Essex County & Southern New Hampshire Bird Sightings - May 29, 2014

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Black-billed Cuckoo, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow,  
Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Willow Flycatcher, 
Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Eastern Kingbird, Northern Flicker, Northern Mockingbird, 
European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Hooded Warbler 

Newman Road, Newbury:
Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Willet, Herring Gull, Glossy Ibis

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Northern Parula, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Flicker, Red-eyed Vireo,  Black-billed Cuckoo, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Cardinal 

Ash Street, West Newbury:
Virginia Rail, Mute Swan, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Belted Kingfisher, Green Heron, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Chimney Swift, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Mourning Dove, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch  

County Road, Ipswich:
Common Nighthawk

Battis Farm, Amesbury:
Bobolink 

Willowdale Mill, Hamilton:
Broad-winged Hawk, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, 
White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Blue-winged Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Pine Warbler,  
Black-throated Green Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole

River Road, West Newbury:
Wood Thrush, Ovenbird  

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Northern Flicker 

Eastern Point, Gloucester:
Black-billed Cuckoo, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Common Eider, Double-crested Cormorant, Willet, Lesser Black-backed Gull,  Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Alder Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Empidonax species, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield:
Great Egret, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, 
White-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat,  
American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, 
Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole  

New England Biolabs, Ipswich: 
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Herring Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, 
Northern Flicker, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, 
White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Gray Catbird, 
Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow 

Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire/Maine:
American Oystercatcher, Summer Tanager, White-eyed Vireo, Painted Bunting, Lark Sparrow, Brant, King Eider, Common Loon, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Canada Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Common Nighthawk, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Chipping Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Tree Swallow, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir,  West Newbury:
Belted Kingfisher, Green Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Canada Goose 

"Granite State" Out of Rye Harbor, NH: 
Brant, King Eider, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Common Loon, Northern Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel,    
Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Ruddy Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Common Murre, Black Guillemot,
Bonaparte's Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Least Tern, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Wren, Common Grackle 

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Snowy Owl, Canada Goose, Loon species, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Least Tern, Common Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher,Great Crested Flycatcher, Empidonax species, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Carolina Wren, Veery, American Robin,  
Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, 
Mourning Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler,  
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Wilson's Warbler,  
Eastern Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak,  
Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, Purple Finch,  
American Goldfinch 

Church Street, West Newbury:
Black-backed Gull, Pileated Woodpecker, Bald Eagle, Tree Swallow

Heartbreak Road, Ipswich:
Orchard Oriole, Marsh Wren
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Marblehead:
Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided Warbler,
Ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Bay-breasted Warbler,
Eastern Wood Pewee, Wood Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Ring-necked Pheasant

Willowdale State Forest - East Sector, Ipswich:
Mute Swan, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird,  
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, Canada Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager,  
Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch

Great Bay Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH:
Osprey, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white Warbler

Niles Pond & Brace Cove, Gloucester: 
Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow 

New Hampshire Seacoast:
White-rumped Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, Lesser Black-backed Gull

Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area, Byfield:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck,  Mallard, Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Wood Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher,European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Indigo Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart,Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Ovenbird, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Rose-breasted Grosbeak,Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Ash St. West Newbury - 5/26/14 AKA Hooded Mergansers' "Jump Day"!

I led a program from 6:30 to 8:30am at Ash St. in West Newbury.  It was an ideal morning for a visit as there was 
no commuter traffic on the unpaved road.

Hooded Mergansers by Nancy Smith

Ash Street, West Newbury: 
Virginia Rail - heard in several locations, no tape played 
Mallard 
Hooded Merganser - 4 hens, 7 downy fluffballs seen taking a leap of faith on "jump day" 
Wood Duck 
Canada Goose with young 
Great Blue Heron - 1 
Great Egret - 1 
Belted Kingfisher - 1 male 
Green Heron - 1 
Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2 
Eastern Phoebe - 1 
Eastern Bluebird - 2 males 
Great Crested Flycatcher - heard 
Willow Flycatcher 
Eastern Kingbird 
Chimney Swift 
Tree Swallow - numbers seemed low 
Black-capped Chickadee 
Tufted Titmouse 
White-breasted Nuthatch 
Veery 
Hermit Thrush 
Cedar Waxwing 
Common Yellowthroat 
Yellow Warbler 
Mourning Dove 
Chipping Sparrow 
Song Sparrow 
Swamp Sparrow 
Baltimore Oriole - 1 male 
American Goldfinch 

Good birding, 
Sue

Martin Burns WMA - Byfield - 5/25/14 AKA: The Black-billed Cuckoo Show

Prairie Warbler by Jeremiah Trimble

Black-billed Cuckoo by Tim Spahr




Paula McFarland & I led a small, congenial group at this 1,555-acre management area.  The sky was overcast but gratefully dry.  The terrain is hilly & rocky, and the poorly drained low areas were a little wet. This old pasture with oak, hickory, black cherry, white pine, pitch pine, red maple, Eastern red cedar, aspen, birch, dogwood, blueberry and viburnum is fantastic habitat.

We saw coyote scat and an Eastern Ribbon Snake go slithering off.
We heard Black-billed Cuckoos as we parked at the garages.  I thought of a story told to me a few years back that cuckoos have a tendency to call more frequently before rain.  I've heard sage birders say that both Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos have been referred to as "Rain Crows".  I was hoping our walk would be a dry one...   We had the best looks ever at this secretive species.  The cuckoos stole the show this morning!

We met the Merrimac Valley Bird Club group and had up close and personal looks at a Black-throated Blue Warbler, a victim of a window collision.  We studied the short, thin bill; the small, white spot on the edge of the folded wings. This male had deep slate blue above with a black face, throat and flanks.  We also had the opportunity to examine a pheasant feather.  I preened the feather, explaining the barbs are a series of short branchlets called barbules. These tiny hooklets tie the barbules together and, ultimately, the barbs together. This arrangement creates the strong and light structure of the feather.  Many thanks, to the MVBC!

After seeing a kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, pewee and phoebe, I spoke of rictal bristles which extend from the bill of many insect-eating birds, including flycatchers. These stiff feathers are believed to provide protection for the bird's eyes as it consumes its wiggly prey. The bristles likely provide tactile feedback like the whiskers on a dog or cat.

Canada Goose   - pair with 3 goslings
Wood Duck

Mallard
Common Loon - 2 migrant flyovers

Great Blue Heron  - at nesting area

Great Egret - 4

Cooper's Hawk
Buteo - 1 most probably a Broad-winged Hawk seen in flight while on a short faray

Turkey Vulture
Mourning Dove

Wood Thrush
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Black-billed Cuckoo - 8, we saw a pair in the open for a prolonged time
Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - heard

Downy Woodpecker - 1

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee- 3, 1 perched in on a snag for great views while vocal

Great Crested Flycatcher - 3

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Phoebe
Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1, seen well near beaver swamp
Red-eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow

Black-capped Chickadee

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Brown Thrasher - 1

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing - several, gathering nest material
Indigo Bunting - 5, males singing
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart

Northern Parula

Magnolia Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Blue-winged Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Canada Warbler 
Prairie Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Song Sparrow
Field Sparrow 

Chipping Sparrow

Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Baltimore Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch
 



Good birding, 
Sue

Memorial Day Weekend & Wild West Newbury on Wednesday Evening Birding Programs

Birding Byfield's Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area
Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Meeting Location: First parking area by the buildings
Fee: $20

This 1500+ acre property consists of hardwood forest with understory.
Rocky hills dot the property as well as small, fire ponds. Parts 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 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.


Birding West Newbury's Ash Street Swamp
Date: Monday, May 26
Time: 6:30 am - 8:30 am
Meeting Location: At the corner of Main & Maple Streets in West Newbury
Center ~ Maple Street is opposite the West
Newbury Post Office.
Fee: $15

Join us as we search for migrants 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 on unpaved terrain. The pace
will be slow. Waterproof shoes are suggested. Participants should be
prepared with a beverage, a long sleeved shirt, long pants, sunscreen and bug
repellent.


Wild West Newbury on Wednesday Evening
Date: Wednesday, May 28
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15 each
Meeting Location: Pike's Bridge Road parking area on Turkey Hill Road,
West Newbury

We'll be exploring Pike's Bridge Road 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 low metal gate across it [which allows no
vehicles to enter].

Good birding,
Sue

Two Necky Zoar Sport Kayaks - For Sale



It's time to get on the water!

The Necky Zoar Sport is the ideal coastal exploration kayak!  It handles rough conditions with ease.  It tracks well and paddles easily.  It gets in and out of coves and snug, tidal creeks effortlessly.  It has great balance and good volume.  The cockpit area is comfortable, giving everyone a good fit.  The rear hatch provides plenty of storage.  This model kayak makes your day on the water the best it can be!


Necky Zoar Sport with Skeg
Color: Yellow
Length: 14 ft.
Width: 25 in.
Depth 13 in.
Cockpit 32 in. X 17.5 in.
Rear Hatch: 15 in. X 10 in.
Weight: 58 lbs.


Necky Zoar Sport with Skeg
Color: Red
Length 14 ft.
Width: 25 in.
Depth 13 in.
Cockpit 32 in. X 17.5 in.
Rear Hatch: 15 in. X 10 in.
Weight: 58 lbs.

To learn more, please call 978-204-2976 or email newburyportbirders@comcast.com.

Good birding,
Sue

New England Biolabs - Ipswich - 5/22/14




A walk at the New England Biolabs in Ipswich this afternoon.
I was hoping for a rail but none



Canada Goose
Mute Swan - pair with 2 young
Wood Duck  - 2 drakes preening in a snag
Mallard  3
Turkey Vulture  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  - heard
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 3
Tree Swallow  7
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird
Cedar Waxwing
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
House Sparrow

Good birding,
Sue

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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak by Nathan Dubrow


South Street Woodlots, West Newbury:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Veery, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler,
Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat,
Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole

County Road, Ipswich:
Swainson's Thrush, Canada Warbler

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Baltimore Oriole

Route 110, Salisbury:
Killdeer, Great Crested Flycatcher, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Wood Duck, Tree Swallow, Indigo Bunting,
Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Bay-breasted Warbler

Route 133, Essex:
White-faced Ibis
Various Areas in Merrimacport:
Eastern Bluebird, American Woodcock, Northern Flicker, Ovenbird

Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Ring-necked Pheasant, American Crow, Spotted Sandpiper, Mallard, Common Yellowthroat, Blue-winged Warbler
Salem Street, Groveland:
Scarlet Tanager

Graf Road, Newburyport:
Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird
Greenleaf Street, Amesbury:
Baltimore Oriole

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Bank Swallow, Least Tern, Semiplamated Sandpiper, Brant, Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstone

Salisbury Town Pier, Ring's Island:
Brant, Cedar Waxwing, Belted Kingfisher, Fish Crow, Rock Pigeon, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs

Savory Street, Newburyport:
Fish Crow, Osprey, Song Sparrow, Willet

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Purple Martin, Philidelphia Vireo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Ruff, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Bittern, Willow Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Scarlet
Tanager, Seaside Sparrow, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Raven, Northern Pintail, Common Tern, Least Tern, Bank Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blackpoll Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler
Coffin Street, West Newbury:
Wild Turkey, Baltimore Oriole, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Killdeer,
Willet, Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, 
Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe,
Eastern Kingbird, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee,
American Robin, Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, 
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, 
Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

County Road, Salisbury:
Glossy Ibis, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Mallard, Baltimore Oriole, Lesser Yellowlegs 
Port Plaza, Newburyport:
Fish Crow, Killdeer
Newman Road, Newbury:
Bobolink, Tree Swallow, Eastern Kingbird
Ipswich Town Wharf Area
Black-billed Cuckoo, Blackburnian Warbler, Baltimore Oriole 
Pikes Bridge Road, West Newbury:
Black-billed Cuckoo, Tree Swallow, Baltimore Oriole, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler,
Wood Duck, Mallard, Mute Swan, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, American Woodcock, Tree Swallow, Great Blue Heron,
Black-capped Chickadee
Cox Reservation, Essex:
Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Black-bellied Plover, Willet, Herring Gull, Mourning Dove, 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, 
American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Chipping Sparrow,
Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch  

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Great Blue Heron, Common Grackle, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, American Crow, Greater Yellowlegs,  Northern Harrier, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Song Sparrow, House Sparrow, Killdeer, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Brant

Various Areas on Cape Ann:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter,   Black Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant,Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Black Guillemot, Laughing Gull,
Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift,  Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher,  Eastern Kingbird, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow,
Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Heartbreak Road, Ipswich:
Orchard Oriole, Marsh Wren

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Marblehead:
Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided Warbler,
Ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler,
Common Yellow-throat, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Bay-breasted Warbler,
Eastern Wood Pewee, Wood Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Black-billed Cuckoo, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow,  Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Willow Flycatcher, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Eastern Kingbird, Northern Flicker, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Pebble Beach, Rockport:
Mute Swan, Mallard, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Gallinule, Eastern Kingbird , Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow 

River Road, West Newbury:
Great Crested Flycatcher, Northern Flicker, Baltimore Oriole, Chipping Sparrow, Wild Turkey

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Brown Thrasher

Route 1A, Rowley:
Solitary Sandpiper, Orchard Oriole, Glossy Ibis

Island Rd, Essex:
Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Short-billed Dowitcher 

Good birding,
Sue

Amesbury's Woodsom Farm - 5/20/14





This morning, Susan Sellers and I walked this regionally significant, breeding
site for grassland-nesting birds. The farm is 154 acres of grassland used
by Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and Savannah Sparrow.

I heard a Black-billed Cuckoo calling when we first arrived.  We witnessed courtship
flights of Bobolinks.  Eastern Meadowlarks were perched high, and we had knockout
looks at them both in flight and on verdant stalks.

Click to listen to the meadowlark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDpydv6VbtU

We saw several Savannah Sparrows at close range, at the edge of the path and one
right on the path. We had close looks at this distinctive sparrow with a short tail
and petite head.   Savannah Sparrows are one of the most numerous songbirds
in North America, and in the breeding season, they advertise their location with a
loud, insect-like song.

Several Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows pursued  insects.   Some of the Barn Swallows
were transporting mud.  Yellow Warblers and Gray Catbirds were along the trail.
Common Yellowthroats and Song Sparrows were vocal  as we walked along the broad
path. We heard Common Yellowthroats.   Eastern Kingbirds were in a snag at the river.
A pair of Northern Flickers were at a nest cavity riverside.  Tree Swallows investigated
smaller holes as potential nest cavities.   As we walked up from the river, we heard
Willow Flycatchers.  One perched and afforded us a visual.  We missed Brown Thrashers,
but we walked along only the broader paths.

Woodsom Farm is one of the most important breeding sites in the state for Bobolinks. It
may host more breeding Bobolinks than any other site in Massachusetts, may be one of
the top 5 breeding sites for Eastern Meadowlarks in Massachusetts and one of the top
10 breeding sites for Savannah Sparrows in Massachusetts.

In years past, early mowing had a significant impact on nesting success at Woodsom Farm.
With a new Mayor at the helm, let's hope that the annual haying regime this year allows for
a successful breeding season for these grassland nesting birds at this important breeding site.

Our List:
Black-billed Cuckoo
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Mallard
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Savannah Sparrow - 11
Song Sparrow  - 4
Northern Cardinal - 1
Bobolink - 47
Eastern Meadowlark - 6
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift - 4
Barn Swallow
Tree Swallow
Willow Flycatcher - pair
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Eastern Kingbird  - pair
Northern Flicker - pair
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Good birding,
Sue

All Wings Considered - May 18, 2014

Male Bobolink by Tim Spahr
Blackburnian Warbler by Margo Goetschkes
Immature Male Orchard Oriole by Nathan Dubrow



This morning as Paula McFarland got our All Wings Considered walk off to a fine start.  I met our group at the "S-curves" and at every turn,
we had spectacular views of migrants in the "spectacular curves"!

Our participants were treated to a wave of warblers - Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Yellow, Northern Parula, Blackpoll, Black-throated Green, Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat, and Chestnut-sided.

There's no other warbler with a orange, flame throat like the Blackburnian's - that's a handsome bird.   Bay-breasted Warblers are closely related to  Blackpolls, and hybrids are reported between the two species. The research states that Bay-breasteds are known to hybridize with Yellow-rumped as well as Blackburnian warblers.

At the Wardens, we came across a pair of Orchard Orioles, mud gathering Barn Swallows, Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows.

I came across some young, very sharp-eyed and enthusiastic birders this morning looking up at migrant songbirds and not down at an electronic device - the next generation of bird educators!

Good birding,
Sue