ yellow like the flower and hoary like the spent blossom.
Eastern Kingbirds were sallying; one perched, and we discussed its field marks including the white, lace fringe on the tip of the black tail. Eastern Kingbirds are dapper and often appear big headed. Then we saw a pair in pursuit. A small flock of Least Sandpipers were migrating, and I hoped they would put down for a good view.
A Killdeer pair was vocal, and one displayed. We became absorbed in the distraction display. A photographer today discovered the nest; I recall that last year at the same site, a Killdeer nest failed due to predation.
A Savannah Sparrow was in a shrub. The clear, quick, identical three notes of the Song Sparrow were heard while a Northern Mockingbird was teed up on the wood pile. Finally, the Song Sparrow appeared from the back of the shrub.
We saw a Gadwall pair in the small pond. The drake was handsome in all his finery. We had seen a pair in flight earlier at another site.
A male Baltimore Oriole flew overhead, perched for a moment and then flew back to its original spot, allowing for nice views. Canada Geese honked overheard as we conducted our summary ~ the sights and the sounds of a hormone-driven morning with the birds.
A delightful, small group including two high school students assembled at High and Newman Roads in Newbury for a two-hour, birding program. Our first sighting was a Red Fox crossing High Road.
We then saw an American Crow carrying food to a nest in a pine on the Lower Green and heard the squeals of appreciation from the nestlings. In 1634, Newbury’s first Meeting House was built on the Lower Green at the base of the 168-foot “Great Hill” [Old Town Hill] where a sentry box was erected on the crest of the hill. At one point, approximately 12,000 cattle and 3,000 sheep grazed in this area, and saltmarsh hay is still harvested from the productive marshes. The first settlers found the area along the Parker River to be welcoming as does this family of crows.
We rambled along Newman Road and saw Bobolinks in flight and perched. One male scolded us very much like a Red-wing Blackbird does. We had Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler and several Gray Catbirds. American Goldfinch, White-throated Sparrow and a handsome White-crowned Sparrow were at a feeder. Orioles were heard, and Gray Catbirds were foraging in the thickets.
This large and beautiful salt marsh crossed by tidal creeks was created in the lowlands and valleys surrounding Old Town Hill, a glacial drumlin. This partial upland and partial marine landscape makes for a rich and diverse area. Salt meadow grass, cordgrass, seaside goldenrod and sea lavender thrive in the tidal saltmarsh. Estuarine invertebrates, such as green crabs, mud snails and mussels, live in the creeks and provide food for birds. We watched two Glossy Ibis in flight and called out their field marks. A dozen Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs were feeding in the freshly refilled pannes. The flash of the black and white wing pattern of a Willet was seen in the saltmarsh, and we heard its “pih-will-willet”. We were treated to two Horned Larks foraging in the marsh wrack; we observed their stride, and we saw spiders scurry all about. The saltmarsh is sprouting new, verdant growth.
An Eastern Phoebe entered the dairy barn through a broken window pane. One participant commented on seeing the phoebe perch on the sill and then fly into the barn. The image was very much like an “MB” card.
Blue Jays were migrating; a Turkey Vulture rocked and tilted over the Lower Green. We watched an American Crow in flight with a snake in tow. We followed the crow and watched it render the snake helpless. A family member joined in the action. One crow enjoyed a morsel. The prey was left in the leaf litter for later consumption or until all eyes weren’t on them.
Red-winged Blackbirds, American Robins and Common Grackles were all in search of nest materials. Black-capped Chickadees were “feebeeing” along the roadside.
It was a lovely morning in the field, and the morning chorus quieted down shortly after 10:30am. I mentioned the poem “Robert Of Lincoln” to the participants, and it is on the web page for all to enjoy...
Paula and Sue with our small, gregarious group gathered at Lot # 1 for our fourth Focus On program ~ today’s was The Art of Bird Identification. The Northern Harriers, American Kestrels and Merlins were aflight.
At the boat ramp, Common Mergansers were in pairs, and the drakes were cocking up their tails. A Song Sparrow was our morning chorus.
We saw several species from the boardwalk ~ three Piping Plovers were together at the water’s edge; four Common Loons, rafts of Long-tailed Ducks and Scoters and a lone, stunning Horned Grebe were in the surf. Six Great Blue Herons were migrating oceanside along with several Northern Harriers. Merlins were a flight but not in the same number as the smallest of our falcons, the American Kestrel. We had wonderful views of several male “gray ghosts” along with Tree and Barn Swallows headed north.
At the salt pannes, Mute Swans took flight; American Black Ducks and a drake Hooded Merganser assumed the “pseudo-rock” positions. Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail and a pair of Gadwall became study birds. We saw a Greater Yellowlegs and a Killdeer. Strands of cormorants were headed north, and several flocks of blackbirds were overhead.
We saw a Great Egret sporting green lores and flowing “aigrettes”. This long-legged wader was foraging in a pool, and the emerging, verdant grass was hosting small fish. We saw a nesting Osprey and a nesting Great Horned Owl.
At the path to Camp Sea Haven, we studied a small cup nest from last year’s breeding season filled with seeds. An American Kestrel was resting on the old, cedar flagpole. We saw Snow Geese and nine American Kestrels along with an Eastern Meadowlark the Pines Field. We found the American Kestrels to be very cooperative, and we focused on their hovering, the plumage differences and the ocelli or “false eyes”.
This morning’s program was filled with delightful moments, and our group had some knock-out looks at plumages, field marks and migrating birds. I’m certain the posts from hawkwatchers and sage birders that will follow later today will provide everyone with the flavor of the impressive migration show at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. I was thrilled for our participants today as they witnessed a piece of the migration puzzle...
Sue led a small group of birders this evening on an American Woodcock flight display program and the winds gratefully settled down. The group included a middle-school student from Lawrence. We heard our first “peent” at 7:37pm. The birds took flight, and we heard the wing-twitter on the ascent and then the flight song during the descent; the final portion of the descent is silent. The “peent ” then broke silence.
We saw several birds in flight and listened to and witnessed multiple displays. We got good, full scope looks at birds in the field. We all heard the gurgling “Tuko” call prior to “peenting” and a “kakak” call given during a flight chase. As we gathered for our summary, the woodcock’s chorus at Hellcat continued.
“PEENT”
Each spring American Woodcock engage in one of the most demonstrative and unusual courtships in the fields at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The males of this cryptic and secretive, woodland shorebird performed their impressive, aerial display flight at dusk tonight for our participants who enjoyed the 7:23pm show. Everyday the show seems to be a minute or two later...
Ten participants joined Paula and Sue as we walked south on the unpaved section of the road to the fields as we watched and listened to this remarkable display.
Tonight’s surround sound of the American Woodcock’s “PEENT” was one of the most magical, evening sounds and the sunset was spectacular. Our participants with their sense of wonder were treated to excellent and multiple looks at these skydancers.
We also checked on “Mama” Great Horned Owl. Great Egrets were headed to their evening roost to the south. Red-breasted Mergansers were in flight from the sound to the ocean. An American Robin sang incessantly from a roadside perch. As we walked back to our vehicles the chorus and aerial flights accompanied us. We conducted our program summary to a band of peenters right at Hellcat’s parking lot.
Paula and Sue led a small group of birders on an outing titled “Focus on Bills” this morning. We gathered on Plum Island and elected to head upriver due to the blustery conditions. We stopped at Cashman Park and studied gulls and their bills. We saw a thick, dagger-like Common Loon bill. We encountered Common Goldeneye and Great Cormorant and studied their bills.
We had an aggregation of Bald Eagles at the Newburyport Boat Basin. We had seven birds ~ two of which were adults. One of the adults was scream-calling while perched in the same tree as another, mature bird. Then they played leap-frog on a tree on Carr Island. Two immature birds were soaring over the saltmarsh. We studied the bill of the Bald Eagle at great length. Two younger birds were perched further upriver in one tree. A seal was bottling in the swift current, and a Northern Harrier sailed over the Salisbury saltmarsh. Several Red-tailed Hawks were seen in the same area.
We headed to Salisbury for a brief comfort stop and to acquire warm beverages. The clerk acknowledged us as birders and said that two men sporting “bins” were in earlier. We proceeded to Salisbury Beach State Reservation where we had five, immature Bald Eagles attending to prey on the saltmarsh. We studied the sloping bill of the Common Eider and the long, serrated bill of the Red-breasted Merganser. The hearty and well prepared participants enjoyed their study birds, and the dozen Bald Eagles were the highlight.
This evening was our walk titled “Spring Ahead ~ An Evening Bird Walk”. Seventeen participants including several children joined Paula and Sue. At the Maintenance Area, we studied courting Mallards, soaring Northern Harriers, a Snowy Owl perched on a staddle, then taking flight to a red cedar and then a decidious tree. The buildings were wonderful buffers from the wind. We saw harrier prey scurrying along the building foundation.
We consolidated and headed to Hellcat; in transit, we saw a Northern Shrike. We walked the closed road where grading activity had taken place to the blind in the pines. The blind was a respite from the wind. Red-winged Blackbirds were in flight as were several American Crows, American Tree Sparrows and Song Sparrows. We walked back slowly, listening for that welcoming “peent”. We had reviewed the field marks of the American Woodcock earlier at the blind. We returned to our vehicles and ever so slowly headed north. We heard the first “peent” of the year on the east side of the road. Everyone in our group heard the call of this woodland shorebird. One of these took flight, heading south. As we proceeded north, an Eastern Cottontail roamed the edge of the road. Another American Woodcock took flight.
It was a blustery evening, but the well prepared participants enjoyed the sunset, a winter speciality ~ Snowy Owl ~ and several signs of spring ~ American Woodcock and Red-winged Blackbird.
I led a Bald Eagle Adventure from 11am to 1pm for a small, congenial group from Boxford, Newbury, Amesbury, Bedford and a photographer from Plaistow, NH.
We headed to the Newburyport Boat Basin and witnessed several eagles soaring up river. There were a few over the Salisbury marshes for our close observation as well. The wind was piercing ~ even utilizing the clad boats as a buffer. We saw Common Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Mallard, Great Cormorant and Bufflehead.
I knew this group needed a more comfortable location for viewing so we headed up to Old Merrill Street in Amesbury to be in the sun and out of the wind and were welcomed there by a Belted Kingfisher. We chatted about this bird and its dagger-like bill and shaggy-crested head. Its rattle call was well heard on two occasions. We talked about the natural history of this slate-blue, hovering, piscivorous rattler. I scoped a flock of newly arriving Red-winged Blackbirds, the heralds of spring to share with my sun worshipping group. The sun was warm, and the group was very comfortable at this location with several Bald Eagles active around Eagle Island, providing great looks for all. We watched the courtship of Common Goldeneye and the bill-dipping of Mallards. I was unable to locate the scaup there...
Our last stop was at Spring Lane in Newburyport where we spent time with a hen and a drake Hooded Merganser ~ we compared the plumages of this pair. A drake Common Merganser was in the same field of view as a drake Red-breasted Merganser; we discussed their field characteristics. A Bald Eagle in flight cast a shadow over us ever so briefly. This group enjoyed their time in the field and the outstanding views for prolonged periods.
This afternoon I led a small group of birders in a search for Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River. The group was comprised of a couple from Melrose, a veteran birder from Newburyport, an educator from Amesbury and an enthusiastic, new to Newburyport woman. We consolidated at the Park & Ride being good stewards of the environment.
Our first area to explore was the Newburyport Boat Basin on Merrimack Street. We had two, quick eagles ~ one that just secured a fish and took it to a secluded place to dine with a view. We had a Red-tailed Hawk over the phrags, and the Common Goldeneye were diving and resurfacing. A Long-tailed Duck headed low over the water in the direction of Cashman Park. The cormorants were seeking catfish, and Canada Geese were aflight. The Mallards were hunkered in the sun. The stored vessels in their shrink-wrap jackets provided a prime shield from the harsh wind for our group.
A three generational family ~ a mother, a grandmother and two young grandsons ~ joined us in our shelter from the wind. The older grandson was bright, handsome, friendly and polite. He compared my optics to the pair he was sporting. He was thrilled with the eagles and the geese. The younger grandson was having a grand time tossing rocks into the water under the watchful eye of his mom. I could tell that Grandmother will be taking the older of her grandsons out birding again soon. I introduced myself to the older child and his grandmother, having sat behind her at an evening presentation recently.
We headed to Old Merrill Street in Amesbury for our second stop. We were welcomed by a Belted Kingfisher who rattled and left its perch. Several sub-adult eagles were soaring, and we reviewed their field marks and discussed the importance of the islands. A Common Merganser was in ideal light and afforded the group stunning looks. I didn’t see the scaup today. The Mallards were unsettled this afternoon. We had an eagle pass very close overhead.
Our third area of our search was Spring Lane in Newburyport. We found two Bufflehead at the Newburyport side of the river pine point. The Great Cormorants were on the metal bridge supports. A white-bellied Bald Eagle soared over the river, then past us and over the small water supply pond. It returned, and we had great views. A Red-tailed Hawk flap, flap, glided overhead, and the flight style was well noted by all in the group. We did our summary and headed back to retrieve the cars. It was another splendid afternoon of sharing eagles with like-minded observers who were enjoying, appreciating and identifying these winter visitors.
Sue led a small group this afternoon on a Search for Bald Eagles. Today’s participants hailed from both Bedfords [MA and NH], Gloucester and Byfield. We started at Newburyport Boat Basin where we saw four eagles soaring upriver. The tide was going out, and a russet Northern Harrier was coursing the Salisbury marsh. Several crows were dive bombing the hawk which was seeking a rodent in the afternoon wind and dropping temperatures.
We headed upriver and scoped Eagle Island from Merrill Street in Amesbury. We had two, immature eagles soaring over a gathering of Mallards. There were two Scaup in poor light with wet heads; we were unable to get any color on their glossy heads. Several Common Goldeneye were diving nearby. We observed two Red-tailed Hawks and compared their flight cadence and size with that of the eagle. Two Great Blue Herons lifted from their perches and sailed lumberly past us, settling on the marsh in the sun. A Cooper’s Hawk blasted by and dropped into the stand of pines. We were seeking a four or five year old Bald Eagle at this point in our outing.
We headed to the Spring Lane site and found three more immature eagles perched ~ two in the sheltered cove and one on the point three feet above the water. We scanned the waterfowl at the point and had Hooded Mergansers and Buffleheads.
We summarized the Bald Eagle’s field marks, discussing the bill, talon and cere of this fish eating scavenger. The young birds were uniformly chocolate with dark bills and some white in the tail. We chatted about the protected islands, the Great Cormorant’s dapper, breeding plumage and when the Osprey will return.
Sue conducted her second, complimentary, birding program for Pathways for Children of Gloucester this morning. Pathways for Children’s mission is to help children discover their potential and grow into confident and empowered adults who contribute to the well-being of the community. Pathways fulfills its mission by providing high quality, affordable and comprehensive care, education, recreation and other support services to children and their families.
After meeting the bus at the Park & Ride, we proceeded to Cashman Park at the end of Sally Synder Way in Newburyport. Today a dozen children, ages 6 - 12, three adult supervisors and a busdriver joined me for a Bald Eagle and Waterfowl Adventure along the Merrimack River. Their small bus was the color of the Bald Eagles’ cere, bill, talons and legs.
Once we had set up the scope and I had trained the children to use optics, we had three, immature eagles soaring. We watched keenly ~ everyone had good views. I focused in on two, perched, immature birds in a tree on the east-end of Ram Island. Several American Crows were over Town Creek. Great Cormorants, Common Goldeneyes and Mallards were well seen at close range. A Common Loon surfaced, and the children were impressed with its diving skills. Several of these youngsters saw its large head and gray bill. The Buffleheads caught the young naturalists’ attention next. They watched this toy-like, compact duck dive and resurface.
We walked upriver to get better views of Bald Eagles soaring over Town Creek. We were seeking an adult bird. I showed the children the flight style of Bald Eagles. We talked about the bill, talons and nests. We also chatted about the open water of the mighty Merrimack and the health of the river. Our time in the field was coming to an end, and we continued to search for an adult eagle.
As we walked back to the bus with our arms out in a flat-winged soar, I began a summary, and the oldest boy in the group called our attention to an adult bird heading toward the Gillis Bridge. I welcomed his interruption and praised him for his sharp observation skills. I stopped, and we all focused on the white head, white tail, yellow bill and legs of this adult. We chatted about its wingspan and sharp vision. Our lingering with the waterfowl had paid off, and these children had spectacular looks at our national symbol. I joined them on the bus to chat with each child, the busdriver and the supervisors about their favorite part of the program.
I led them back to Route 95, and as I headed home for lunch, I reflected on the joy this morning’s sightings brought to all onboard the Pathways for Children’s bus and to their guide.
Under a brightening sky, Sue conducted a Bald Eagle Adventure for a small group this afternoon. The temperature was atypical for February at 58 degrees. We gathered at the Park & Ride, a gateway to Newburyport. This allowed for a comfort facility before heading to our observation area along the bank of the Merrimack River.
The group consisted of a pleasant mix of children and accompanying adults hailing from Lowell and Amesbury, MA. and Newport and Kensington, NH. The excitment of seeing one of our national symbols was high. We discussed the headwaters of this swift-flowing river, and it was moving swiftly after today’s rain. I explained the importance of the protected islands flanked by bridges in the lower section of the Merrimack River.
We set up at the riverbank behind the [old Kathy Ann’s] Newburyport Boat Basin and were treated to a rainbow and its reflection in the Merrimack. We immediately had two, immature Bald Eagles perched on Carr Island and a Red-tailed Hawk on Ram Island. An adult Bald Eagle appeared from Boggy Meadow in Salisbury. We watched another immature eagle on a sandbar ~ legs submerged up to its patella. At one point, we had seven eagles in sight ~ six immatures in varying stages and a perched adult. We compared plumages with two or more birds in the scope at once.
At one point, a Great Black-backed Gull secured a catfish, and the perched Bald Eagles were attentive. The gull was attempting to bring the fish ashore. A Bald Eagle appeared out of nowhere, and the gull dropped its prey into the water and escorted the eagle away; it was above the eagle at all times. The gull then brought that fish to a large rock and began flipping it around on the flat, hard surface.
An older eagle appeared and pirated the prey; our discussion evolved to kleptoparasitism The eagle transported the catfish to a branch on Ram Island. We saw it relocate to the center of the tree for more protection. Another Bald Eagle arrived on the scene attempting to steal and dine on the fish; it failed and continued to sail upriver.
Other highlights included Common Goldeneye courting, Great Cormorants in breeding plumage, Red-tailed Hawk and Red-winged Blackbirds settling into the phrags in Town Creek.
Our program concluded, and the particpants were delighted with the action that had unfolded after the spectrums of color...
Paula McFarland and Sue conducted a Bald Eagle Adventure on Sunday morning Our group met at the Park & Ride in Newburyport, affording a comfort stop for the out of towners. Upon arrival at Spring Lane in Newburyport, our small group was treated to stunning looks at five Bald Eagles. We discussed the health of the mighty Merrimack River, perch & search and the birds’ plumages. While viewing the ealges, we also watched several Common Goldeneye and the trio of mergansers [Hooded, Common and Red-breasted]. We observed Red-tailed Hawks soaring over Amesbury’s Point Shore. Great Cormorants were sporting their white, flank patches and wispy, white plumes on their heads. Their lemony-yellow throat pouch was bordered with white. Several of these birds were scaling the metal bridge supports with their webbed feet, and that fascinated several of our participants.
Our group was cohesive right from our introductions. Our youngest participant, Harris, was thrilled with his sightings and told a story of a Red-tailed Hawk he watched consume a meal.
It was hard to pull ourselves away, but after lengthy study of these majestic birds, we conducted a summary and reviewed the special adaptations and natural history of the Bald Eagle. The participants were thrilled with five Bald Eagles, and the tour leaders were pleased to share these birds with more of Essex County’s community and beyond.
As I entered the Refuge this morning, there were three Short-eared Owls in the vicinity of Lot # 1. Often our volunteer-led walks start at Lot # 1, but because the warm season restrooms there are closed, our winter walks begin at the Maintenance Area to afford a comfort stop for the group. Gratefully, nearly everyone saw the three Short-eared Owls as they proceeded into the Refuge to join us.
It was a beautiful morning with sun, blue sky, the freshness of winter wonderland, and we enjoyed the splendor of this morning. We could see so many nests because of the new, white snowcaps topping them. This morning’s volunteer-led walk had a co-leader, Paula McFarland, and we guided a small assemblage of interested learners.
We headed to scope Plum Island Sound for the variety of waterfowl. Everyone had wonderful looks at Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Mallards with rising hormones, American Black Ducks, Gadwalls, Common Eiders and Common Loons. The Northern Harriers were active, coursing the marsh, and a Northern Flicker was gleaning tree to tree.
We headed to the Pines Trail; the participants inured a Snowy Owl on the Osprey nesting platform. It was the sentinel of the Plum Island Sound this morning. With the abundant waterfowl, I’m nearly certain the Sound was its groaning board. We scoped the owl and discussed the field marks, the cervical vertebrae and its natural history.
We walked the Pines Trail and had Red-breasted Nuthatches tooting and Black-capped Chickadees scolding. Plum Island Tom and Nancy Landry were ahead of us on the trail, walking counterclockwise. We ambled slowly along clockwise. We didn’t locate any other owls but enjoyed our walk and the deer tracks crisscrossing the trail. At the observation platform, we focused on the Snowy Owl again. A Downy Woodpecker was “pik-peeking” in front of us, and the American Tree Sparrows flitted among the snow covered branches. Paula quickly trained her scope on a flock of Horned Lark was active in search of seed.
As we headed back to the parking area, I observed two men on the dike, obtaining close looks at the Snowy Owl. I hailed them, informing them of the hefty penalty associated with wandering into closed areas. These men returned to their vehicles either satiated with their up-close and personal views or fearful of the fine. There seem to be many birds that excite people beyond self-control...
We conducted our summary with that Snowy Owl to our left. The group enjoyed their winter birding foray. As we were headed off the Refuge, two Short-eared Owls were teed up in the cedar trees flanking the road, awaiting the high tide buffet. They provided the photographers and the birders in our group stunning looks. I didn’t locate the third, mothlike owl prior to departing or hear vocalizing today. Earlier in the week, I had heard the Short-eared Owls yipping like Jack Russell Terriers.
This morning was our second Focus On... program. Today’s session the second in the series of four and was titled “Focusing on a Feather at a Time”. The program was designed to aid particpants in understanding feathers, how they shape birds and the concept of feather groups. The participants learned new vocabulary ~ vane, shaft, outer web, inner web, down, filoplume, scapular, bristle, rachis, calamus, semiplume and ear patch.
Our group met at the Maintenance Area and promptly headed to the North Pool Overlook to get outstanding looks at a Northern Shrike singing, preening and harassing the Black-capped Chickadees in the roadside thickets. This bird, was singing when I discovered it prior to meeting my group. Several in the group heard the medley of low warbles. It was not heavily barred below and had nearly no brown above. We saw its rictal bristles. This bird perched at the top of several trees and was the North Pool area’s watchman. We discussed the field marks, the hooked bill with a tomial tooth and the bobbing of the tail. The interpretative material I had included in today’s field bag had an illustration of the prey items stored for later consumption, and another book mentioned their keen memory for locating stored prey items. The bird was very active from 8:40am to 9:50 am. We last saw this “butcher bird” on the east side of the road near the Maintenance Area.
We headed to the Pines Trail and were joined by co-leader Paula McFarland. We chatted about the plume trade and Frank Chapman’s 1886 feathered hat census. We didn’t find the Snowy Owl; it wasn’t on the Osprey nest platform this morning. We studied Northern Pintail and American Black Ducks. A trim bodied, lone, anti-social, Mourning Dove was perched and well lit by the morning’s sun. We studied its plumage, rose blush breast and black spots on the upperwings. We talked about the small head and the eye-ring which was well seen by all.
We continued south on this quiet Sunday morning; the forecast keep other appreciators of nature away. At Stage Island Overlook, we had fabulous looks at a light Rough-legged Hawk whose thin legs are feathered to the toes. In buoyant flight, it showed off the carpal patches and a broad, dark, belly band. While it was hovering, we discussed its hunting style.
We saw a drake Hooded Merganser, Common Eiders, Common Loons and plenty of Bufflehead and goldeneye in Stage Island Creek. We chatted about the feathers on the Hoodie’s crest and the dense, breast feathers of the Common Eider. The visability was excellent, and it was balmy when the sun was out. We concluded our program with hot tea and snacks as the sky darkened, and it began to rain ever so lightly.
This morning Sue led a small birding, heart-healthy tour on foot from Hellcat south. It was planned as Hellcat South by Snowshoe and evolved with the warm rain and a road open to traffic ~ which turned out to be a good thing!
At the gatehouse, as I entered, the two volunteers staffing it reported a Bald Eagle. I saw it ever so briefly in my rearview mirror after Lot # 1.
We started at Hellcat where my group of hearty, well-prepared women were greeted by Black-capped Chickadees. The sun, bright and the sky, azure... We met up with Tom & Lu Wetmore who kindly shared their sighting of the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Thank you, Tom and Lu. We walked down the road and studied the nests encountered. We chatted about the abundance of berries and Staghorn Sumac that sustain birds in winter.
We paused at the gate to Camp Sea Haven where I shared knowledge about the history of the camp for polio afflicted children. It was of great interest to the physician in my group. One other woman talked about how her father was an advocate for the polio vaccine immediately after it was available. I remembered that my parents once told me that my cousin, Tommy, attended this camp as a child afflicted with polio. To learn more about Camp Sea Haven’s history, visit www.wickedlocal.com/newburyport.
After we passed Camp Sea Haven’s gate, we entered Ipswich from Rowley. A Merlin flew fast overhead; it was smaller and darker than a peregrine and larger and stockier than an kestrel. There was a snappy wingbeat with a strong downward flick and sharply angled wings. Then it vanished just as Merlins do. We continued toward the Pines Trail and I saw the BBC group’s cars roadside and a hooded gathering of thrilled birders looking at a Northern Saw-whet Owl. Bill was directing traffic, and several members of the group gave precise directions to this pint-sized, roosting bird. Thank you all!
We headed to the Lot #5 boardwalk to scan the ocean. We passed through more pine groves before coming out on dune habitat and then the ocean where we saw White-winged Scoters and Horned Grebes. The wind was howling; we could see the Isles of Shoals, and we found a calm, sunny spot and reviewed the field marks for the bird of the day, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, and the scoters. A Northern Harrier transected the dunes, showing us its white rump patch. We chatted about the facial discs of the harrier and the asymetric ears of the owl. We continued walking north up to the saw-whet area where birders were still present and viewing the bird. All in my group finally saw the yellow eyes of this nocturnal owl.
We entered the Pines Trail and saw the drill wells of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The white caps in the sound hindered our visibility, and it was silent. We did the loop and saw signs of White-tailed Deer and Red Fox. We headed north to the Blind in the Pines, a new viewing spot for the participants, and saw an American Tree Sparrow. I scanned the dike for avian activity; none there was... I searched for the Northern Shrike in the scrubby area south of Hellcat and had no luck. We continued to the Hellcat Lot for hot tea, a healthy assortment of nibbles and our summary. Experiencing the Northern Saw-whet was invigorating for my group on this blustery, winter day.
On my way home, a Roughie was hunkered down at Plum Island Airfield.
This morning was another of Sue’s, volunteer-led birding programs. Heading south to meet the group, a Short -eared Owl accompanied me south of Lot # 1to the salt pannes. I took that as an omen of a good morning ahead. As I welcomed the group, several participants said they had seen the Short-eared Owl as they were headed south. My group gathered at the maintenance area and proceeded to seek out winter waterfowl in the sound and that minature snowman, a Snowy Owl.
The group of 16 was composed of several young birders and their mothers, a couple from Southwick and several of my regulars from Topsfield, Ipswich and New Hampshire. Everyone was prepared for the temperature and wind. The youngest child in the group was five and a half.
We walked as quietly as possible dressed in boots and snowpants and watched American Black Ducks, Mallards, Canada Geese in the sound. Several Red-breasted Mergansers were fishing at high tide. Common Goldeneyes and Buffleheads were showing us their bouyancy and diving abilities. The white thumb-print on the head of the goldeneye was seen well by all, and I witnessed some signs of courtship. The Buffleheads were diving and resurfacing repeatedly. We saw several American Tree Sparrows, and two teed up in good light, showing off their chestnut caps. As David Sibley stated in his “Birder’s World” column in the February issue, the wing bars were good field marks because they are in sharp contrast to the darker and rufous edged greater coverts.
We found that minature snowman, the flecked Snowy Owl, out past the staddles. It was being harrassed by a Northern Harrier. Were they sparring over the food made available by the tide? Several particpants asked wonderful questions about the natural history of these Arctic birds.
We walked to the North Pool Overlook seeking other raptors and had a Northern Flicker, a Hairy Woodpecker and several robins. We looked at last season’s nests ~ their size, shape and construction ~ along our route. We returned to our cars and headed to Lot # 1 to conduct a short seawatch for the remainder of the program. We saw loons; handsomely clad, drake Long-tailed Ducks and several whiter-looking hens; Ring-billed and Herring Gulls and several Horned Grebes.
I asked the children and their parents to go down to the beach and use the sand as their sketchpad and draw a Snowy Owl. All sage birders make sketches to help them remember the field marks so I thought this would help these young naturalists remember the size, shape and key field marks of this Arctic breeder. The remainder of the group joined them a short while later, and we studied the shape and sizes depicted in the illustrations. The head shapes were round, the eyes were large and appeared to have facial discs. The wings were spread and well feathered. The legs were strong and talons well defined. We gave a round of applause to our illustrators and headed back for our summary. The children loved the Snowy Owl and being able to sketch one. I loved having these children join me. They will remember their time in the field and that studying nature is great fun with birds as our teachers.
A slender, well-marked cinnamon and slate American Kestrel was at the causeway drawbridge over the Plum Island River, and a House Sparrow perched on the Seabrook emergency siren near that bridge as I was headed home ready for a pot of hot tea.
This morning Paula McFarland and I led our small group on the first of a series of four, newly implemented Focus On... programs. Today’s was Focus on the Head. Our participants gathered at Lot # 1 at PRNWR and headed to the observation platform oceanside. In warm sunlight, we had stunning looks at Common and Red-throated Loons. We discussed the size of their heads and bills along with their different flight styles. Horned and Red-necked Grebes were compared, and their head and bill features and eye colors were assessed. We talked about peaks, ear coverts, white chins and crescents, crowns, stripes and cheeks. Rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers were well seen even at great distance, and their punk-cut, shaggy heads were a topic of instruction. The visibility was excellent early this morning, and the weather mild for nearly mid-January ~ a calm before the storm.
We proceeded to the salt pannes and compared the head and bill shapes of Gadwalls, American Black Ducks and Mallards. The Green-winged Teal wasn’t present for us this morning.
At the Maintenance Area, we saw a Snowy Owl perched in a tree, and we continued to scope the Plum Island Sound and saw Bufflehead, more mergansers and American Black Ducks. With the tide low, the gulls were exploring the flats and foraging. Several Horned Larks flew past us. Mallards were courting, and one participant witnessed copulation ~ Mallards are early breeders ~ hopefully not this early.
The drake Red-breasted Mergansers were head thrusting and flirting. Pair bonding on wintering grounds affords waterfowl a head start once on their breeding territory. A Turkey Vulture was rocking and tilting over the Parker River, and the advantages of being a naked-headed, carrion feeder were explored.
We went to the Pines Blind and scoped an American Crow and chatted about its head and bill as compared to a Common Raven. Northern Harriers patrolled the marsh, and several Mallards were on the ice. We enjoyed some tea and an assortment of healthy offerings ~ after all it is January.
Off to the observation platform at Lot # 5 it was where we scoped rafts of drake White-winged Scoters whose white crescents surround the lower portion of their eyes. We compared the other scoters and watched Sanderlings chasing the waves. Our program concluded with a summary at Lot #5. Our group enjoyed this first, newly designed program. As always, I appreciated the great enthusiasm and interest shown by today’s participants and co-leader.
A small group of birders joined Sue McGrath at Walker’s Marsh in Salisbury for an introduction to this area during late afternoon light, a low tide and a nearly full moon.
A huge flock of European Starling were in the bare trees, within seconds of landing they took flight in a tight ball with a Cooper’s Hawk in pursuit.
A Great Blue Heron lumbered along over the golden hued marsh. Dunlin and Black-bellied Plover feasted on the flats. The usual gulls were plentiful.
We watched Northern Flickers undulate and then perch. We chatted about this woodpecker that forages in soil and dwells in trees. It’s the slender bill that chisels a nest cavity in rotting trees and also nabs ants and grubs with great precision. It is the flicker’s homebuilding that shapes the biodiversity in forests. I recall reading an article in “National Geographic” written by Jennifer S. Holland several years back where a University of Saskatchewan’s biologist Karen Wiebe stated “From an ecological point of view, flickers are a keystone species.”
We saw seals hauled out sunning on Badger’s Rocks and a dozen American Black Ducks showing off their red legs and their silver underwing-linings.
Three Red-tailed Hawks were soaring in the wind. We witnessed several, large flocks of Canada Geese settling into the harbor for an evening roost.
The early evening light was alluring, and we watched the almost full moon, the Beaver Moon, rise. The tide was out, but the saltmarsh was very wet from the high tide of nearly 10 feet. An abutter to the property joined us and said the saltmarsh was very flooded this morning. Saturday’s and Sunday’s tides will be extreme, reaching more than 10.5 feet. Sunset over the flats was splendid.
American Robins were feeding on the prolific bittersweet. A Northern Cardinal pair was in the thickets. We didn’t find my, regular Hermit Thrush or the Red-bellied Woodpecker or any sparrows today.
We collected litter along our route. We chatted with “Doc” Wheeler who had just returned from his bike ride. Several Great Blue Herons flew overheard to an evening roost.
We observed many nests from the productive breeding season on our ramble. We chatted about the Great Marsh. We could see the stands of Phragmites that will require systematic, mechanical cutting along with herbicide treatment to prevent the Salisbury saltmarsh from becoming an infertile sea of Phragmites, providing no value to wildlife. Invasive Phragmites australis forms extensive stands or reedbeds, and where conditions are suitable, it can spread by horizontal “runner” stems, putting down roots regularly. Its erect stems grow tall in fertile conditions. The flowers are produced in a dense, purple hued panicle. It’s the Phragmites that crowd out the native Spartina grasses and the ecosystem on which much wildlife depends. We discussed the Spartina patents’ tufts and haying activities within the Great Marsh.
Each participant was given interpretive materials including the article that Ellie Horwitz wrote on “Walker’s Magical Place” in “Massachusetts Wildlife”, No. 1, 2007.
On Sue’s way out, a fox was trotting along the edge of Sweet Apple Tree Lane.
Paula McFarland and Sue McGrath led a small group of birders this morning on a two hour ramble along the Curzon Mill - Lower Artichoke area. It was foggy with temperatures in the 40’s F, and there was a gentle wind from the south.
The evergreens were covered with a hoary mist, and the oaks were shedding their leaves. We heard one boat on the Merrimack River but couldn’t discern who was at the helm. The river was flat, and a Great Blue Heron was at the edge of an island, blending into the habitat quite well with its black crown and blue-gray hue. The neck was compressed against the body. It was in the water, and we couldn’t see its chestnut thighs.
We had great looks at Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. We discussed the toe arrangement [zygodactyl] of woodpeckers and the rigid tail feathers they utilize as a brace when hitching up a tree. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is larger than a Hairy but smaller than a Flicker.
The White-breasted Nuthatches were active. We disturbed a roosting flock of Dark-eyed Juncos from a cedar. American Goldfinches were “potato-chipping” while undulating in flight. A flock of Canada Geese flew over head heralding.
We saw the plank-like wings and slotting of the primaries on an immature Bald Eagle in flight along the Lower Artichoke. The bird may have been on a branch along the watercourse. Signs of the Pileated Woodpecker were encountered often. We saw the drill wells of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. A family group of American Crows was hunkered down in a leafless tree. Morning Doves were ground gleaning, and the local Black-capped Chickadees were chiseling the black oil sunflower seeds. We heard kinglets and a Brown Creeper. A Northern Cardinal was feeding on berries on the island.
We encountered a resident of the area who told of the large owl that is vocalizing all night. We searched for a Great Horned Owl without success. We were looking for Barred Owls as well given that it was a misty morning, and I’ve seen them preening in the mist in the past. We saw none.
Later this morning in between her cooking tasks, Sue called the landowner who allowed us access to her property and informed her of the Bald Eagle we had spotted there. She was thrilled with our sighting and will be even more attentive on her morning walks.
This was our second partnership program this season with Wild Birds Unlimited of Plaistow, NH. This morning we conducted our fully subscribed, final, estuary cruise of the season. A group of well-prepared birders gathered promptly for our on-time departure [as the tide waits for no one] from the Newburyport Waterfront onboard the “Yankee Clipper”. The trip was dry, and the sky remained overcast, affording excellent viewing opportunities. The harbor was teeming with birds.
The Salisbury Ospreys have moved on, but their nesting platforms were highlighted. The sky was calligraphied with dark, migrating flocks of Double-crested Cormorants. We could see the ribbons and skeins to the north of approaching, out-of-formation flocks. On the Salisbury side of the river, there was a massive, feeding frenzy. We saw the cormorants utilize their webbed feet to aid in taking flight. The tern-like Bonaparte’s Gulls were plentiful in the Merrimack. We saw their black bills and gray mantles. The white wedge on their wings was well seen in flight. The usual and common gulls were roosting and preening along the water’s edge. We had a fleeting look at a Harbor Seal.
The Great Blue Herons were plentiful; many were newly arriving migrants. We saw Snowy Egrets and their golden slippers. Black-crowned Night-Herons were in the Plum Bush area, and the Great Egrets were in the spartina. Belted Kingfishers patrolled the Wilkerson Bridge. Several sparrows of the saltmarsh were seen making short forays. In the Plum Island River, we had stunning looks at the black and white checkered plumage of a Common Loon. American Black Ducks showed us their silvery wing linings. We saw roosting Greater Yellowlegs, a dowitcher or two and many flocks of peeps.
Northern Harriers passed in their loping fashion of flight. The tide was incoming, and their prey items were on the move. A Peregrine Falcon, the bow and arrow in flight, was on the hunt, terrorizing the migrating shorebirds. We had great looks as it was flanked by two Great Egrets in flight. We spoke of staddles, haying of the marsh and the great economic value of The Great Marsh. An American Bittern was its usual solitary self; then it took flight for us. Its varied, warm, rich, brown plumage was seen by all.
We chatted about the history of Plum Island and the importance of barrier islands. On our trip back to the harbor, we explored the basin area; we talked about storms and this fragile habitat. We highlighted the shellfish purification plant at the north-end of the island. We birded the Salisbury saltmarsh and saw large-bodied sea ducks, Common Eiders. Their wedge-shaped face and their long sloping forehead were key field marks. We discussed their nesting preference and their diet.
On one of the Osprey platforms on Ferry Road in Salisbury was a Great Blue Heron playing king of the platform ~ our opportunity to study this long-legged wader.
We went under the Gillis Bridge and up Town Creek. We saw the regular flock of robust, short-necked Rock Pigeons at the Towle Building, the area’s most reliable location for a Peregrine Falcon that enjoys exercising this flock several times a day. Within minutes, a participant said “there’s the Peregrine Falcon”. We had great looks as it flew over the boat and ahead of us over the masts of many sailboats.
We circumnavigated two protected islands and saw a Belted Kingfisher perched in a tree. We spoke of the mighty Merrimack, its swift currents and its importance for our winter visitors, the Bald Eagles.
This was a memorable experience for those onboard. The estuary area is rich in bird life and history. These cruises are one of my favorite ways to educate people about this fragile and vital habitat.
We had a morning outing “Birding Lake Attitash by Canoe or Kayak”. Lake Attitash is more suitable for beginner paddlers than most of the Newburyport sites. This lake has a sandy launch, warmer waters and no current. Early this morning, winds were out of the north, and I checked the radar and the forecast for our 9 to noon paddle, and it was to be dry. And that it was from 9:30 onward as we paddled the perimeter of Lake Attitash without wind on flat water.
A Peregrine Falcon sailed passed us and then dropped below treeline, a Great Blue Heron was on a dock. We headed past the Merrimac’s Town Beach, and the Spotted Sandpipers were foraging. Their Sunday breakfast buffet table was larger than usual with the lower lake water. Lack of rainfall and plenty of evaporation from the warm weather has exposed much more foraging area. Before launching and while I double checked my safety gear, one participant said I was going to show her American Coots. That was her target bird. Within minutes, there they were ~ five American Coots foraging in a quite cove. They then preened on the leaves of “spatter dock” and White Water Lily. One walked along the lake’s edge in rail-like fashion. Only weighing a little more than a pound, they can float on the water like a bobber on a child’s fishing rod. Their lobed toes make them suited for swimming and walking on floating vegetation. We studied their slate bodies, and the white undertail coverts were very bright on such a gray morning. A few coots flew a short distance startled by a woman broadcasting bread for ducks and we saw the white, trailing edge of their secondaries.
The sky brightened, and we had warm hands from the air rising above the warm water. Layered in polartec and waterfproof gear, we continued along; we saw three nearly full grown, light brown cygnets with their putty-gray bills with a base that was black. One vocalized in a nasal whine. The other two were preening on a newly exposed sandbar. We saw their powerful legs and feet. The adult birds were foraging, and several Mallards were taking advantage of the Mute Swans’ long necks and stole the vegetation from them. One Mallard X American Black Duck was seen.
We paddled slowly and saw a group of hen Wood Ducks ~ their white chins and white teardrop around the eye were easily seen through the reeds. Two of them took flight, banked and settled again after we passed. We saw Black-throated Blue Warblers and a streaky, immature Yellow-rumped Warbler eating berries. An American Redstart fanned its tail from a bare branch. One tail-wagging Palm Warbler was seen low on a Broad-leaved Cattail. There were Swamp Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows and one White-crowned Sparrow foraging in the area.
A bachelor group of drake Woodies were in flight. A tight flock of Ruddy Ducks landed close to us, and we appreciated their stiff tails and broad bills. The drakes’ white cheeks were flanked by chestnut below and black above. A Hermit Thrush was at the edge of a pine grove. Cedar Waxwings were lisping and feeding on fruit.
As we headed back to the launch, eight Pied-billed Grebes surfaced. They were like serpents as they vanished and reappeared. We drifted along and watched them with great pleasure. Two Eastern Phoebes were sallying for insects in a shallow area; it had warmed, and the insects were just starting to be active. We heard a Fish Crow, several bands of boisterious Blue Jays and scolding American Crows. Six large flocks of Canada Geese passed, and we saw the shift in the lead birds. The geese on the water honked, and those overheard slowed, lost their formation and then continued on their route.
We watched Double-crested Cormorants balancing on bouys and mooring markers. Over a thousand gulls were in the middle of the lake. We saw Herring and Bonaparte’s Gulls among the loafing Ring-billed and Great Black-backed Gulls.
Our small flotilla enjoyed the seasonal colors as well as the flat water. We noticed several lakefront homes with birdfeeders, and these feeders were active with the usual backyard birds. The fish were surfacing, and a couple of turtles peeked up at us. They had no interest in coming out of the water as the air temperature was cold, and there was no sun for basking. We concluded our birding by kayak tour with two Barn Swallows foraging overhead.
I hope to have at least one more of these paddles before the water temperatures drop. The season is coming to an end, and I’m always a little sad when I hang my kayak up for winter storage.
Newburyport Birders’ fully subscribed, estuary cruise in partnership with Wild Birds Unlimited of Plaistow, NH and Captain Paul Aziz of the Yankee Clipper departed the port in crisp air on Sunday morning, 9/9, promptly at 9:30 on an incoming tide. A small dory headed up river as we were getting the Captain’s orientation; the traditionally costumed buccaneers on it extended their hearty greetings to us.
We had wonderful looks at Double-crested Cormorants on the ice-breaker and at Salisbury’s Ospreys. We had several migrating flocks of cormorants, Greater Yellowlegs, Tree Swallows and those abundant “peeps”. A large flock of Black-bellied Plovers were in flight, and their black axillaries were visible even at a great distance.
The Northern Harriers were foraging; their russet plumage over the golden saltmarsh was striking. We saw two Brant at Woodbridge Island, several Canada Geese and more than a dozen Black-crowned Night-Herons settling to roost. The Great and Snowy Egrets were well seen by all onboard. Several Great Blue Herons were exploring the marsh.
We had excellent looks at a Least Sandpiper with its warm, dark chocolate plumage. The Short-billed Dowitchers were foraging in Pine Island Creek. There were several Barn Swallows on the phragmites. Cloaked in layers due to the cool temperature and the raw wind from the north-northeast, Fidel, the JFEC’s intern from Belize, and his local hostess, Lynette, were our guests.
We had onboard tutorials on invasive species, the economic importance of the Great Marsh and the abundance of life in the saltmarsh. We talked about Salicornia [glasswort], a native succulent that is salt tolerant, and the different saltmarsh grasses. We shared several, early 1900’s images of the waterfront that sparked our participants’ historical interest.
A half dozen Harbor Seals were “bottling” and showing their curiosity about us. We had a Willet in its gray plumage along the edge. We spoke about roosting birds and how human disturbance is one of the many perils these migrants face. We chatted of migration paths and available food sources.
The Common Terns with their red bills with black tips were diving after bait fish. One landed on a Refuge boundary sign allowing us close observation. We were able to view the Refuge from a different perspective from the shallow waters of the Plum Island River and the Plum Island Sound. We saw Old Town Hill, the Parker River, Salisbury Beach State Reservation and Great and Little Necks in Ipswich.
This was the first introduction to birdwatching and “The Great Marsh” for a handful of our western Essex County and southern Rockingham County participants. We were grateful for the ideal viewing conditions due to the overcast sky. Many participants expressed interest in optic upgrades and field tested the new Vortex optics we had onboard.
Our final, partnership, estuary cruise of the season is scheduled for Monday, October 8th, and the details are posted on the Newburyport Birders’ web page.
On August 24th, I conducted a birding program as a fundraiser for breast cancer research in memory of my sister, Nancy. The donations will support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I’ll be sending all donations on August 31st.
The two hour program began at Lot # 1 on the Refuge. We were clad in pink hats and shirts and full of spirit. We had Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls loafing on the water at the boat ramp, and a Cooper’s Hawk blew by the restrooms and landed ever so briefly on a utility pole by the gatehouse. Then it vanished toward the homes north of the Refuge. An Eastern Kingbird was sentinel just past the middens. At the salt pannes, we had Semipamlmated Sandpipers putting their partially webbed feet to the test on that mud and algae mat. Greater Yellowlegs were hyperactive in their foraging. Least Terns were diving, and an immature bird was getting diving lessons at sunset. Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons were skulking along the edge of the pool. The sunset was gentle, soft pink which was appropriate for the event.
As we headed to the North Pool, we saw an Eastern Cottontail with its big eyes and puffy, white tail. Cedar Waxwing and immature American Robinswere roadside. At this freshwater pool, we had refreshments and observed Tree Swallows, Gadwall with young and two, immature Black-crowned Night-Herons [thanks Bob and Katherine]. These immature birds headed northbound to forage. Several adult Black-crowned Night-Herons took flight in the low light. A small flock of American Black Ducks landed in the pool, and the Canada Geese announced nightfall. We watched a Muskrat swimming under the waxing Sturgeon moon.
As we headed north, we saw several bats and two Common Nighthawks in the area just after the Wardens. We slowly proceeded to Lot # 1. The shorebird chatter was delightful to hear. We arrived to do our summary at Lot #1, and a Piping Plover was on the hard, hot, substrate. We heard the surf roaring and were thrilled with this final sighting of this endangered species.
As I headed off island, I saw fireworks over the island’s northern point. I know it was a fitting end to this evening’s program. Nancy loved fireworks!
As a Refuge Volunteer, I conducted a birding outing for the staff at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge this morning with an overcast sky which made for oustanding viewing conditions.
We had shorebird and egret roadside tutorials. Snowy Egrets and immature Little Blue Heron were seen at close range. Least and Common Terns foraged at the salt pannes. We watched the prey delivery to one tern on a small island in the pannes; this immature bird was larger than the adult. The Northern Harriers were coursing the salt marsh seeking prey.
We had stunning looks at three Whimbrels on the North Pool Dike; we were impressed by the long, downturned bill, the long neck, the small, flattish head and the elongated body shape. These visual hunters had a purposeful stride and picked, pecked and probed for prey. The legs of the Whimbrel were a rich, slate blue.
We had an immature Peregrine Falcon on the ground at close range. The bird still had downy plumes its head and leading edge of the wing. The helmet facial pattern was less contrasting due to the darker, browner plumage. The bird was heavily streaked below. We watched it take flight resembling a bow and arrow; and it headed to the pool where the dabblers became divers.
A Pied -billed Grebe showed offits abilities to submerge without a ripple and reappear. At one point, it appeared and disappeared like a water serpent.
We had immature Double-crested Cormorants picking up and dropping items with their bills~ weed, sticks and fish. The yellow-orange throat pouch was seen well as was their tourquise eye.
We chatted with Brian Harrington who was enjoying the shorebirds at the Bill Forward Pool; his field marks are easily seen without optics. Our array of shorebirds was augmented by several, long-lined White-rumped Sandpipers. The field marks were studied, and we saw that their black legs are perfectly located in the middle of their body.
Several species of waterfowl were in the pools. Eastern Kingbirds were sallying for insects. The Tree Swallows were on the bayberry and in the phrags. We heard and saw Cedar Waxwings, several were flycatching. The beach plums are nearing ripeness.
Our time in the field was followed by a potluck, lunch-hour BBQ at the headquarters. I intend to conduct a winter birding outing for the staff sharing the sights of Short-eared Owls and Snowy Owls.
On this perfect, New England, summer morning, a small group of paddling birders enjoyed a three hour program about the birds of Lake Attitash. While waiting for the group to assemble, I saw a newly fledged Northern Flicker and heard a Sora calling from the wet area at Bisson Road. We saw Spotted Sandpipers and a male Belted Kingfisher, and we discussed the breeding biology of both species as aerial feeders skillfully obtained prey overheard. The Barn and Tree Swallows put on a good show for us along with several Chimney Swifts.
We paddled to the back river area of the lake, and with the sun behind us, we entered a Monet inspired scene ~ a scene with variations of light and an atmosphere created by the hour and the season. The water lilies, the Yellow Pond-Lilies [Cow-lily or Spatter Dock] were tight balls opening into cups with numerous, purple stamens. The Fragant Water-Lilies [White Water-Lily] were floating on the water, and their white to pink flowers were opening, and the petals touching the water were larger than the ones toward the center which contained many yellow stamens. The violet-blue hue of the spikes of the Pickerelweed added another dimension. Their leaves were large and heart-shaped. The verdant vegetation is fading as the sand passes through the hour glass of July.
The Mute Swans have three cygnets, and on Tuesday evening when I kayaked with Paula McFarland, they were covered in white down; today they are a slate gray. One participant thought the cyngets were a granite rock. I wished they were. I talked about the Mute Swan’s pure white beauty but that there’s a dark side to them when it comes to habitat destruction and aggressiveness.
There were vocal Common Yellowthroats, Marsh Wrens, Yellow Warblers, and we heard the clucking of a juvenile Green Heron. I didn’t see an adult bird or a nest; however, this juvenile bird was sporting a punk-rock like crest. This bird was well camouflaged in the vegetation, but we heard the throaty clucking and then had prolonged looks.
We watched the Double-crested Cormorant preen, and the contrast between the tourquiose eye and the orange throat patch was appreciated by our artist eyes. We found a Barn Swallow nest and an Eastern Phoebe nest under the deck of a lovely lakeside home.
We discovered nests of Eastern Kingbirdsand Common Grackle, and the male Red-winged Blackbirds patrolled their areas so diligently. We searched the willows for a Baltimore or Orchard Oriole’s nest and found a recently fledged Baltimore Oriole. The gulls we observed were the ones with bills that were ringed. Mallards and Canada Geese had young in tow. Song Sparrows were the Sunday morning choir.
I was so pleased to learn that one of Mass Audubon’s Conservation Teacher of The Year award recipients was a member of our flotilla. Elaine Senechal, an Amesbury lake-front resident, joined us this morning. Senechal, 60, has been a science teacher in Tewksbury for the past three years, but the previous eight years were spent at Greater Egleston Community High School in Roxbury. I know from my interaction with Elaine that she connects with her students and creates awareness in them of the environment.
Sue led a bird walk with Margie, a DCR interpreter at Harold Parker SF in North Andover. Our walk environment consisted of rolling hills; low lying, wet areas; rock outcrops; white and red pine, oak and maple forest as we headed to one of the several ponds. The landform was created by glacial movement, and evidence of glaciers exists in the form of glacial erratics.
Our group consisted of a dozen, interested individuals, including 18 month-old Jacob and his "big brother", 5 year-old James. Several of my regulars were present since I was birding in their "neck of the woods", and others left sandy substrates of Essex and Rockingham Counties to explore this forest.
This area was inhabited by Penacook Indians until it was settled by English farmers in the mid 1600’s. By the mid-nineteenth century, agriculture was abandoned, and a new forest grew up. There is an 18th century sawmill and remains of homesteads within the forest.
Tradition has it that many of the homes surrounding the forest were used as Underground Railroad hideouts in the 1850’s. Secret chambers and doors can still be seen in local homes. Frederick Douglass, Harriette Beecher Stowe and William Lloyd Garrison were frequent visitors to families in the area.
Frederick Douglass was an American abolitionist, statesman and author. Douglass was one of the most prominent figures in African-American history and an influential lecturer. He was a man of towering posture, and his baritone voice gave Douglass a strong presence. He was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, female, American Indian, or recent immigrant and devoted his life to advocating the brotherhood of all humankind.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Life Among the Lowly" ~ an anti-slavery novel, visited families in the area. Her novel had a profound effect on attitudes toward African-Americans and slavery. This novel intensified the sectional conflict leading to the American Civil War.
William Lloyd Garrison, the son of a seaman, was born in Newburyport, MA in 1805. He apprenticed as a printer and in 1824 became editor of the "Newburyport Herald". Five years later, Garrison criticized a merchant involved in the slave trade, resulting in his imprisonment for libel. Upon his release, he established his own anti-slavery newspaper, "The Liberator". The paper’s motto was "Our country is the world - our countrymen are mankind".
Our group gathered at the Lorriane Pond Campground, and we headed to a pond within the forest. We observed the behavior of a newly fledged Chipping Sparrow and its begging antics. At a wet area, we saw an elusive Green Heron. The Ovenbirds were vocal and plentiful. Red-eyed Vireos and Eastern Towhees were defending territory and foraging. We had stunning looks at them. At the pond, we heard and then saw a small flock of Cedar Waxwings. An Eastern Kingbird in flight showed its lacey tail fringe. White-breasted Nuthatches, a Downy Woodpecker and Northern Cardinals were also going about their morning routine on this holiday. We talked about the materials utilized in nest building ~ the moss for the chickadees’ nest and the lichen for the gnatcatchers’.
Prior to our summary, we spent time looking at nests that Margie shared with us from the Nature Center. It’s the nesting season, and birds are master builders, fine designers and skilled architects. We saw a House Sparrow’s untidy nest ~ a collection of litter and grasses. We also saw a neatly lined, sparrow’s cup nest and pendulous nests of both an oriole and a vireo. The mud-crafted, thrush nest we saw was that of the American Robin.
James pointed out Red and White Pines to the group. He was able to tell us the difference by the number of their needles. He also describe the field marks of a House Finch he had in his yard perfectly. He’s a budding naturalist!
We also saw newly emerging Indian Pipes and much too much Japanese Knotweed which was first introduced to North America in the late 19th century for ornamental use, as a planting to prevent soil erosion and as a forage crop for grazing animals.
We had a walk and a history lesson on Independence Day!
This morning I led a ramble at Mill Pond in West Newbury which is in my atlas block. The program was designed for the exploration of the various habitats in search of nesting birds.
We were greeted with the rattles of Belted Kingfishers. There were four birds ~ two of which were adults. The fledglings were having short forays over the pond, and we noticed their upper breast band was brownish. We watched these punky-headed fledglings for several minutes. The adults were very vocal.
The next bird heard was an Eastern Phoebe, and we later found the nest.
A Great Blue Heron was perched in a pine tree in an awkward postion which caught our attention immediately. It was sunning; the position of the wings allowed the sun to reach the axillary area and to expose the ectoparasites to the sunlight.
A perky, fledgling Song Sparrow crossed the path and landed, affording us great looks at is new coat. It then followed an adult, begging.
We proceeded along our route and heard a shrill-like "peet-weet". It was a Spotted Sandpiper. We lingered in the area and discovered three chicks. They were foraging along safely at the edge. A Green Heron then flew in. We sat and watched the Spotted Sandpipers for at least ten minutes. The adult bird was lightly spotted; it bathed and preened; then the three chicks took shelter under its belly and wings. We understood as it was cool in the shade; several of us were wearing polartec. The adult then perched on a branch, and the chicks went exploring. I wish that a photographer was with me this morning so that this post would include the images of the "precious moments" for all to enjoy.
We watched White-breasted Nuthatch fledglings follow their parents from tree to tree. A male Downy Woodpecker fed a young bird. A Baltimore Oriole fledgling was testing its flight feathers. Two, male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were dueling over territory. We heard the various vocalizations of Wood Thrush, Veery, Ovenbird and Black-throated Green Warbler. Cedar Waxwings’ lispy twitters were all around us.
A Gray Catbird was attending to nest cleaning duties with a fecal sac in its bill. The Canada Geese parents were giving their goslings early morning swimming lessons near the dock. Several, male Red-winged Blackbirds were on patrol. We saw Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats and several Eastern Kingbirds.
We extended the program to check on a Killdeer nest on South Hunt Road in Amesbury, but it had fallen victim to predation. As we continued on our return to Newburyport, I heard a Killdeer, and we stopped. There were two adults and three chicks wandering in the clover. We spent several minutes observing them and appreciating their countershading and disruptive colorization. I heard a "’weet, weet" and asked myself is it a Spotted Sandpiper’s call? I then found two Spotties perched on a handmade sign. The two birds, one heavily spotted and the other faintly spotted, were incessantly calling. We remained in our cars, using them as a blind and waited to see what would unfold. The calls continued; there was movement in the grass, and then a chick was seen busily teetering and foraging. As we departed, we saw an Osprey hovering above the Merrimack and a lone American Kestrel.
Did someone ask for the joys of atlasing recently? I’ve wanted to see Spotted Sandpiper chicks for years now. I became a student of their breeding biology this spring, and our, small group was rewarded with two families on this delightful, Sunday, summer morning. Ahh, "the church of the great outdoors"!
A few years back, Steve Haydock, my mentor in birdlife, told me of Spotted Sandpipers nesting in West Newbury. When I took Steve’s Ornithology class at North Shore Community College, my classmate Helen Walsh told me of her Spotted Sandpipers during the breeding season. My lessons in bird biology continue as I spend time in the field atlasing.
I led a two hour tour for the winners of Newburyport Birders’ complimentary birding tour drawing as part of the Manchester Essex Conservation Trust’s Earth Day Festival that was held at the Cox Reservation in April.
The winners, Connie and Harold Olson of Rye, NH, joined me this morning to redeem their prize, Birding The Great Marsh. We began our program with stunning looks at the Purple Martins at Lot # 1. We proceeded to the boat ramp, and I quickly caught the light on two, banded Purple Martins gathering mud at the high tide mark. They were sporting both silver and green bands. These were "Plum Island’s own", and I was thrilled! Were they my prize? I was delighted to share them with Connie and Harold. We chatted about the perils these large swallows face during migration, on their breeding grounds and where they forage all winter.
We had a pair of Green Herons in flight at Lot # 1. We had good looks at Willets, an Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolinks, Brants, Cedar Waxwings, Least Sandpipers, Semiplamated Plovers and Gray Catbirds. The birding by ear was fun with Willow Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers and Common Yellowthroats.
We watched the Barn Swallows at Subheadquarters gathering mud from one of yesterday’s puddles for a nest. We studied a Gadwall pair and commented on the plumages, foraging style and nesting habitat. We spent time watching the clammers harvesting at low tide and discussed the economic value of The Great Marsh.
Connie mentioned a poem about Bobolinks, "Robert of Lincoln", which she recalled from her childhood, and she shared a few verses from it. I’ve included the poem below as I find it timely because we didn’t see any female Bobolinks on this June morning. We wish the Bobolinks great breeding success in The Great Marsh.
"Robert Of Lincoln" by William Cullen Bryant (1794-1898) Merrily swinging on briar and weed, Near to the nest of his little dame, Over the mountain-side or mead, Robert of Lincoln is telling his name; Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; Snug and safe in that nest of ours, Hidden among the summer flowers. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln is gayly dressed. Wearing a bright black wedding-coat; White are his shoulders and white his crest, Hear him calling his merry note: Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; Look, what a nice new coat is mine, Sure there was never a bird so fine. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln’s Quaker wife, Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings, Passing at home a quiet life, Broods in the grass while her husband sings: Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; Brood, kind creatures; you need not fear Thieves and robbers while I am here. Chee, chee, chee. Modest and shy as a nun is she, One weak chirp is her only note, Braggart and prince of braggarts is he, Pouring boasts from his little throat: Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; Never was I afraid of man; Catch me, cowardly knaves, if you can. Chee, chee, chee. Six white eggs on a bed of hay, Flecked with purple, a pretty sight! There as the mother sits all day, Robert is singing with all his might: Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; Nice good wife, that never goes out, Keeping house while I frolic about. Chee, chee, chee. Soon as the-little ones chip the shell Six wide mouths are open for food; Robert of Lincoln bestirs him well, Gathering seed for the hungry brood. Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; This new life is likely to be Hard for a gay young fellow like me. Chee, chee, chee. Robert of Lincoln at length is made Sober with work, and silent with care; Off is his holiday garment laid, Half forgotten that merry air, Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; Nobody knows but my mate and I Where our nest and our nestlings lie. Chee, chee, chee. Summer wanes; the children are grown; Fun and frolic no more he knows; Robert of Lincoln’s a humdrum crone; Off he flies, and we sing as he goes: Bob-o’-link, bob-o’-link, Spink, spank, spink; When you can pipe that merry old strain, Robert of Lincoln, come back again. Chee, chee, chee.
Tonight I led my monthly, volunteer birding program at the Refuge, and the forecast was ominous ~ having checked it on radar prior to departing for the Refuge. Nine participants gathered at Subheadquarters. There were the regulars along with a participant from Trenton, NJ and a meteorologist from Boulder, CO. I was not the least bit comforted by a meteorologist onboard; I knew the weather wouldn’t hold for the two hour program. I watched the storm to our north in Salisbury and southern New Hampshire; the sky was heavy gray, and there was lightning. We birded the area near the maintenance buildings and watched displaying Eastern Kingbirds and a pair Barn Swallows. We had a pair of Willets showing off their black and white wing pattern just like the image on the cover of Art Morris’s "Shorebird" book. An Osprey sailed by, headed to the southeast; it hovered and disappeared. Then it rose and gained height with a Striped Bass in its talons. We scoped the bird and saw the aerodynamic carriage of the fish. A second Osprey appeared from the south, and we heard the whistle-like "kyew, kyew".
I remained attentive to the sky; when the wind shifted, the storm skirted us and headed to the east. We watched a Killdeer and chatted about disruptive coloration and countershading. A few of the the fair-weather participants dispersed, and those who remained were up for an adventure ~ a quick moving storm on a barrier island. We found safe shelter in my car and watched the show. There were flocks of Great and Snowy Egrets attempting to make a journey to Kettle Island; there were two, large flocks of Cedar Waxwings seeking shelter. The birds’ behavior clearly indicated that the storm would be fast and furious. Three deer passed behind the metal buildings. One was a handsome buck, and two does followed him cautiously.
As the storm drew nearer, we headed to the North Pool away from the steel buildings. We had one Green Heron drop down for cover. The Common Yellowthroats all became silent. The sky opened up, and we watched the rain roll in. The raindrops pelted the surface of the North Pool, and the wind made the surface turbulent. We waited for the rain to pass and headed to check the Osprey platform.
We concluded our program safely at Subheadquarters. As I left the island, the Brown Thrashers crossed the road, and ahead the skies brightened briefly.
Newburyport Birders led a small group of enthusiastic birders as we explored, looking and listening for migrants and nesting birds. As soon we arrived at the parking area, a Gray Tree Frog greeted us. This is a chameleon with the ability to adapt to backgrounds ranging from gray to green.
We heard a shy Veery emitting its "V’eer" or "Vee-r-ry". A raptor flew overhead – not an adequate view – most probably a Broad-winged Hawk. The Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were doing their squeeky "pwee" near a nest. The warblers seen were Yellows and Common Yellowthroats; we appreciated them for their size and song.
We saw the silhouette of a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers; one was very vocal, and the other was carrying cattail-down in its bill. We gathered some cattail down and felt it, then imagined what a cavity lined with that down would feel like. It was soft with insulating qualities, creating comfort that these migrants that arrived recently form Colombia, Central Mexico or Venezuela deserve. We saw a snag with an entrance hole just the right size for the female to utilize for her incubating responsibilities that will last 13 - 15 days.
The Red-wings were defending teritories. An agile Marsh Wren teed-up, giving great views of its warm plumage, white eyebrow and the fine white streaking on its back. We observed this bird as it sang and realized its effort for vocal quality. We chatted about the male’s building dummy nests in the world of skulkers – low in the marsh. We closed our eyes and listened to the swamp chorus.
The Wood Ducks were anti-social this morning. We missed their squeals in that swamp. We saw a drab Empidonax and then heard a sneezy "fitz-bew" – ah, a Willow.
We watched the undulations of Hairy and dimunitive Downy Woodpeckers and American Goldfinches. A Purple Finch washed with rose-red appeared and then sang a musical "chur-lee" for a participant. The incessant Red-eyed Vireos were deliberate with their short phrases. We added Eastern Bluebird, American Robin and Wood Thrush, making for four thrushes including that Veery. Gray Catbird was mimicing in the thickets. Swamp and Song Sparrows were also heard well.
A Green Heron flew overhead, and Great Blue Herons lumbered along. We saw a Blanding’s Turtle sunning and acknowledged the smooth, elongated, helmet-shaped carapace and the conspicuous, yellow chin and throat.
We yielded the following in two hours:
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, 2 pairs; Black-capped Chickadee, 1; American Goldfinch, several; Gray Catbird, 1; Marsh Wren, 1+; Green Heron, 1; Great Blue Heron, 2; Yellow Warbler, several; Red-eyed Vireo (h); Eastern Wood-Pewee (h); Scarlet Tanager (h); Red-winged Blackbird, many; Common Grackle, many; Great Crested Flycatcher, pair, 1 carrying nesting material; Baltimore Oriole, 1 adult male, 1 first spring; Tufted Titmouse, 1; Eastern Bluebird, 1m, 1f; Canada Goose, 5; Mallard, pair; Common Yellow-throat, several; American Robin, 1+; Veery (h); Woodthrush (h); Swamp Sparrow, 1+; Song Sparrow, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2+; Hairy Woodpecker, 1+; Tree Swallow, several; Willow Flycatcher, 1; Eastern Kingbird, 1; Purple Finch, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Hawk, probable Broad-winged; Cedar Waxwing, 2+; Mourning Dove, 2+.
Good birding, Sue and Paula
This morning Terry Bronson led an exploration of the Brentwood Mitigation Area (Deerhill Wildlife Management Area) with Sue McGrath of Newburyport Birders. Terry, who is a frequent visitor to this property, led our small group into a state of birding bliss.
We experienced a few minutes of very light rain, and we had an outstanding morning tallying 59 species.
We were treated to a vocal and briefly seen SORA on Pond # 8’s island – the one furthest from the entrance between the swamp and the powerline. It’s a new species at Brentwood--species number 124 on Brentwood’s Bird List. This was a life bird for our guide, Terry, and one participant, Susan. We called out the field marks – bright yellow bill, warm brown above and hues of slate and charcoal gray and an oval body. Sue found the bill to be "candy corn yellow"...
The trip yielded the following:
PIED-BILLED GREBE 5 including 2 swimming together on pond 8 near the Sora – 1 other heard
Double-crested Cormorant 6
GREAT BLUE HERON 11, including 2 downy young poking their heads and necks up and readjusting themselves.
SORA 1, in pond 8 at the right side of the nearest island as seen from the path between the swamp and pond 8 at the last vantage point before the path curves left around pond 8 opposite the very small pond on the swamp side. Whinnied first, then gave the sora call several times. As we retreated the bird was still calling.
AMERICAN COOT 1, still there, has moved from pond 4 (the first pond on the right past the flooded trail) across the trail into the swampy area that is now a temporary pond.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD 8, the Honeysuckle and Russian Olive trees were in providing a nectaring source and these hummers were in heaven. Most ever seen at Brentwood...
SPOTTED SANDPIPER 2, at ponds 6 and 7
Canada Goose 11, including a pair with 5 very small goslings Wood Duck 2 Mallard 8 Hooded Merganser 2 females Red-tailed Hawk – wings spread out in an attempt to dry them Herring Gull 40 flyovers Mourning Dove 9 Chimney Swift 10 Belted Kingfisher 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Least Flycatcher 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Eastern Kingbird 7 Warbling Vireo 1 RED-EYED VIREO 3 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 20, nesting in snags BANK SWALLOW 1 Barn Swallow 10 Black-capped Chickadee 9 VEERY 1 heard American Robin 10 Gray Catbird 14 Brown Thrasher 2 Cedar Waxwing 2
WARBLERS: BLUE-WINGED WARBLER 2 Yellow Warbler 22 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Pine Warbler 1 PRAIRIE WARBLER 6, one of my favorite birds--I love their song, higher count than usual Palm Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 2 American Redstart 1 Ovenbird 3 heard NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH 1, around first pond, heard and had brief glimpse of a bird flitting through the underbrush Common Yellowthroat 15 WILSON’S WARBLER 1
SCARLET TANAGER 1 male, at entrance before we began Eastern Towhee 5 Chipping Sparrow 1 FIELD SPARROW 4 Song Sparrow 3 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 5, including one, we think young, male bird in the small trees immersed in the flooded portion of the trail. Let us get within just a few feet as we waded through. Red-winged Blackbird 15 Common Grackle 4 Baltimore Oriole 9 American Goldfinch 8
We also happened upon a sparrow nest with 5 eggs. The nest was so close to the trail’s edge. The bird flushed, then disappeared into the brush. We could not identify it.
The rains of the last few days have flooded over the beaver dam at Pond # 3, and even the rough path through the shrubs will result in wet feet without high boots. The low spot in the field by Pond # 5 is also flooded with several inches of water. We were all dry and so pleased with our time in the field when we returned to our vehicles.
Our boots – no fashion statement – served us well!
On Saturday morning, April 28, 2007, I taught North Shore Community College’s Introduction to Birdwatching Class at Alfalfa Farm [adjunct campus] on North Street in Danvers.
While conducting the lecture portion of the course, we were called to focus outside to watch a male Red-wing Blackbird gather a tissue from the ground and fly to a marshy area. I have never seen males actively partake in nest material gathering. My observations are that the females had that role. Why did this male collect it and fly about with it? Red-winged Blackbirds’ nests are constructed with reed and grasses entirely by the female. Red-wings build a new nest for each clutch. Did the polygynous male bring the tissue to a female suffering with seasonal allergies, or had this male just surrendered?
During our break, we saw a Turkey Vulture soaring over Route 95 and a Red-tailed Hawk flashing its red tail at us while it banked over an apple orchard. We observed Canada Geese foraging, preening, bathing and then mating. Tree Swallows were on the wing, pursuing their prey. American Crows were calling, and we watched their flight cadence and their perching style. A drake Mallard splash-landed in the pond. American Robins were vocalizing, and House Sparrows were all about.
On Sunday morning, April 29, 2007, our class met at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield for our field component. We were treated to Tree Swallows, Buffleheads, Eastern Bluebirds, Palm Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and turquoise-eyed Double-crested Cormorants were showing off their crests.
The Resource Room observation area gave all the opportunity to watch some territory behaviors of the male Northern Cardinals. We watched a mate feeding. The Red-winged Blackbirds were displaying their shoulder patches. We spoke of habitat preference, food and water sources and planting native species.
We wandrered about the sanctuary trails and saw Blue-headed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow Warbler, many Yellow-rumped Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, House Wren and Savannah Sparrow.
The students had a wonderful introduction to Essex County’s avian life and the joys of learning to observe, appreciate and identify birds.
Sue led a walk for the Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust’s first Earth Day Fair at Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation in Essex this morning. Twenty some participants ranging from 3 years to seniors joined me.
We were treated to the following on a bright, warm, spring morning:
An Osprey carrying nest construction material, Red-tailed Hawk soaring in wonderful lighting, Turkey Vulture rocking and tilting, Male Eastern Bluebird guarding the nesting box, White-throated Sparrow singing intently, Eastern Phoebe sallying and vocalizing , Snowy Egret showing off those yellow feet caught the interest of the young naturalists, Carolina Wren bathing in a puddle, Tree Swallow seeking prey over the marsh, Male Downy Woodpecker drumming provided wonderful views for the children in the group, Song Sparrow in the thickets and the usual gull species foraging in the intertidal zone.
Last evening while I was scouting the property for post storm, trail hazards, the spring peepers were deafening, and the American Woodcock were peenting away.
I heard that an Indigo Bunting is being seen on private property in Manchester-by-the-Sea savoring White Millet, and a Scarlet Tanager was seen at Castle Hill on Argilla Road in Ipswich.
Saturday Evening Birding at PRNWR included witnessing the American Woodcock spring courtship sky dance.
Our small group gathered and consolidated at Lot One in bright, evening light and proceeded oceanside to discuss the barrier beach and its eroding dunes and coastline. We chatted about the Piping Plovers’ altered habitat and their numbers this spring. We found Tom Wetmore at the observation deck, and he had a Caspian Tern flying north. There were rafts of scoters, grebes and loons.
We headed to the boat ramp and saw the wrackline from the week’s high water. We saw the emerging, emerald-hued sprouts of marsh grass. Great Egrets sailed by.
We moved on to the salt pannes and had a pair of Northern Shovelers which were identified by their bills at first due to the sun reflections on the water. We also had the usual puddle ducks. We commented on the lack of Northern Pintails. Red-breasted Mergansers were courting; we watched this water ballet in good lighting.
We headed for Hellcat and stopped to watch a female Belted Kingfisher. She provided us stunning looks in wonderful lighting. There were two Greater Yellowlegs vocalizing while on a feeding frenzy.
Our American Woodcock stage was well set with several birds performing their choregraphed, aerial performance as the sky faded pink and blue. It was delightful weather, and an enthusiastic group of participants shared in this spring ritual.
We saw many Eastern Cottontail Rabbits and heard the spring peepers our the ride out.
Paula McFarland and I led our Wings Along the Merrimack birding program on this mild, Earth Day morning.
Our small group gathered at the Park & Ride and headed to explore the shores of the Merrimack River. Our first observation area was at the Lower Artichoke Reservoir. We saw a Black -capped Chickadee interested in a White Birch cavity. The Eastern Phoebes were annoucing their presence, and a Red-breasted Merganser hugged the shoreline. We watched with great interest a male American Goldfinch feeding a female. Courtship feeding maintains the pair-bond in many species and increases a female’s fitness by providing her with extra nutrition since American Goldfinch feamles incubate over 90% of the time. He was showing her that he’ll be a good provider if she selects him later in the season. Goldfinches acquire their plumage early in the season but are late breeders. Nest building commenses in July, and breeding occurs after that and through September.
We also saw what we interpreted as a Black-capped Chickadee female doing a "begging" display. Was she being submissive? The literature mentions pair-bond maintenance, energy provision and expression of dominance. Does courtship feeding improve the male’s fitness and his breeding success rate?
We had great looks at a male Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Northern Flicker and White-breasted Nuthatches. Our conversation evolved into the colors of birds’ feathers, their plumage and how nature’s paint brush is one rich in shades and warm with patterns and blends.
We were then off to our selected, elevated ridge for an expansive view of this mighty river. We walked along the shore of the Merrimack and saw much debris from the high waters that were experienced earlier in the week. We had Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, a hen Mallard most probably nesting above the tidal area, a vocal Tufted Titmouse. The Double-crested Cormorants were adorned with their shaggy crests. We had Common Mergansers with their heads and bills tucked; they were sleeping in on a Sunday morning. Wood Ducks were calling. The drake Buffleheads were in the company of many hens and were foraging with short dives.
The program showed our appreciation for Earth Day and for the swift-flowing Merrimack River with headwaters in Franklin, NH. This river flows though New Hampshire and Massachusetts and meets the Atlantic Ocean in the biologically rich Plum Island estuary area.
I led my monthly, volunteer walk for the Refuge this evening. It was "Easter Sunday’s Search for Spring Migrants". The temperatures were cold, and the winds were whipping. We gathered at Lot # 1, and immediately saw two Merlins and a Northern Harrier zip right by. At the boat ramp, we had a good look at one of the Merlins; it was perched on a white sign with its back to us. The dark tail had three, narrow, whitish bands.
We headed to the pannes and had Northern Pintail, American Black Duck and Gadwall in good light. Song Sparrows were along the berm and flitted about. We saw many Easter bunnies nibbling. The Osprey was tucked in the nest at the Pines. We had several deer grazing in the meadow at the Pines parking area. There were more than a dozen Snow Geese at the northwest side of Cross Farm Hill.
We got to Sandy Point and walked the gravel road to the Mothers’ Beach. We had many Green-winged Teal in the shallow end of Stage Island on our right. There were Gadwall, American Black Duck and Wood Duck tucked in the reeds out of the wind. Some took flight, circled and then resettled. We had a flock of Brant at Sandy Point.
As the sun dropped we enjoyed the evening light, clouds and American Woodcocks. There were several with hiccups prior to their peenting. Several were performing their spring courtship flights even in the wind. As we departed, we came across one Easter bunnie and an American Woodcock side-by-side. I think the American Woodcocks would have enjoyed an Easter basket full of earthworms and other soil invertebrates to fuel their aerial acrobatics and zigzag, fallen leaf return to nearly the same location as takeoff to mate with the willing and waiting females.
This evening’s walk was one of those special times when the Refuge was nearly devoid of visitors. I did see Steve and Margo enter and leave. One truck with a lone passenger exited prior to the American Woodcock showtime. It’s on evenings like tonight that Parker River National Wildlfe Refuge is the best of my outdoor classrooms.
March 2007, by Sue McGrath
Do you know the connection between birds and coffee? I recently visited Costa Rica, the crossroad for birds and coffee farmers. This small, Central American country is known for quality coffee; it is a vital part of their economy and an important, export product.
With Miza as my guide and driver, we climbed to 4500 feet above sea level in our small, diesel van which nicely handled the rigors of the Costa Rican roads. I could see the richness of the volcanic soil and understood why Costa Rica’s Arabica coffee was rated best in the world two years in a row. I felt the balance between nature and science.
Before getting out of the vehicle at the plantation, we observed hundreds of Great and Boat-billed Kiskadees, swarms of Blue-and-white Swallows, dozens of Social Flycatchers and other insectivorous birds sallying for prey. These birds are an important component of coffee farming. They have the task of keeping the coffee pest free and are an integral part of the organic regime. Miza is skilled as a birder, and as a young boy, he harvested coffee with his dad. His knowledge and experience provided me with wonderful information, making this a special, educational experience. I learned about the history of coffee farming, its quality in the world market and the traditional coffee growing methods.
With the morning sun warming my face, my senses were alerted to avian activity; the aroma of roasting coffee; lush, verdant fields; the order of the rows of white flowers and ripe, red berries on the coffee bushes. The manager of this multi-generational, coffee farm was patrolling for feral cats. We walked with him around the estate, birded, chatted about the challenges of bird friendly farming.
The visit afforded me the opportunity to see the process of growing and producing fine coffee. I saw the process from planting the seed to picking the ripened coffee berries. Many of the bushes were being pruned; the coffee wood would be used to cook a savored chicken dish. No waste on this plantation.
This environmentally friendly farm has the oldest, operating, hydro- powered mill in Costa Rica. I saw how the peeling machines work and how the coffee berry skins are mixed with earthworms and recycled by being put back into the soil as organic fertilizer. This estate is a model of ecological and social excellence. I was fascinated by the sun drying patios where fresh pale beans lay in the sun. This gives this coffee a unique body. In the roasting hall, the aromas of the different roasts overwhelmed my senses. I entered the facility where coffee for export is stored; I was impressed by the clean and efficient system.
This birding adventure was a wonderful learning experience! It was complete with a farmer’s breakfast, the flavorful, typical Costa Rican fare: rice, beans, tortillas, tropical juices and the most flavorful coffee I’ve ever sipped. The main objective of my coffee plantation visit was, yes, you know, to bird but also to become informed about the process involved in growing bird friendly coffee. The experience was a highlight of my activities in Costa Rica.
Oh, oh, I forgot to mention the flavorful ’pick me upper’, the dark chocolate covered coffee beans that were an important part of the quest for the Resplendent Quetzal on another day. It was a day that had us on the road at 4:00 in the morning. My companion, Susan, wanted a Resplendent Quetzal as one of her birthday gifts. Rewarded she was! We observed four at length in good lighting! We had a solo male high in the canopy [what I call a down on your knees view]; a female guarding her nest cavity right at eye level; an immature male and a female sitting in favorable light sunning together.
Resplendent Quetzals depend heavily on the fruit of wild avocados. The fruits are swallowed whole, and the large seeds, still viable, are often regurgitated at some distance from the source tree. Because Quetzals are among the only frugivorous birds able to eat these large fruits, it is thought that the wild avocados are quite reliant on them to disperse their seeds. Quetzals and wild avocado trees need each other just like the insectivorous swallows and flycatchers and the coffee bushes need each other.
It’s nesting season for the Quetzal. A young boy with wide, brown eyes brought me a Quetzal’s egg that an Emerald Toucanet had removed from a nest cavity; it was cold, light blue with pale chestnut blotches. This youngster is a gifted observer and birder. I hope he’ll be leading tours to see Quetzals in a few years. Our time in Cerro de la Muerte in the Talamanca Mountains gave our eyes views of splendid beauty.
I’ll never describe the Quetzal as well as the late Dr. Alexander Skutch. He studied this species carefully for many years. Here’s his description of the Resplendent Quetzal:
"The male is a supremely lovely bird; the most beautiful, all things considered, that I have ever seen. He owes his beauty to the intensity and arresting contrast of his coloration, the resplendent sheen and glitter of his plumage, the elegance of his ornamentation; the symmetry of his form, and the noble dignity of his carriage. His whole head and upper plumage, foreneck, and chest are an intense glittering green. His lower breast, belly, and under tail coverts are of the richest crimson... The dark, central feathers of the tail are entirely concealed by the greatly elongated upper tail coverts, which are golden green with blue or violent iridescence, and have loose, soft barbs. The two median and longest of these coverts are longer than the entire body of the bird, and extend far beyond the tip of the tail, which is of normal length. Loose and slender, they cross each other above the end of the tail, and thence diverging gradually, form a long, gracefully curving train which hangs below the bird while he perches upright on a branch and ripple gaily behind him as he flies. The outer tail feathers are pure white and contrast with the crimson belly as he flies overhead. To complete the splendor of his attire, reflections of blue and violet play over the glittering metallic plumage of back and head, when viewed in favorable light..."
Our stomachs feeling empty by 11:00 that morning, we decided to visit my favorite trout restaurant along the Savegre River for fresh trout. The lunch and beverages along with seven species of nectar sipping hummingbirds refueled us for our trip back to Santo Domingo.
I’m planning my third trip to Costa Rica, and the Ticos tell me that after the third trip, many people make Costa Rica their home. Ten thousand American seniors are collecting their Social Security checks in Costa Rica where the exchange rate is favorable and the birding is easy.
March 25, 2007
Our fully subscribed "Wings Along the Merrimack" was graced with mild weather on Sunday morning. We gathered, then consolidated. The 15 participants, including two young naturalists, were enthusiastic and well prepared for our morning adventure. We proceeded to Spring Lane for stunning looks at "Big Tom" with a long beard in good light; he’s the well-fed Wild Turkey at the Pumping Station. We had Wood Duck in their usual spring spot. The Great Cormorants were looking dashing with their white throat patches and flank patches, their finery, on "their favorite stanchion". The Dark-eyed Juncos, a Song Sparrow and an American Tree Sparrow were foraging. We had Common and Red-breasted Mergansers in the flat water.
We stopped at the Chain Bridge area and caught a glimpse of a Cooper’s Hawk; a Red-winged Blackbird was on a high perch announcing it’s Spring along with a few Turkey Vultures rocking over the pines. The participants spoke of their Bald Eagle viewing opportunities when winds were bitter and the mighty Merrimack was thick with ice.
We headed to where the Lower Artichoke meets the mighty Merrimack and had prolonged looks at a crimson helmeted Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Ring-necked Ducks, Mallards and American Black Ducks. There were vocal Northern Cardinals, Tufted Titmice and Blue Jays announcing their presence with hormones on the rise and breeding on their minds.
Our next vantage point was a high ridge that afforded us fabulous views of the river where we enjoyed Great Cormorants in flight and successfully fishing. Petite and on the decline, the Buffleheads were comical with their diving antics. We observed a handsome chestnut and silver adorned, drake Gadwall that was preening, and the skilled anglers, the mergansers, were successful every time. The reflections of merganser, cormorant and Bufflehead were appreciated by our artist’s eye. We chatted about different foraging styles and flight styles along with wing-loading.
This river is an important regional focus in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In New Hampshire, the central-southern part of the state is known as the Merrimack Valley Region. In Massachusetts, the "Lower Merrimack Valley" refers to a cluster of towns and small cities in the northeastern part of the state that host Bald Eagles and the historic fledging of Merri and Mack. Our discussion evolved to the health and vitality of the river, and we appreciated its the beauty. The headwaters of this 110-mile-long river rise at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee Rivers in Franklin, New Hampshire, and flow into Massachusetts and empty into the Atlantic Ocean at Newburyport.
We meandered along River Road to Rocks Village in historic East Haverhill. We crossed the bridge where Cliff Swallows will return to breed next month. We enjoyed a brief visit to that quaint village that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rocks Village was settled in 1643, and a ferry was established shortly thereafter. Rural Georgian architecture and other structures of interest include the hand-cranked drawbridge, the former post office and general store and the pumphouse. In the 18th century, Rocks Village was an important maritime site; several shipyards were located along the banks of the river. It was a center for commerce for both imported and exported goods. Comb manufacturing took place in the village.
One particpant shared a story about some of the homes in the village having secret rooms or a way of entering and exiting without being seen. Some of the owners of those houses were involved in the Underground Railroad, that vast network that aided fugitive slaves escape as far north as Canada. It effectively moved hundreds of slaves northward each year – according to one estimate, the South lost 100,000 slaves in a forty year span [1810 - 1850].
We also spoke of the rum-runners of Rocks Village. Rum-running was the business of smuggling or transporting alcoholic beverages illegally, usually to circumvent taxation or prohibition. The term usually applies to transport of goods over water and then over land.
We observed the river as we chatted about its woven history, its value and the natural history of the birds we encountered. Madeline, an eight year old, pastel cloaked naturalist, showed off her "Bird Festival", an illustrated checklist, as we did our trip summary. It was a list any art teacher would value. The American Black Duck sported red legs; the male Cardinal had a fine crest, and the compact Bufflehead was complete and well documented with a head named for the European Wild Ox.
Don’t sleep in on Sunday mornings! Go birding. Birding is good for you! You’ll meet nice people; your mind stays sharp by observing, appreciating and identifying; you’ll enjoy the seasons more and birding stimulates your sense of wonder.
March 15, 2007
Our monthly, volunteer-led walk at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was billed as "Ides of March" Birding."We gathered at Lot #1 under a still gray sky with mild and gentle rain. The temperature was in the high thirties. I had been alerted to the road closure by phone earlier in the day; I knew our route would be abbreviated.
We headed to the boat ramp; the tide was low. We had great looks at Buffleheads; they took flight, and the drakes’ revealed their white patch across the wing and their white bellies. The hens’ inner secondaries were white. We also had Red-breasted Mergansers diving for dinner there.
We proceeded slowly south to a Snowy Owl perched at the edge of the marsh. This bird was surveying the area from a slightly elevated rise. We chatted about Norm Smith’s Snowy Owl Project and the natural history of this arctic breeder.
The pannes had a nice assortment of waterfowl, and the Green-winged Teal were appreciated. It was nice to see American Wigeons there again. The Northern Pintails put on a nice show.
Continuing south, sparrows flitted about; we saw Swamps and Songs. We were rewarded with a male Northern Harrier roadside just prior to the Wardens. This gray ghost was listening for a squeak of its prey, a vole. We observed the tubular shaped body, the facial discs, the gray plumage above and the white with chestnut spotting below. I was impressed by the yellow-orange, long legs of this raptor of open habitat We watched the bird at length -- the best views I’ve ever had. It took flight; the wing tips and the tips of the secondaries were ink black. We observed its white rump patch, its long tail and its long wings. A female Northern Harrier buoyantly transected the marsh, providing a comparision for a discussion of their plumage.
A pair of Hooded Mergansers were diving at the Wardens’ pool. We proceeded to the North Pool and had stunning looks at a drake Ring-necked Duck. A few more Hoodies were there, and we watched the drakes’ crests rise and fall while they foraged. The Gadwall were looking dapper. Near the entrance to the birdbanding station, there were an Eastern Phoebe on the gate and a Fox Sparrow up the path on the left.
At Hellcat, a White-throated Sparrow was singing from the tree planted in memory of Steve Leonard, and juncos roamed about in the grass. The sky brightened briefly.
"Ides of March" didn’t evoke a dark mood, it was certainly enjoyable and productive, and the birds we saw were appreciated during this transitional time.
Other sightings included:
European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin
On my way out, I had many deer, a rabbit, heard a single "peent" of American Woodcock and a brief braying from a Ring-necked Pheasant.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Essex County’s Ornithological Club's Bald Eagle outing was along the Merrimack River. We were blessed with a warm, February sun and mild weather. Alison and Sue were the guides du jour.
We gathered at the Park & Ride in Newburyport. After making sure all were present and accounted for, we promptly headed to Spring Lane's viewing area. Once out of our cars, we immediately saw Bald Eagles soaring over the river. We proceeded to a flat, observation area, set up the scopes and our outing unfolded. The eagles soared, bathed and perched in pines and decidious trees alike, affording outstanding looks for all. We saw them attempt to secure prey by stooping.
We focused on an adult Bald Eagle with yellow eyes, yellow cere and yellow feet sitting on a sturdy branch as a sentinel of the river. We were able to observe its large bill, an adaptation for feeding on large fish without putting its head in the carcass. We watched younger eagles playing aggressively with each other.
The homes and historic boathouses along Point Shore in Amesbury were ideal landmarks for getting people on the birds while we followed the cadence of their wingbeats. We heard their weak, stuttery call. Spring Lane was busy with new-to-birding, enthusiastic viewers. We shared our scopes with them.
There were divers that savor fish in the area. On the Great Cormorants' Sunday menu was catfish. Several Common Mergansers were loafing, and some preened on the rocks. We had a Red-tailed Hawk soaring high over the Route 95 Bridge.
It was a delightful few hours of camaraderie while watching America's symbol of freedom!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
In the morning's cold and wind, as a volunteer, Sue led her annual, Bald Eagle Adventure for PRNWR. Fourteen eager and intrepid participants gathered at Newburyport's Public Boat Launch. This two hour program was designed for children 6 and up and their guardians. I was pleased to meet Ben, Emma and Isaiah, my young participants. They were cloaked in layers, had warm footwear, mittens and hats, and they were enthusiastic, excited and eagled-eyed. We were going to search birds honed for speed with curved bills and yellow legs, the symbol of our great nation!
We consolidated to be good stewards of the environment. Then we were off to Ferry Landing to utilize the boats and their petroleum-based shrink wrap to our advantage – our shield to lessen the harsh winds. We were ready to observe, appreciate and identify our nation's symbol in the warmth of February's sun. We quickly got on two adult birds and one 2nd year bird in their favorite tree. It was helpful to the participants to immediately see the differences in plumage and to hear their vocalizations. I had visual aids to assist in the interpretation of these powerful birds. We discussed the eagles' vision, their skills as pirates and the importance of the swift current of the mighty Merrimack River.
There were two eagles soaring up river, and five were on the far shore feeding on a carcass. At one point, we witnessed feathers adrift in the morning's wind, a perfect backdrop to our discussion on diet. The eagle feeds on fish, ducks, geese and carrion. The birds vied for their chance to feed. We witnessed the scuffle, noticed hierarchy in the pecking order and some bullying.
We proceeded to the end of Jefferson Street where the river narrows and watched three eagles playfully in flight. A tawny, butterscotch-hued Bald Eagle landed on a snag, and we got excellent looks at its dark head, dark bill, powerful legs and talons. The bird vocalized and took flight.
I was thrilled to have a fully-subscribed program and a waiting list long enough for another program. The interest in the Merrimack River as host to our nation's symbol has accelerated, helped by free programs, community festivals and by articles in the local newspapers. Through education, enforced environmental laws and the improved health of this river, these majestic birds now thrive along the lower Merrimack River.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
We meandered along Maine's craggy coast to get our annual, stunning looks at Harlequin Ducks enhanced by sunlight. And rewarded we were as they loafed on rocks in the churning sea. They preened at low tide, and their gray-blue feet were easily seen. Behind and above them on an enrobed rock, 60 Purple Sandpipers were asleep, having found refuge out of the wind. We enjoyed our winter picnic at Perkins Cove.
Rugged are the Harlequins! They're torrent dwellers of swift flowing, rocky streams and rivers in spring and summer and of the wildly jagged coasts in winter. I think of them as compact clowns in choppy water.
They have long-term pair bonds; most of the adults are paired prior to leaving the sea. In mid-April, these Harlequins abandon the rough coast and head to nest near rushing rivers. The female cares for the young. Harlequins are strongly philopatric [faithful to site] to their breeding, wintering and molting sites.
These bouyant swimmers bob their heads while paddling forward. Their fondness for rough water makes them exceptional among waterfowl. As surface divers, they feed on some fish, crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic insects. Harlequins can pry mollusks from rocks, a feat which other sea ducks are unable to accomplish.
This extravagantly colored, small, sea duck is named for the character in early Italian pantomime. At the Cliff House, these jesters are playful and hop from rock to rock.
The drakes' white markings on the glossy finish of their blue-gray plumage is outlined in black. The flanks are a rich, chestnut color. The short bill is gray-blue with a faint yellow, small nail. Their forehead is sloped with a round crown. The stubby tall is tilted upward. A white collar encircles the lowest portion of their neck.
From a distance, when swimming in dappled waters, males often can be overlooked. They ride high in the turbulence, and their hind third seems to ride lower.
In Chris Leahy's "The Birdwatcher's Companion to North American Birdlife", he states that the male Harlequin Duck is "arguably the most strikingly patterned duck in existence."
January 2007
Every winter to add color to my world, I force bulbs. This year my bulbs are pale when compared to the plumage of two warblers that have brightened my dun-colored, lackluster winter.
"The point"or "almost an island", the Native American term for Nahant, is the rocky peninsula that juts out into Massachusetts Bay. This town was settled in 1630 as a section of Lynn; it was used for grazing animals. Nahant became a maritime community with a small population devoted to fishing. In 1853, Nahant incorporated as a separate town. In the late 19th century, it was home to some of the country's first amusement parks as well as a popular summer retreat for the elite.
Many notables were fond of Nahant: Author Cleveland Amory; Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.; Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and President Calvin Coolidge. Most of these were famous summer residents; now a winter notable is welcomed by the locals. The "Western" Wilson's Warbler sojourning in Nahant is brilliantly handsome with gold-yellow plumage. It's affectionately called "Willy" or "Wilson" by locals and is well fostered by the faithful caterers of the larval form of the mealworm bettle and the suet cakes prepared with fat from the loins and kidneys of animals that graze. This warbler is served by Henry Hall, Linda Pivacek and those "Mealworms on Wheels" volunteers who deliver faithfully on schedule.
Rick Heil states "The Wilson's Warbler that has been present at Nahant is almost certainly of one or the other western subspecies, either the widespread pileolata (Alaska to New Mexico) or the coastal Pacific chryseola (British Columbia to California). Linda Pivacek alerted me both to the birds continued presence, it's unusual plumage, and it's likely subspecific origin. I went and easily found it today (10 Jan. 07) and I agree with Linda. The bird is quite unlike the usual pale lemon yellow eastern boreal nominate subspecies pusilla. It has instead rather very deep golden-yellow underparts, and even a fairly strong orange tinge to the forehead, supraloral and loral area, throat, and even a hint on the breast. It is probably a male by the color (blackish) and extent of the cap, in addition to the overall brightness, although there is overlap between the sexes in these regards, especially in the western races. I have never before seen a Wilson's Warbler so colored in the Northeast. The call note, which it gives frequently, is also unlike what I am used to hearing from Northeastern pusilla, a harsher and more nasal "tschimp". Neither Griscom & Snyder (1955) or Veit & Petersen (1993) list any specimen or possible sight records of 'Western' Wilson's Warbler for Massachusetts. Geographically, the widespread pileolata is probably the more likely although from the few photos I've seen the bird also matches chryseola fairly well. I would imagine that there is plenty of overlap in these characters and it may be impossible to say with certainty which it is beyond 'Western' Wilson's'. The bird is present in the thicket on private (but respectfully accessible) property off Walton Street adjacent to the Audubon Thicket."
As a winter bird observer, I layer in fibers from threads of grazing animals [wool] and high-tech sources [micro fleece] and stand fixed in amazement by this energetic sprite that forages in single digits. This hearty one is clad in efficient layers of temperature control – its own aggregate of feathers, its plumage. It wears a tightly woven beanie like a high-ranking member of the clergy – a simple, black skull cap.
Seemingly indifferent to my presence, this gleaming, yellow, avian tennis ball contently foraged in what must appear to this less than five inch, feathered jewel as a mountain of woodchips with a few mealworms scattered about. As I admired it, "Wilson" took short flights with no hesitation to the suet cage and then flitted to the mealworm feeder. When the bird was stationary, its tail was switching and twitching. The bill appears stubbier than other warblers that are less brilliantly yellow. The black eye seems very round and large because of the sharp contrast to its golden-yellow face.
David A. Sibley states that this bird tips the scale at 0.27 ounces. It is a winterized featherweight that is resilient and efficient. Its menu is provided by efforts of dedicated and gentle observers who appreciate both its field marks and its life history. I'm grateful for the selected menu, the nourishment that keeps coming: protein – mealworms – and furnace firing fat – suet. Watching this bird's behavior uplifted me on a winter's day, and I'm indebted to Alexander Wilson [1766-1813], a passionate forefather of American bird study. I'll savor the memory of this spark, a warbler, full of grace and finesse with feathers designed for insulation as well as flight.
Another warbler is wintering in Cambridgeport; this one carries John Kirk Townsend's name. Townsend [1809-1851] hailed from a well-educated Philadelphia family. Townsend trained to be a physician and pharmacist, and he would have found Cambridge very welcoming. His passion for natural history and bird collecting in particular would have been appreciated there.
Thomas Nuttall relocated to Cambridge from Philadelphia in 1823 to serve as the curator of the Botanic Garden at Harvard University. Nuttall invited Townsend to join him along with Nathaniel Wyeth on the 1833 expedition westward over the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. On this journey, Townsend acquired birds that were all new to science, and the Townsend's Warbler was one of this assemblage.
The Townsend Warbler has been documented in Cambridge before – "1 male, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, 4 May 1978" per Veit and Petersen's "Birds of Massachusetts". Even December records are in the same text from communities to the west and south – in Framingham in 1987 and in Falmouth in 1991.
Cambridgeport is bounded by Massachusetts Avenue and the Charles River. That river separates Boston from Cambridge and Charlestown and purls snakelike from Hopkinton through more than fifty some odd communities. The Charles River basin is New England's most densely populated river basin.
Cambridgeport is just is a stop or two on the "T" from Boston, and many birders had access to the Townsend's Warbler in a neighborhood with a diversified mix of students who come and go, mostly graduate students from neighboring MIT and Harvard. There are newly settled young professionals and those residents of many years on Pleasant and Laurel Streets.
The bird was hopping about in a decidious tree at the corner of Laurel and Pleasant Streets. I was alerted to it and watched it, a Townsend's Warbler with classic field marks. The dark cheek patch was outlined in yellow; the crown was dark on a big head. It had white wingbars and a plump body. I watched it pick, cling, flutter and hover; it had mannerisms much like a kinglet. A curious gray squirrel was scouting about in the same tree. Was there some seed in the crevices that had been placed there by a hoarder? The squirrel was probing in the same area that the warbler was scrutinizing. Townsend's Warbler is documented to eat a few seeds and plant galls per Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye. This bird settled in the right yard. The menu is decidedly an upscale operation, Zagat - rated compared to the winterized diet of our Yellow-rumped Warblers' berries, sap and seed.
The temperatures have plummeted, and the winds wallop us. This Pacific Northwest visitor continues to provide great looks and perform so well as viewers focus, calling out field marks of this appreciated, displaced, brightly colored gleaner. Birders arrive hopeful and unannounced. Some linger, and many, with their wish met, depart.
The provisions for a guest that weighs in at only one third of an ounce are portioned and patterned by its devoted hosts Jane Orr and Lou Cohen. Lou and Jane's hospitality is suited for royalty. I'll fondly remember the Townsend's Warbler of Cambridgeport as will the respectable, respectful observers, the birding community.
February 2007
It's in early spring – late March in particular – when I see American Pipits in Newbury. They're the ground gleaners of those muddy, farm fields. A bird of early spring, the wet and muddy season...
However, this morning, the American Pipits skidded on the frozen meadow along Scotland Road in Newbury. I know them as the flocks found on the ground in sparsely vegetated areas like wet meadows, plowed agricultural field, shores and tundra. I link them to treeless, even harsh environments as a breeder in the alpine and arctic tundra. I've seen them in alpine meadows in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado; and on exposed mountain tops in New England, Mount Washington in New Hampshire and on Mount Katahdin in Maine where they are considered to be endangered. They are in flocks by the hundreds at Vermont's Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in October.
I've heard and read many monikers for the American Pipit over the years:
"American Titlark", "Hudsonian Wagtail", "Brown Lark", "Red Lark", and some of these are right on the mark when you translate them, using Oxford's "A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names":
American Pipit – Anthus rubescens [Latin]
Anthus = small bird that inhabits grasslands; rubescens = blushed or reddish
American Pipit – Anthus spinoletta
Anthus = small bird that inhabits grasslands; spinoletta [Italian] = "little titlark"
Their characteristics include long, dark legs and a long, slender bill on a pointed face. In flight, they have a long, brown tail with worn, white, outer tail feathers, and the wings are blackish with buffy edges. I noticed an eye-line that seems angled upward toward the back on the face and is a fine line of feathers in front of and behind the eye.
Hunch-back in appearance, they resembled the children I had passed earlier who waited for their school bus and were overburdened by their backpacks. In the cold, they stood with their backs to that gusty wind created by those swift vehicles that passed.
The pipit flock faced the wind so as not to expose their epidermis and at times were blown aback. These birds gleaned the solid ground at the edge of the ice. They wandered, pumping their tails, in search of seeds or forbs. In the spring when they visit this wet meadow, there is more to select from: flies, grasshoppers, ants, moths, beetles, spiders, worms and caterpillars. In milder times, they'll seek aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates from ponds; mucky, flooded fields and edges of streams.
American Pipits are usually cryptic in that wet, muddy habitat but not on this 9 degree morning in February. They are out and about, foraging on the edge of a frozen, seamless slab of gray ice. It had been water in January. They were busy with food on their minds. I followed them easily through my window-mounted scope. I focused on their legs and feet on the ice. Thinking about their efficient, circulatory system, I sensed my nose and clad hands tingle.
Birds' toes and feet reflect their lifestyle. Pipits have an elongated hallux [hind claw]. I watched these birds walk forward on ice only to be blown aback by the wind. At times, they were slipping and sliding as they faced the wind. They moved very quickly – even with agility – across that ice.
I likened them to speedracers wearing black Roces, those long-bladed, Italian racing skates. The pipits were dressed in dark, lightweight, tight, insulated garb. Even their posture was much like speed-skaters: hunched over, legs apart, "on the mark" and slightly pigeon toed in that form-fitting attire. The front toes were facing forward, and the long, hind claw extended back toward the dark tail. They were wearing long-blade skates on long, black legs like those compression tights worn by speedskaters.
Mark Elbroch's "Bird Tracks & Signs" measures the American Pipit's track at 1 3/8 to 1 1/2 inches in length and 5/8 to 7/8 inches in width. The hind toe [toe #1] measures 1/4 to 5/16 of an inch. The toe arrangement is anisodactyl. Elbroch states that the metatarsal weakly registers or is absent altogether, and the long claw on toe # 1 is an important characteristic.
In the recently conserved "Wet Meadow" on Scotland Road, these breeders of the alpine regions on the tops of tall, cold mountains are hearty enough for the elements of this habitat in February.