Newburyport Birders - May Update

Birders,

May, the month we birders live for... 

Up before dawn, in the field with bug spray and boots...

We've got those extra layers in the car for the cool mornings. 

Sleep deprived, but visually stimulated by the colorful wood warblers, orioles, grosbeaks and hummingbirds... 

It's here; it's migration; it's unfolding; it's May! 

Join us for the excitement of May birding...


MAY MIGRATION PROGRAMS


Blackburnian Warbler by Tim Spahr

Wednesday
 Evenings in Wild West Newbury
Dates: Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, & 25

Time: 6:00 pm to dusk
Fee: $15 
Meeting Location: Pike's Bridge Road parking area on Turkey Hill Road in West Newbury

We'll be exploring the Pike's Bridge Road area and other highly productive, birding locations in West Newbury during these evening programs. Some carpooling is involved. No facilities are available during this program.

Directions: From the Scotland Road exit off I-95, take Scotland Road heading west; then take an immediate right onto Turkey Hill Road. Drive north on Turkey Hill Road about half a mile to a large, dirt pull off on the left [this is where the road curves right]. Pike's Bridge Road is a dirt road with a metal gate across it which allows no vehicles to enter.
Indigo Bunting by Bob Stymeist

Marvels of Migration & Book Reading with Doug Chickering 



Date: Saturday, May 7 
Time: 5:00 pm to sunset 
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport at the observation deck at Parking Lot #1 
Free Program! 


Join Doug Chickering for an evening of birding and listen to Doug read from his book Reflections on a Golden-winged Warbler. Light refreshments will be served and copies of the book will be available for purchase and for Doug to sign. 

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 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 



The Birds of Oak Hill Cemetery 

Date: Sundays, May 8 & 15 
Time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am 
Meeting Location: Just inside the Parker Street entrance 
Fee: $15 

Oak Hill Cemetery is one of the best birding spots in Newburyport for songbirds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Beginners as well as seasoned birders are welcome. Loaner binoculars are available.



Birding Byfield's Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area 

Date: Sunday, May 29 
Time: 7:00 am to 10:00 am 
Meeting Location: First parking area by the buildings 
Fee: $15 

This 1500+ acre property consists of hardwood forest with understory. Rocky hills and small, fire ponds dot the property.  Sections of this property are poorly drained and seasonally wet. The headwaters of Cart Creek and the Little River are within the property. This property offers a wide range of nesting birds in old pasture and wooded tracts. We will walk at least 2.5 miles on fairly level, gravel roads, searching for breeding birds. Wear sturdy shoes; bring a hat, insect repellent and a beverage. 

Directions: Take Route 95 to the Central St/Byfield Exit. Follow Central Street east to Orchard Street (3/4 mile). Turn left onto Orchard Street and drive approx. 1 mile to the parking area on the left. 




West Newbury's Ash Street Swamp 

Date: Monday, May 30 
Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 am 
Fee: $15 
Meeting Location: At the corner of Main & Maple Streets in West Newbury Center ~ Maple Street isopposite the West Newbury Post Office. 

Join us as we search for birds at West Newbury's Ash Street Swamp. We'll listen to birdsong as well as use our trained eyes. Participants should have good hearing ability and be able to walk onunpaved terrain. The pace will be slow. Waterproof shoes are suggested. Please be prepared with a beverage, a long sleeved shirt, long pants, hat and bug repellent. 



Birds of Spring
By Watie W. Swanzy

Trooping o'er the meadows,
Chatter, chatter, chatter!
Greeting pussy willows,
Twitter, twitter, twitter!
Pluming each light wing,
Sipping at the spring,
Flitting here and there,
Sweet birds everywhere!

First awake at morning,
Chirping, chirping, chirping!
First to greet the day-king,
Trilling, trilling, trilling!
Then a happy fly
Far up in the sky,
Coming back to rest
And to take breakfast.

Choosing glossy mate,
Flatter, flatter, flatter!
In doubt which one to take,
Flutter, flutter, flutter!
Difficult task to do,
To find a mate that's true,
Perfect in every thing,
From bill to tip of wing.

Fixing up the old nests,
Busy, busy, busty!
Bringing sticks for new rests,
Hurry, hurry, hurry!
Bits of moss and thread
Make a downy bed
To roll the eggs about
While they're hatching out.

Watching the butterfly,
Slily, slily, slily!
Trying like birds to fly,
Silly, silly, silly!
As if a worm could vie
With birds that always fly,
Although their wings so quaint
With gaudy colors paint.

Singing to daisies white
Sweetly, sweetly, sweetly!
And to buttercups bright,
Gayly, gayly, gayly!
To snowdrops emerald set,
Crocus and violet,
Cheerily, cheerily sing,
Birds of the early spring. 


GIFT CERTIFICATES

Our Gift Certificates are always available for a private tour, our educational programs, birding basics, field study and birdwatching classes. 
What a great gift for the naturalists and birdwatchers in your family! Contact Sue at newburyportbirders@comcast.net or  978-204-2976.


BIRDING IS GOOD FOR YOU

There's a natural draw to appreciating birds. Get outside with Newburyport Birders; you'll observe, appreciate and identify birds. Birding is good for you!

Birding can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve concentration. Take a deep breath of fresh air, listen to the sounds of the birds and appreciate their colors. There are millions of active birdwatchers in the United States who collectively spend more money watching birds than all Americans spend on movie tickets.

Good birding, 
Sue


Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify 
Newburyport, MA 
www.newburyportbirders.com

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - April 28, 2016

Sora by Jeremiah Trimble














Kent Street, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Pike's Bridge Road, West Newbury:
Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blue Jay, Wood Duck, Mallard

County Road, Salisbury:
Glossy Ibis, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs

Lovering Road, North Hampton, NH:
Virginia Rail, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow

Union Street, Newburyport:
American Robin, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Tree Swallow, Dark-eyed Junco

Newman Road, Newbury:
Glossy Ibis, Virginia Rail 

Route 1, Topsfield:
American Woodcock, American Kestrel

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Brant, Eastern Towhee, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Flicker, Hermit Thrush

Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Palm Warbler, Wild Turkey, Brown-headed Cowbird, Wilson's Snipe 

Ash Street, West Newbury:
Sora, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Virgina Rail, Mallard with young

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Iceland Gull, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead

Wenham Canal, Wenham:
Double-crested Cormorant, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch  

Pease International Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH:
Upland Sandpiper, American Kestrel

River Road, West Newbury:
Belted Kingfisher, Wild Turkey

Labor-in-Vain Road, Ipswich:
Glossy Ibis, Chipping Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Green-winged Teal, Snowy Egret

Scotland Road, Newbury:
Ring-necked Pheasant

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Purple Martin, Western Grebe, Whooper Swan, Harlequin Duck,  Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Glossy Ibis, 
Snowy Egret, Snowy Owl, Fish Crow 

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Wild Turkey, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, 
Snowy Egret x Tricolored Heron, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Virginia Rail, Piping Plover, Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Pectoral Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Merlin, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee,  Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Marsh Wren, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Palm Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch


Shea Brother's Furniture, Essex:
Glossy Ibis

Rogers Street, West Newbury:
Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Lake Attitash, Merrimac/Amesbury:
Palm Warbler, Carolina Wren, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Mute Swan, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup

Cross Beach Road, Seabrook, NH:
Purple Martin, Tree Swallow

Route 1A, Newbury:
American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Wood Duck, American Crow

Various Areas in Manchester- by-the Sea:
Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Glossy Ibis, Broad-winged Hawk, Eastern Towhee, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Palm Warbler, 
Green-winged Teal, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow  

Crooked Pond, Boxford:
Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch

Beach Road, Salisbury:
Ring-necked Pheasant

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bufflehead, Pine Warbler, Common Loon, Eastern Towhee

Borthwick Avenue, Portsmouth, NH:
Virginia Rail

Hamlin Reservation, Ipswich:
Wood Duck, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, White-faced Ibis, Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Blue Jay, Hermit Thrush, Pine Warbler, Eastern Meadowlark

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Blue Jay, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Song Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Common Grackle, American Crow, Mallard, American Goldfinch, White-throated Sparrow

Powder House Pond, Exeter:
Barn Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Chimney Swift

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

J. B. Little Road, Groveland:
Hooded Merganser, Wilson's Snipe 

Cherry Hill Reservoir, West Newbury:
Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler

Various Areas in Marblehead:
Ruffed Grouse, Mallard, Black-crowned Night Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Herring Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, American Oystercatcher

Crow Lane, Newburyport:
American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Wild Turkey, Killdeer

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo

Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport:
Eastern Meadowlark

Route 97, Wenham:
Virginia Rail

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - April 21, 2016

Upland Sandpiper by Margo Goetschkes 

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Upland Sandpiper, Killdeer, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Pipit, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Willowdale State Forest - Eastern Sector, Ipswich: 
Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-shouldered Hawk, Virginia Rail, Herring Gull, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker,  Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Various Areas in Nahant:
American Kestrel, Northern Gannet

Route 1A, Rowley:
Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Bradley Palmer State Park, Hamilton:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, American Crow, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Wild Turkey

Miles River, South Hamilton:
Eastern Bluebird, Wood Duck, Mute Swan

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Wood Duck, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow

Pease International Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH:
Mountain Bluebird, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, Savannah Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, Palm Warbler, Ring-necked Duck, Hermit Thrush, Northern Flicker, Osprey 

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Bufflehead, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Scaup species, Turkey Vulture

Crow Lane, Newburyport:
American Kestrel, Turkey Vulture, Red-wing Blackbird, Red-tailed Hawk

Bear Hill Road, Merrimac:
American Kestrel

Ravenswood & Magnolia Woods, Gloucester:
Common Raven, Eastern Bluebird, Brown Creeper, Pine Warbler, Tree Swallow, Chipping Sparrow

Harris Street, Newburyport:
Fish Crow, Turkey Vulture

Kenoza Lake Area, Haverhill:
Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Loon

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Chipping Sparrow, Tree Swallow

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Chipping Sparrow, Carolina Wren, Dark-eyed Junco

George Burrows Brookside Sanctuary, South Hampton, NH:
Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker

Maudslay State Park, Newburyport:
Cedar Waxwing, Tufted Titmouse, Great Horned Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Western Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Red-throated Loon, Snowy Owl, Northern Gannet, Green-winged Teal, Piping Plover, American Pipit, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Dunlin, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Glossy Ibis, Snowy Egret 

J. B. Little Road, Groveland:

Rusty Blackbird, Eastern Phoebe, Pine Warbler, Brown Creeper, Wood Duck,  Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Accipiter species, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Winter Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Parula, Barn Swallow

River Road, West Newbury:
Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkey, Brown Creeper 

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Tree Swallow, Brant, Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Phoebe, House Finch, House Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Eastern Towhee

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - April 18, 2016

Chipping Sparrow by Phil Brown

Heritage Trail, Nahant:
American Kestrel

Route 1A, Rowley:
Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Bradley Palmer State Park, Hamilton:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Bald Eagle

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Wood Duck, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk 

Pease International Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH:
Mountain Bluebird, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, Savannah Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, Palm Warbler, Ring-necked Duck, Hermit Thrush, Northern Flicker, Osprey 

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Bufflehead, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Scaup species, Turkey Vulture

Crow Lane, Newburyport:
American Kestrel, Turkey Vulture, Red-wing Blackbird, Red-tailed Hawk

Bear Hill Road, Merrimac:
American Kestrel

Harris Street, Newburyport:
Fish Crow, Turkey Vulture

Kenoza Lake Area, Haverhill:
Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Loon

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Chipping Sparrow, Tree Swallow

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Pileated Woodpecker, Chipping Sparrow, Carolina Wren, Dark-eyed Junco

George Burrows Brookside Sanctuary, South Hampton, NH:
Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Western Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Red-throated Loon, Snowy Owl, Northern Gannet, Green-winged Teal, Piping Plover American Pipit, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Dunlin, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Glossy Ibis, Snowy Egret 

J. B. Little Road, Groveland:
Rusty Blackbird, Eastern Phoebe, Pine Warbler, Brown Creeper, Wood Duck,  Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Accipiter species, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Winter Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow

River Road, West Newbury:
Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkey, Brown Creeper 

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Tree Swallow, Brant, Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Phoebe, House Finch, House Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Eastern Towhee

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Pipit, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch,  
American Goldfinch

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - April 11, 2016

Pileated Woodpecker by Phil Brown

Bartlett Street, Salisbury:
Red-bellied Woodpecker 

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Common Raven, Eastern Towhee, Greater Yellowlegs, American Kestrel, Red-breasted Merganser, Peregrine Falcon, Mourning Dove, Tree Swallow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle,  American Goldfinch, American Woodcock, 
Purple Finch, Swamp Sparrow, Osprey

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Northern Harrier, Brant, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer, Common Eider

Mitchell Road, Ipswich:
Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Black-backed Gull, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Palm Warbler

Island Road, Essex 
American Black Duck, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, American Crow, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Northern Harrier

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Piping Plover, Tree Swallow, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Kestrel, Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Snowy Owl, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Egret  

Various Areas in Nahant:
Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury/Newburyport:
Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, American Kestrel, Pectoral Sandpiper

Town Farm Road, Ipswich:
Glossy Ibis, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe

Crooked Pond, Boxford:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, 
Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Pine Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch  

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH:
Pine Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Turkey Vulture, Wood Duck

Colby Pasture on Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe 

Carr & Ram Islands, Salisbury:
Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, Killdeer, Blue Jay

J. B. Little Road, Groveland:

Rusty Blackbird, Eastern Phoebe, Pine Warbler, Brown Creeper, Wood Duck,  Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Accipiter species, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Winter Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch

Pike's Bridge Road, West Newbury:
Blue-winged Teal, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Palm Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle

Argilla-Northgate-Essex Roads, Ipswich: 
Canada Goose, Mallard, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, American Robin, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird 

Pease Tradeport, Newington, NH:
Mountain Bluebird, Eastern Bluebird, Bald Eagle

Ferry Road, Salisbury:
Osprey

Boston & Middle Roads, Newbury:
American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Wilson's Snipe, Black-capped Chickadee, European Starling, American Robin

Willowdale State Forest - East Sector, Ipswich: 
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch  

Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area, Byfield:
Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, Hermit Thrush, House Sparrow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - April 7, 2016

Piping Plover by Rick Heil

Hay Street, Newbury:
Eastern Towhee

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Short-eared Owl, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Killdeer, Purple Martin, Merlin, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Northern Flicker, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Sandpiper species, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black Guillemot, Rock Pigeon, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, 
American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Purple Finch, House Sparrow

Lower Artichoke Area, West Newbury:
Wood Duck

Plum Island Point, Plum Island:
House Finch, Common Loon, Mourning Dove, Common Grackle

Scotland Road, Newbury:
Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Brant, Scoter species, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Northern Gannet, Cormorant species, Piping Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow    

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Cooper's Hawk, Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Fish Crow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling

Argilla-Northgate-Essex Roads, Ipswich: 
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Canada Goose, American Kestrel, Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, Eastern Meadowlark

Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport/Newbury:
Red-tailed Hawk 

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Red-throated Loon, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creeper 

Route 133, Ipswich/Essex:
Great Egret, Snowy Egret

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Northern Flicker 

Maudslay State Park, Newburyport:
Great Horned Owl

Kenoza Lake Area, Haverhill:
Eastern Phoebe, Dark-eyed Junco, Eastern Towhee, Northern Flicker, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Bufflehead, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Merganser

Rogers Street, West Newbury:
Snow Goose

Willowdale State Forest, East Sector, Ipswich: 
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch   

Greenbelt's Colby Pasture on Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury: 
Wilson's Snipe, Northern Harrier, Killdeer, Eastern Phoebe

Boston & Middle Roads, Newbury:
Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe,Great Egret, Killdeer, Northern Flicker, American Robin

Pike's Bridge Road, West Newbury:
Palm Warbler

Island Road, Essex:
American Black Duck, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Killdeer,  Greater Yellowlegs, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, American Crow, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle

Campmeeting Road, Topsfield:
Pileated Woodpecker, Wilson's Snipe, Rusty Blackbird, American Woodcock, Pine Warbler

Town Farm Road, Ipswich:
Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Red-tailed Hawk 

Lake Attitash, Amesbury/Merrimac:
Tree Swallow

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:

Iceland Gull, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Yellowlegs, Scaup species, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal

Onboard Eastman's Fleet out of Seabrook, NH:
Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Alcid species, Northern Fulmar, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Iceland Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Northern Gannet

Various Areas of Rockingham County, New Hampshire:
Pine Warbler, Wood Duck, Fox Sparrow, Brant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Piping Plover, Killdeer, Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Wild Turkey,  Pied-billed Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Rusty Blackbird   

Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield: 
Great Egret, Eurasian Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing 

Various Areas in Annisquam:
Red-tailed Hawk, Little Blue Heron

Pleasant Valley Road, Amesbury:
Cooper's Hawk 

Various Areas in Exeter, NH:
Bohemian Waxwing, Cedar Waxwing, Lesser Yellowlegs

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch,  
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, European Starling, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

Mill Pond, West Newbury:
Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow 

Hatter's Point, Amesbury:
Bald Eagle

Wood Ducks At The Lower Artichoke - April 4, 2016

Wood Ducks by Nate Dubrow

Yes, even though it's snowy today, the real estate market is hot!!  It's all about location, location, location... This neighborhood has mature trees, a reservoir, is close to the Merrimack River, Route 95 in Newburyport and a secluded, religious retreat property.  I heard Wood Ducks; then I saw a pair fly over the  trees and continue over near the footbridge. They landed briefly, then flew tree to tree. 

The hen peered into cavities - a home that perhaps a Northern Flicker held the deed to just a season ago.  The drake Wood Duck perched above horizontally, attentively watching the hen.  She flew to another tree; he followed.  He again landed above on a branch with some girth; he watched and waited as the hen fulfilled her role.  She's the inspector of the "grand opening";  as the entry & exit is her concern for herself and her sharp-clawed young. Frank Bellrose's "Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America" states that when Wood Ducks are seeking nest sites, "They leave their water area shortly after daybreak, fly to wooded areas adjacent to or, rarely, more than a mile away."  

I stayed with them as they did their fly-bys in search of a suitable home.  I liken it to the drive-bys we've done prior to that "Open House" scheduled for a spring, Sunday afternoon.  I watched with binoculars.  They started to toss their heads back, pointing their bills skyward.  Then they were showing off their throats and chins, those white patches that we use as key field marks from afar.  The Stokes' "A Guide to Bird Behavior  Vol. III" calls this the "Bill-Jerk", a visual display. The drake took a drink; the hen swam, and her drake followed her.  The drake approached her, then held on to her with his bill while his genetic material flowed.  Afterwards, the drake swam in front of her, and she refreshed with a wiggle and a splash.  

I heard her drawn out "wee-e-e-ek" as she perched.  The drake joined her, putting down above her in a bare, white frosted tree.   They continued with a few more home inspections and then worked their way back to the water.  I so enjoy watching people and bird behavior. This morning's show was a thrill for me...