Essex County & Southern New Hampshire Bird Sightings - October 22, 2014

Ruddy Duck by Phil Brown

American Coot by Phil Brown

Brant by Margo Goetschkes

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Brant, Pied-billed Grebe Canada, Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue 
Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, 
Greater Yellowlegs, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker,
Merlin, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Northern Mockingbird, American Pipit, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler,
Eastern Towhee 

Pine Island Road, Newbury:
Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wood Duck

Ash Street Swamp, West Newbury:
American Coot, Wood Duck

Temple Street, Newburyport:
Great Horned Owl

Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH:
Brant, Canada Goose, Common Eider, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,  
Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Hairy Woodpecker, Merlin, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush,   
Brown Thrasher, American Pipit, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Orange-crowned Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, 
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Nelson's Sparrow,  
Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting  

Middle Road, Byfield:
Wood Duck

Pike's Bridge Road Area, West Newbury:
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Canada Goose, American Woodcock 

Urban Forestry Center, Portsmouth, NH:
Indigo Bunting, Osprey, Eastern Phoebe,  Ruby-crowned Kinglet,  Hermit Thrush, American Robin,  Northern Mockingbird, Common Yellowthroat,  Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel, House Finch

Elm Street, Salisbury:
Killdeer, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Siskin, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Northern Flicker, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Killdeer, Blue Jay, Mallard, Swamp Sparrow

Various Areas in Nahant:
Cooper's Hawk, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Indigo Bunting, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Wilson's Snipe, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Phoebe, LeConte's Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Peregrine Falcon,
Cooper's Hawk

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Osprey, Razorbill, Brant, Canada Goose, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Western Kingbird, Swallow species, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackbird species, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin

Salisbury Beach State Reservation: 
Cooper's Hawk, Northern Flicker, Purple Sandpiper, Killdeer, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Dark-eyed Junco, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Phoebe, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Brown-headed Cowbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Dunlin, Greater Yellowlegs, Peregrine Falcon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron

Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport:
Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, Double-crested Cormorant

Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir, West Newbury: 
Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Pine Siskin, Swamp Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Belted Kingfisher

Various Areas in Merrimac:
Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Purple Finch, Cooper's Hawk, Pine Siskin, Downy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Carolina Wren

Artichoke Reservoir Area, West Newbury: 
Greater White-fronted Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse Blue Jay, Pine Siskin, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe 

Various Areas in Marblehead:
American Robin, Red-eyed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Golden Eagle, Gray Catbird, Northern Flicker, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow  


Fellows Road, Ipswich:
Blue-Headed Vireo, Eastern Bluebird, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Newburyport Harbor:
Green-winged Teal, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Black-bellied Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Hudsonian Godwit,
Dunlin, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Bonaparte's Gull

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, American Coot, Killdeer, Pectoral Sandpiper,  Ring-billed Gull,  Herring Gull, American Pipit, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow

Saw-whet Owls Are Migrating - October 20, 2014

Northern Saw-whet Owl by Dave Adrien


This afternoon while viewing the White-fronted Goose in West Newbury, a mobbing band of Blue Jays alerted me to a Saw-whet Owl in
an oak tree.  Gratefully, others were in the area and were able to get a look at this petite owl.

Thanks to Dave Adrien for capturing the moment!


Northern Saw-whet Owl by Dave Adrien

Complimentary Bird Walk and Book Reading with Doug Chickering



Date:  Sunday, November 30, 2014
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Meeting Location: Meet at the last, large parking lot on the left near the pavilion at Salisbury Beach State Reservation


Doug Chickering will be leading a bird walk at Salisbury Beach State Reservation and reading from his book 
Reflections
On A Golden-Winged Warbler
.  Doug will sign copies of his books. 
Chickering’s essays bring to life our memories of our
best moments in the field, by describing his favorite moments in his characteristic, magical prose.  
This book will make 
a wonderful gift for a birder this holiday season.

Doug Chickering
Doug Chickering has for nearly three decades been a frequent and passionate birder and chronicler of Essex County, one of the most famous and historic birding locations in the world. His essays in the Newburyport Birders' newsletter were extremely popular. He has published his essays on birding in Winging It, Bird Observer and The Quail.  Doug is frequently invited to read his works on Ray Brown’s radio program Talkin’ Birds.


Here's what readers are saying about Doug's book:
“Birding is all about sharing the adventure, and in this collection of entertaining essays, Douglas Chickering has shown how varied the world of birding can be. A wonderful read for any birder.”
    —Don and Lillian Stokes, authors of The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America

“It was the magic of Doug Chickering’s prose, observed on the Massbird Listserv, that led ­me to begin reading them on my radio show and to inviting Doug to read some himself. How wonderful that many of his beautiful and thoughtful pieces have been assembled in this ­delightful book. I recommend Reflections on a Golden-Winged Warbler heartily to all who love birds and to all who enjoy wise and insightful observations expressed with beauty, ­eloquence, and a clearly-expressed love for our natural world.” 
    —Ray Brown, host of the Talkin’ Birds weekly radio show

“The short birding stories of Douglas Chickering are truly inspirational. He demonstrates the pure joy and exhilaration of coming face to face with a plethora of birds on his beloved Plum Island and surrounding countryside. I have had the privilege of birding Plum Island often with Doug, and even 20 years on, I still have wonderful memories of those halcyon days. If ever a man has demonstrated the delights of ‘Patch Birding’ it has to be Doug. This book is a must have for anyone wanting to share those emotions.”
    —Derek Moore, British ornithologist and nature conservationist

Essex County & Southern New Hampshire Bird Sightings - October 15, 2014

Grasshopper Sparrow by Brian Kushner


Purple Sandpiper by Brian Kushner


Dark-eyed Junco by John Gavin


Old Town Hill, Newbury:
Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Barred Owl, White-breasted Nuthatch

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Pine Warbler, White-throated Sparrow

Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport/Newbury:
Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, American Woodcock, Turkey Vulture, American Pipit, American Golden-Plover

Spring Lane, Newburyport:
Red-tailed Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Blue Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, Hermit Thrush

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Western Kingbird

Maple Street, Amesbury:
Red-tailed Hawk

Various Areas in Merrimac:
Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury:
Cooper's Hawk, American Pipit, Orange-crowned Warbler, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Killdeer

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Tennessee Warbler, Wood Thrush, Pied-billed Grebe, Clay-colored Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow,  Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, European Wigeon, American Wigeon, Wood Duck, Greater Scaup, Northern Shoveler, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harrier, Pine Siskin, American Pipit, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Cedar Waxwing, American Woodcock, Wild Turkey

Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH:
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, House Wren, Orange-crowned Warbler, Swainson's Thrush, Great Blue Heron, Yellow-breasted Chat,

Northern Parula, Golden-crowned Kinglet

Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area, Byfield:
Dark-eyed Junco, American Woodcock, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret

Salem Street, Haverhill:
Evening Grosbeak

Various Areas in Nahant:
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, House Sparrow

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gray-checked Thrush, Stilt Sandpiper, Vesper Sparrow

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH:
Greater Scaup, American Wigeon

10th Street, Newbury:
Red Knot

Granite State Whale Watch out of Rye, NH:
Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Northern Gannet, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon

Salisbury Beach State Reservation:
Purple Sandpiper, Killdeer, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Dark-eyed Junco, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Phoebe, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Brown-headed Cowbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Dunlin, Greater Yellowlegs, Peregrine Falcon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Dunlin, Killdeer, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, American Black Duck, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Common Yellowthroat, Turkey Vulture, American Robin, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, European Starling, American Crow, Canada Goose, Northern Mockingbird, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Pectoral Sandpiper, Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird,  Yellow Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Phoebe, Mourning Dove,  Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brown Thrasher, House Wren, Cooper's Hawk, House Finch

Appleton Farm, Ipswich/Hamilton:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,
Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker,
Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren,
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Pipit,
Cedar Waxwing, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

Snowy Owl Project Fundraiser


Fields of Grass & Wildflowers

Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources 
found that corn and perennial grassland fields in the southern part of Wisconsin provide biomass for 
bioenergy production and bird habitat.  In fact, fields with plentiful grasses and wildflowers supported 
more than three times as many bird species as cornfields, including 10 species needing great conservation 
found only in the grasslands.

Here's the link:

http://www.news.wisc.edu/23194

Good birding,
Sue

Hawk Attacks a Drone



NEWBURYPORT BIRDERS' NATURE SHOP

Newburyport Birders' Nature Shop is operated in conjunction with
Thayer Birding Software and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
Now all of your birding and nature needs are just a click away.

We've got gifts for Mom, Dad and young naturalists! There are
plenty of gift items: jewelry, note cards and special items for
encouraging young naturalists.

We stock field guides to birds, butterflies, dragonflies and
wildflowers. Our binoculars and spotting scopes are available in all
price ranges. We also have binoculars for children and telescopes for
astronomy enthusiasts. Our bookshelf holds titles on ornithology,
conservation, ecology, including newly released books. We offer an
assortment of bird feeders for your backyard sanctuary, items for
those with a green thumb and a selection of products to encourage
everyone to enjoy the outdoors.

By shopping online, you'll save time so you can enjoy the season
more. Today take time to explore the Newburyport Birders' Nature Shop at:
www.newburyportbirders.com

OCTOBER IS ACTIVE


Beavers are foraging in the late afternoons, caching for the winter. 

Wood Ducks are heading south. 


Wood Duck by Bob Stymeist
American Tree Sparrows arrive for Halloween. White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos have arrived! Goldfinches are flitting in birches - they love those catkins. Waterfowl numbers peak this month. Skunks and Northern Flickers are foraging for grubs in lawns.

Turkey Vultures are aloft in the afternoons. 

Chipmunks are scurrying around, looking for a winter burrow.

Nantucket Birding Festival



Nantucket Birding Festival 2014
Thursday, Oct. 16 - Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 
Join the birding fun! The Nantucket Birding Festival is the perfect venue for both novice and experienced birders to learn and hone their skills in the intimate setting of Nantucket Island. You will enjoy some of the finest birding on the eastern seaboard in the company of great teachers and leaders.
What’s INCLUDED in your Registration:
  • All field trips (except for Great Point) transportation accompanied by friendly, expert leaders on Fri., Sat. and Sun. morning and Fri. and Sat. afternoon as well as the Barn Owl Prowl on Fri. night
  •  Morning recaps and checklist session of what each trip saw-highlights before and during lunch on Fri, and Sat.
  • Lunches on Fri. and Sat. at The Westmoor Club
  • Dinner on Thurs. and Fri. nights at The Westmoor Club
  • Keynote Speaker, Norman Smith at The Atheneum on Saturday night at 7 P.M.-transportation to and from The Westmoor Club
All field trips depart and end at The Westmoor Club at 10 Westmoor Lane. The Westmoor Club and Westmoor Lane are 1.3 miles west of downtown, off of Cliff Road:
thewestmoorclub.com
What’s NOT INCLUDED in your registration:
  • Housing
  • Travel to/from Nantucket
  • Dinner on Saturday Night
  • Breakfasts
  • Cash Bar at The Westmoor Club
  • Great Point Trip additional $60

HOW TO GET HERE:
Hy-Line Cruises is offering discounted ticket prices for Birding Festival participants
Adult: $61 RT or $36 OW
Special Parking Rate at the ferry terminal for $5 a day
To make reservations call 800-492-8082 and tell them you are a part of the Nantucket Birding Festival.

TRIP LEADERS
The trip leaders all are great teachers and very skilled birders!
More on the Trips Leaders:






Nantucket Birding Festival Field Trip Descriptions - 2014 
WEST END: Migration Magic at the West End
This trip will visit Smith’s and Jackson’s Points at the western tip of Nantucket. Depending on the wind direction the previous night, we will tweak our route and visit the areas that have the most birds. This area generally has the most visible land bird migration on the island and many mornings during the fall migration is spectacular. In past festivals this migratory funnel has consistently produced lots of birds and many unusual species. It is leisurely, easy walking on small dirt roads. No two trips are the same here and it can vary from hour to hour with migrating birds! It is worthwhile to visit this area often! 
EAST END: Falcons, Gulls and Migrant Landbirds
Great scenery and generally fantastic views of resting and hunting Peregrine Falcons and Merlins makes this trip a must.  The falcons sit on cliffs or rooftops and scan out to sea watching and waiting for wayward and tired landbirds to make a landfall. The falcons intercept them out over the ocean and dramatic life and death chases ensue with the outcome always uncertain. This area is also often loaded with migrant landbirds that have made their way back to land and they are feeding with a purpose and also a good area to find Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the island. 
SHOREBIRD: Shorebirds, Sandpipers, Plovers, Gulls, and Marauding Falcons
This trip is the most strenuous of the field trips and requires robust walking in soft sand for perhaps a mile. The rewards for this effort are beautiful vistas, a wide variety of migrant waders and a very enjoyable walk in a picturesque conservation area. Almost anything is possible on the flats; shorebirds, rare gulls and terns are a distinct possibility.
MID-ISLAND: Open Country Birds and Puddle Ducks, A Little Bit of Everything
This trip takes you to fields, farmland, thickets, gardens and ponds to search for lots of birds. Easy walking on farm roads and dirt roads in search of sparrows, finches, buntings, grosbeaks, flycatchers, pipits and marauding raptors. This mid-island area can be very productive. The brackish waters of Hummock Pond, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, are excellent feeding grounds for a variety of waterfowl and depending on water levels, shorebirds as well.
SALTMARSHES: Water Bird Quest
This trip will target some less frequently birded locales looking for waders, herons and landbirds. The Monomoy Creeks, Folger’s Marsh, The University of Massachusetts Field Station and other places are all likely to be visited. These areas have all had great birds and Folger’s Marsh is a magnet for rarities including North America’s first Western Reef Heron as well a Little Egret found this May.  
BANDING: A Bird in the Hand! Bird Banding Demonstration
This is a unique opportunity to join Dr. Richard Veit and be up close and personal with a bird in the hand. Come watch as the birds are removed from the mist nets, weighed, measured, banded and then released. This fascinating hands-on experience is great for photography and as a way to hone your identification skills by seeing field marks so closely. 
GREAT POINT: Limited to 7 participants per trip; additional $60 fee
Venture down this scenic beach, accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle, and bird at the protected beach habitat of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, protected by The Trustees of Reservations. Mile after mile of remote beach, marsh, and ocean roll by capped by the sight of the Great Point Lighthouse. This is a very special trip to one of Nantucket’s special places where you can see marauding falcons, jaegers, sea ducks, gray seals and more. 
BARN OWL PROWL: - Friday Night 8-9 P.M.-limited to 10 participants
If you are not too tired from today’s trip we have had some people request a short owling trip. This will occur only if the weather conditions are favorable for finding these birds on this evening. We will make an attempt to view these nocturnal raptors near one of their roosting/nest boxes with a reasonable chance for success. First come, first served; a wait list will be maintained. 

Essex County & Southern New Hampshire Bird Sightings - October 8, 2014

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern 
Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon, Great Blue Heron,  Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Whimbrel, Razorbill, Caspian Tern

Elm Street, Salisbury:
Wood Duck, Spotted Sandpiper, Green-winged Teal, Eastern Phoebe, Mallard  

Merrimac Street, Newburyport:
Cooper's Hawk

Rogers Street, West Newbury:
Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant

Salisbury Industrial Park:
Blue-winged Teal

Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport:
American Pipit, Red-tailed Hawk, American Woodcock, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron

Route 1A, Salisbury:
Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Cooper's Hawk, White-breasted Nuthatch

Patmos Road, Rowley:
Red-tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Eastern Bluebird, Brown Creeper, Wild Turkey

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Rusty Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Wood Duck, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Eastern Phoebe 

Clark Pond, Ipswich:
Mute Swan, Gadwall, Rail species, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Gray Caybird, Cedar Waxwing

Pine Island, Newbury:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 

Sunset Boulevard, Newburyport:
Baird's Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, White-rumped Sandpiper, Black bellied Plover, Long-billed Dowitcher,
Semipalmated Sandpiper

Various Areas in Nahant:  

Orange-crowned Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow. Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Thrasher

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Clay-colored Sparrow, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Nelson's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pine Siskin, Northern Flicker, Dark-eyed Junco, Merlin, Northern Shoveler, American Bittern, American Golden-Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Blue-headed Vireo, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Greater Yellowlegs, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal

Cherry Hill Reservoir, West Newbury:
American Coot, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler

Plumbush Marsh, Newbury:
American-Golden Plover, American Pipit

Highland Road, Merrimac:
Eastern Bluebird, Downy Woodpecker, Chipping Sparrow, American Robin, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, Northern
Cardinal, Eastern Screech-Owl

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Pine Siskin, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Swamp Sparrow, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe

River Road, Ipswich:
Belted Kingfisher, Double-crested Cormorant, Eastern Phoebe, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull
 
Newburyport Harbor:
Hudsonian Godwit, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Dunlin,
Short-billed Dowitcher, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull 

Willowdale State Forest East Sector, Ipswich:
Green-winged Teal, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee,
Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-throated Sparrow,
Common Grackle

Selecting Nest Material for Camouflage

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have produced the first experimental evidence that birds (Zebra Finches) select nest construction materials to camouflage their nests.

Here's the link:

select nest-building materials by colour

Artificial Light Disrupts Birds' Reproductive Hormones

Birders,

Here's more evidence:

artificial light disrupts birds' sex hormones 

Dim the lights at night...

Good birding,
Sue

October/November Birding Programs

Sunset Birding at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Date: Sunday, October 5, 2014
Time: 3:00 pm to dark
Fee: $15 each
Meeting Location: At the boat ramp parking lot at Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Waterfowl are abundant at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Common Eiders and all three scoter species are often in large flocks. Loons and grebes are easily observed, and easterly winds bring in razorbills, gannets and sometimes kittiwakes. Purple Sandpipers gather on the jetties at high tide; Iceland and Glaucous Gulls can be seen in the cooler months. The campground area is a prime area for Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings. The pines along the marsh edge often harbor owls and hawks. On Badger's Rocks at low tide, we usually see Harbor Seals hauled out.

Sunset Birding at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2014
Time: 3:00 pm to dark
Fee: $15 each
Meeting Location: At the boat ramp parking lot at Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Wintering waterfowl are abundant at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Common Eiders and all three scoter species are often in large flocks. Loons and grebes are easily observed, and easterly winds bring in razorbills, gannets and sometimes kittiwakes. Purple Sandpipers gather on the jetties at high tide; Iceland and Glaucous Gulls can be seen in the cooler months.The campground area is a prime area for Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings. The pines along the marsh edge often harbor owls and hawks. On Badger's Rocks at low tide, we usually see Harbor Seals hauled out.
Monday Morning Birding
Date: Monday, October 13, 2014
Time: 9:30 am to noon
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at Parking Lot #1

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge during this interpretative program. The focus will be on field marks and where these migrants are headed. We'll be watching bird behavior at this premier, birding destination.  Dress in layers.

On the Wing 
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014
Time: 3:00 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at Parking Lot #1

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge during this interpretative program. The focus will be on field marks and where these migrants are headed. We'll be watching bird behavior at this premier, birding destination.  Dress in layers.

Morning Birding at Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm in Newbury 
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2014
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: The end of Little's Lane in Newbury - look for the Newburyport Birders' sign

We'll walk the agricultural fields in search of American Pipits, Horned Larks, sparrows and hawks.

Directions: In Newbury Center, head south on Route 1A and continue through the only set of lights.  Then take your first left onto
Little's Lane. 

Wings Over Water
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2014
Time: 3:00 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at Parking Lot #1

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge during this interpretative program. The focus will be on field marks and where these migrants are headed. We'll be watching bird behavior at this premier, birding destination.  Dress in layers.

Thanksgiving Morning Walk at Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm in Newbury
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2014
Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Fee: 2 for $20 
Meeting Location: At the end of Little's Lane in Newbury - look for the Newburyport Birders' A-Frame sign

We'll walk the agricultural fields in search of American Pipits, sparrows, hawks, Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.

Directions: In Newbury Center, head south on Route 1A and continue through the only set of lights.  Then take your first left onto Little's Lane.
Look at Every Bird at Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir 
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2014
Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: First parking area you encounter on Moulton Street in West Newbury - look for the Newburyport Birders' A-Frame sign

The Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir is a perfect setting for waterfowl viewing. This public water source hosts Ruddy Duck & Ring-necked Duck, and both spend the fall here in the hundreds. Other species that can be seen here are Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Scaup, Bufflehead, the occasional Canvasback, Redhead and merganser.

Essex County & Southern New Hampshire Bird Sightings - October 1, 2014

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) by Tim Spahr


New Hampshire Seacoast:
Canada Goose, Northern Pintail, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,  
Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Caspian Tern, Peregrine Falcon, Horned Grebe, Manx Shearwater, Yellow-breasted Chat, Chimney Swift

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Black Skimmer

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling

Steep Hill Beach, Ipswich:
Caspian Tern

Sweet Apple Tree Lane, Salisbury:
Gray Catbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Atkinson Common, Newburyport:
Cooper's Hawk, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Pipit, Pine Siskin, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, 
Caspian Tern, Wild Turkey, Great Egret, Green Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Harrier, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Killdeer, American Woodcock, Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, American Crow, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, American Goldfinch, Cedar Waxwing 

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Bluebird

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Cedar Waxwing, Cooper's Hawk, American Crow, Gray Catbird 

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Dark-eyed Junco, Brown Creeper, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Killdeer, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-bellied Plover, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Northern Mockingbird, Common Loon

Clark Pond, Ipswich:
Mute Swan, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Bald Eagle, Black-bellied Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, 
Black-capped Chickadee, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
American Crow, Blue Jay, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Turkey Vulture,  Downy Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Gray Catbird, House Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Harrier,  Killdeer,  Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk 

Newburyport Harbor:

Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher,
Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night-Heron, American Crow

Ferry Road, Salisbury: 
American Woodcock, Dark-eyed Junco, Wild Turkey, House Wren, Barred Owl

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Osprey, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Wood Duck, Red-eyed Vireo

Maple Street, Amesbury:
House Wren, Song Sparrow

Ring's Island, Salisbury:
Cedar Waxwing, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Greater Yellowlegs, American Goldfinch, Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull

Hay Street, Newbury:
Belted Kingfisher, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Hooded Merganser, Green Heron, Canada Goose

Low Street, Newburyport:
Turkey Vulture

Maple Street, Amesbury:
Cedar Waxwing, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Chipping Sparrow

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH: 
Dark-eyed Junco, Cooper's Hawk, Killdeer, Common Nighthawk 

Parker River, Newbury:
Cedar Waxwing, Double-crested Cormorant, American Goldfinch, Osprey, Mallard, Greater Yellowlegs, Belted Kingfisher, Chipping Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Phoebe, Downy Woodpecker, Gray Catbird

Andrew's Point, Rockport: 
American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Northern Gannet, American Golden-Plover, Common Tern, Peregrine Falcon, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe,  Cory's Shearwater, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Parasitic Jaeger, Black-legged Kittiwake, Bonaparte's Gull, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull

Passenger Pigeon Extinct



Once their miles long flocks darkened the skies for hours. But now they're
extinct. Artist, writer and world authority on bird and animal extinction 
ERROL FULLER. His new book THE PASSENGER PIGEON is not just a history of 
the extinction of North America’s most common bird, but really a celebration 
and a memorial to a unique species. All of Fuller’s books contain numerous 
photographs and unique artwork, tune in and find out why this is so important 
to him.

Please listen to this interview:
http://www.wicn.org/podcasts/audio/errol-fuller-passenger-pigeon