Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - January 29, 2015

Gyrfalcon

Superbowl of Birding XII, Essex County, MA & Rockingham County, NH:
Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Redhead, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, King Eider, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Pheasant, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Black-bellied Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Wilson's Snipe, American Woodcock, Little Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Bonaparte's Gull, Black-headed Gull, Dovekie, Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Barred Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied, Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gyrfalcon, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Shrike, Blue Jay, American Crow,Fish Crow, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, Orange-crowned Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Towhee, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Dickcissel, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch, House Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Sweet Apple Tree Lane, Salisbury:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Bald Eagle

Low  Street, Newburyport:
Cooper's Hawk

County Road, Ipswich:
Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, American Robin, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, 
White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Bass Rocks, Gloucester:
King Eider 

Bartlett Street, Salisbury:
Carolina Wren, Dark- eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee

Various Areas in Hampton, NH:
Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, 
Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Gyrfalcon, Pergrine Falcon, Black-headed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Snowy Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

Plum Island Point:
Gadwall, Bald Eagle

Pine Island Road, Newbury:
Great Horned Owl, Dark-eyed Junco

Baker Road, Salisbury:
Wild Turkey, Pileated Woodpecker

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, European Starling, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird  

Tara Lane, Newton, NH:
Barred Owl, Pine Siskin, Carolina Wren

Various Areas in Ipswich:
Fish Crow, Peregrine Falcon

Deer Island & Eagle Island, Amesbury/Salisbury:
Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Common Merganser, Downy Woodpecker 

Various areas in Nahant:
Rusty Blackbird, Hermit Thrush, Carolina Wren

Gillis Bridge, Newburyport/Salisbury:American Kestrel 

Ash Street Swamp, West Newbury:
Great Horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Shrike, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, European Starling

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Chipping Sparrow, Barred Owl, American Bittern, American Black Duck, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Snowy Owl, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, American Tree Sparrow, Common Redpoll  

Spring Pond, Peabody:
Pied-billed Grebe

Moulton Street, Newburyport:

Carolina Wren, Downy Woodpecker, White-beasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Carolina Wren, American Tree Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow,

Song Sparrow, House Sparrow, House Finch, European Starling, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Turkey Vulture
Labor-in-Vain Road, Ipswich:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Cashman Park, Newburyport:
Bald Eagle, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye  

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Snowy Owl, Bald Eagle, Glaucous Gull

Plains Road, Ipswich: 
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Larry Marina, Amesbury:
Bald Eagle, Bufflehead, Common Merganser
Pebble Beach Area, Rockport:
Snow Goose, Canada Goose
 
Newburyport Harbor, Newburyport: 
Belted Kingfisher, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, American Black Duck 

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Snow Bunting, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Owl, White-winged Scoter, Gadwall

Bald Eagles

Sunday Afternoon With Bald Eagles

Date: Sunday, February 22, 2015
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Fee: $20.
Meeting Location: Newburyport's Cashman Park Boat Launch at the end of Sally Snyder Way which is off Merrimac Street

Join us as we search for Bald Eagles, our national symbol. Each winter, Bald Eagles from northern New England move south to the lower Merrimack River which provides perfect, winter habitat for these majestic birds. We'll discuss the field marks, bill size and shape,
cere and talons, eyes and their hunting style, flight speed and altitude, their plumage and more. We'll be along the Merrimack River's edge, and we'll be walking on snow and unimproved trails. Dress in layers for outdoor weather including waterproof boots, wool socks, hat and gloves. If you have binoculars, please bring them. Bring along friends and introduce them to the joys of birding.  Some carpooling may be required.

Bald Eagle Adventures Along the Merrimack River

Date:  Friday, February 27, 2015       
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Fee: $20.
Meeting Location: Cashman Park Boat Ramp at the end of Sally Snyder Way off Merrimac Street in Newburyport.

In winter, Bald Eagles move south to the swift-moving Merrimack River which provides ideal, winter habitat for these majestic birds. We’ll search along the river’s edge and protected islands for our national symbol.  Some carpooling may be required.

Breakfast & Bald Eagles

Date: Sunday, March 1, 2015 
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Fee: $30. 
Meeting Location: Riverside Cafe in the Towle Building at 260 Merrimack St., Newburyport 
Registration for this program is required: Please contact Sue at newburyportbirders@comcast.net

Each winter, Bald Eagles from northern New England move south to the lower Merrimack River which provides perfect, winter habitat for these majestic birds. These spectacular birds soar high over the water and then stoop to secure prey with their sharp talons. Join Newburyport Birders for a classic breakfast while we discuss the Merrimack River's protected islands and the field marks of the Bald Eagle. We'll begin our search for our national symbol on foot; then we'll carpool to several sites along the river. Dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof boots. These breakfast programs have proven to be popular; so don’t delay; reserve your place today by contacting Sue promptly...

Essex County, MA & Southern NH Bird Sightings - January 22, 2015

Cedar Waxwing by Nathan Dubrow

Various Areas on Cape Ann:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter,
White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Great Cormorant, Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Black-legged Kittiwake, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Dovekie, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Rock Pigeon, Peregrine Falcon, Blue Jay, American Crow, Eastern Towhee, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow

Merrimac Court, Newburyport:
Red-tailed Hawk

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
Iceland Gull, Snowy Owl, King Eider, Glaucous Gull, Common Loon, Merlin

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Red-tailed Hawk, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird

Elm Street, Salisbury:
Cedar Waxwing, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Red-tailed Hawk, American Black Duck

Various Areas in Marblehead:
Bald Eagle, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, White-throated Sparrow

Cashman Park, Newburyport:
Bald Eagle, Horned Lark, Belted Kingfisher, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead

Rowley Shore Road, Gloucester:
Barrow’s Goldeneye

Hines Bridge & Chain Bridge Area, Newburyport/Amesbury:
Red-breasted Merganser, Great Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Crow

Ash Street Swamp, West Newbury:
Great Horned Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker

Various Areas in Rye, NH:
Gadwall, Harlequin Duck, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter,  Dunlin, Glaucous Gull, Razorbill, Cooper's Hawk,
Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Snowy Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Winter Wren, Carolina Wren,
Cedar Waxwing, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Carolina Wren, Cooper's Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, White-throated Sparrow

Rocks Village Area, East Haverhill:
Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Bald Eagle

Pine Island Road, Newbury:
Great Horned Owl

Johnson's Pond, Groveland:
Eastern Bluebird, Belted Kingfisher, Mute Swan, Great Blue Heron, Hooded Merganser

Front Street, Exeter, NH:
Turkey Vulture

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Great Horned Owl, Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow

Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk

Low Street, Newburyport:
Cooper's Hawk

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Chase Street, West Newbury:
Eastern Bluebird

Ring's Island, Salisbury:
Double-crested Cormorant, Mallard, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Canada Goose

River Road, West Newbury:
American Crow, Red-tailed Hawk

Savory Street, Newburyport:
Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch, Great Cormorant, Common Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Red-tailed Hawk

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Northern Shrike, Fox Sparrow, Common Redpoll, Double-crested Cormorant, Dovekie, Razorbill, Black-legged Kittiwake,
Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Snowy Owl, Snow Bunting

Hoyt's Lane, Newburyport:
Pileated Woodpecker

Coffin Street, West Newbury:
Wild Turkey

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury:
Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark

Newburyport Industrial Park:
American Kestrel

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Harlequin Duck, Mallard, Snowy Owl, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Hooded Merganser, Black Scoter, Bald Eagle, Mute Swan

Odd Geese in Local Fields Puzzle Birders

Hybrid Geese by Phil Brown

Check out these images taken by Phil Brown of hybrid geese that are foraging in local fields.
These characters have birders taking a second look.  The heritage of the geese is questionable but looks like wild genes met domestic genes...

Essex County, MA & Southern NH Bird Sightings - January 15, 2015

American Coot by Phil Brown

Parker River, Newbury:
Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Cooper's Hawk

Rogers Street, West Newbury:
American Coot

Scotland Road, Newbury:
Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, Red-winged Blackbird

Red Gate Road, Rowley:
Canada Goose

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Marblehead:
Common Redpoll

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Common Loon, White-winged Scoter, Surf Scoter

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Red-winged Blackbird, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bald Eagle 

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Bluebird, Fox Sparrow

Various Areas in Manchester-by-the-Sea:
Eastern Towhee, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker 

Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Red-tailed Hawk

Route 1, Salisbury:
Bald Eagle

Various Areas on Cape Ann: 
Barrow's Goldeneye, Yellow-breasted Chat, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Peregrine Falcon, Harlequin Duck

Garden Street, West Newbury:
Red-tailed Hawk

Nelson Island, Rowley:
Northern Harrier

Newburyport Harbor:
Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury:
Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark, Merlin, Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, Herring Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, 
Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, 
Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch 
Folly Mill Road, Salisbury:
Barred Owl, Carolina Wren

Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport:
Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Ring-necked Pheasant

Jefferys Neck Road, Ipswich:
Surf Scoter

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury: 
Black-legged Kittiwake, Snowy Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, King Eider, Common Eider, Northern Harrier

Patmos Road, Rowley:
Bald Eagle

Elm Street, Salisbury:
American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Deer Island, Amesbury:
Bald Eagle, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, American Crow

New Hampshire Seacoast: 
Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck,  
Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded 
Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Wild Turkey, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, 
Great Cormorant, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter species, Bald Eagle,  
Red-tailed Hawk, Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Razorbill, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great 
Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Snowy Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, 
Hairy Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Blue Jay, American Crow, Horned Lark, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted 
Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Carolina Wren,  
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, 
Cedar Waxwing, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern 
Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

Ring's Island, Salisbury:
Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Mallard

Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagle, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Great 
Black-backed Gull

Ferry Road, Salisbury:
Barred Owl, Wild Turkey, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Cashman Park, Newburyport:
American Coot, Horned Lark, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Mallard, Canada Goose, Long-tailed Duck, Belted Kingfisher

River Road, West Newbury:
Bald Eagle, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Belted Kingfisher, Dark-eyed Junco, American Tree Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Common Redpoll, American Bittern, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, 
Common Loon, Red-throated Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Razorbill, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, 
Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Snowy Owl, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Dunlin, 
Sanderling, Rock Pigeon, Blue Jay, American Crow, Cedar Waxwing, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American 
Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Snow Bunting, Mourning Dove, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, 
Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

Eagle Island, Salisbury:
Bald Eagle, Common Goldeneye, American Tree Sparrow

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Mourning Dove, American Crow, Canada Goose, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, House Sparrow

Parker Ridge, Newburyport:
American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Dark-eyed Junco, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk

Birders Meeting - March 7, 2015

Common Redpolls - Winter 2015

Common Redpoll by Phil Brown

When I see Common Redpolls, I immediately think of the low-Arctic tundra, the land
with short, dwarf-like shrubs that includes willow, alder, birch, all of which support
the Common Redpoll. These abundant, boreal and taiga region breeders share this
habitat with foraging Willow Ptarmigans and patrolling Parasitic Jaegers.

Common Redpolls feed often upside down, hanging on small branches, using their
feet to hold food items.  As winter visitors to our area, they're interested in our thistle
feeders too.  They are social birds that are often associated with catkin-bearing trees
in brushy and weedy  areas.

Redpolls are rotund and fluffy, sporting a tiny, yellow bill. Their characteristic features
include dark lores, a black throat and chin and a red fore crown. The dark brown of the
wings and tail along with the brown streaking  of the nape, back, breast and flanks are
offset by the whitish belly.

Pete Dunne refers to this bird as "...effervescent pipsqueak of a finch with a small red
beret and a black gotee."  What a clever way to remember the field marks!

Redpolls have been observed on twigs, feeding each other by passing seed from conical
bill to conical bill.  The sexes are discernible ~  the male has pink on the chest and is less
streaked; the female lacks that rosy hue and is heavily streaked. Their tails are forked,
and in flight, the wingspan is 7 - 9 inches.  They weigh less than a half an ounce.

Recently, I reread Kathleen S. Anderson's article on Cumberland Farms in a 1996 issue
of "Bird Observer" that has Barry W. Van Dusen's illustration of Common Redpolls on
the cover.  In that issue, I found in W. E. Davis Jr.'s account of  Common Redpolls that
they have a specialized "pocket" in the neck area known as an esophageal diverticulum.
A diverticulum is a sac or pouch arising from a tubular organ; crossbills also have this
storage ability. This is like having an in-flight cupboard for storing seeds.   This seed
stockroom and the specialized winter-feeding behavior enable this songbird to survive
colder temperatures.  "The Birder's Handbook" by Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye [page 641]
refers to this partially bi-lobed pocket as analogous to the crop of gallinaceous birds.

Thermal regulation is also key to their survival.  When in a sheltered area, redpolls fluff
up their feathers to maximize heat retention.  Frank Gill's "Ornithology" states that
Common Redpolls sleep in snow tunnels during the long Arctic night to conserve body
heat.  These winter visitors will feel more at home in New England with snow cover
when they can insulate themselves against the cold air temperatures.

Essex County, MA & Southern NH Bird Sightings - January 10, 2015

American Kestrel by Phil Brown

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Prairie Falcon, Common Redpoll, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Surf Scoter, Horned Grebe, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk, Sanderling, Dunlin, Snowy Owl, Horned Lark, Great Blue Heron, Barred Owl, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead

Niles Pond, Gloucester:
Thayer's Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Barrow's Goldeneye

Mulliken Way, Newburyport:
American Kestrel, Northern Flicker

Lion's Mouth Road, Amesbury:
Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk

Gott Road, Rockport:
Yellow-breasted Chat

Pease International Tradeport, Newington, NH:
Snowy Owl

Bridge Street, West Newbury:
Sharp-shinned Hawk

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury:
Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark

Artichoke Reservoir, Newburyport/West Newbury:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Coot, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Sunset Boulevard, Newbury:
Wild Turkey

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Glaucous Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Iceland Gull, Hooded Merganser, King Eider, Common Eider, Razorbill, Snowy Owl, Northern Pintail, Black Guillemot, Brant, Purple Sandpiper, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Common Loon, Cooper's Hawk

Gillis Bridge, Newburyport:
Peregrine Falcon

Linden Street Area, Exeter NH:
Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture

Main Street, West Newbury:
Red-tailed Hawk

Point Shore, Amesbury:
Eastern Bluebird, Bald Eagle, Hermit Thrush, Common Merganser, Mallard

Island Road, Essex:
Eastern Bluebird

Hoyt's Lane, Newburyport:
Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
King Eider, Common Eider, Snowy Owl, Horned Lark, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck,
Red-breasted Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Mute Swan, Common Loon, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull,
Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Purple Sandpiper, Blue Jay,
American Crow, Snow Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch,
American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Cherry Hill Reservoir, West Newbury:

Greater White-fronted Goose, Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Herring Gull, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Northern Mockingbird, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Water Street, Newburyport:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Coot, Snow Goose, American Black Duck



Emerson Inn, Rockport:
Thick-billed Murre, Harlequin Duck

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee

Wet Meadow, Scotland Road, Newbury:
Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Horned Owl

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary:
Barred Owl, Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Townsend's Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Wren

Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury/Newburyport:
Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant


Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count, New Hampshire:

Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck,

Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant,

Peregrine Falcon, Purple Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake,

Dovekie, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Snowy Owl, American Crow, Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird,

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal



Various Areas on Cape Ann:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon,
Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,
Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Purple Sandpiper, Pomarine Jaeger, Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake,
Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker,
Northern Flicker, Merlin, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

77th Newburyport Christmas Bird Count:
Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Ross' Goose, Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, King Eider,
Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser,
Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Wild Turkey, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, Greater Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-legged Kittiwake, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Razorbill, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Barred Owl, Short-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Shrike, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird,
European Starling, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow,
Clay-colored Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Dark-eyed Junco, Snow Bunting, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, Purple Finch, House Finch,
Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Northern Harrier, Dunlin, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Snowy Owl, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield:
Black-capped Chickadee, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle

Essex County, MA & Southern NH Bird Sightings - January 5, 2015

Rough-legged Hawk

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Prairie Falcon, Common Redpoll, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Surf Scoter, Hooded Merganser, Horned Grebe, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk, Sanderling, Dunlin, Snowy Owl, Horned Lark, Great Blue Heron

Niles Pond, Gloucester:
Thayer's Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Barrow's Goldeneye

Lion's Mouth Road, Amesbury:
Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk

Pease International Tradeport, Newington, NH:
Snowy Owl

Bridge Street, West Newbury:
Sharp-shinned Hawk

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, Newbury:
Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark 

Artichoke Reservoir, Newburyport/West Newbury:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Coot, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow  

Sunset Boulevard, Newbury:
Wild Turkey

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Glaucous Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Iceland Gull, Hooded Merganser, King Eider, Common Eider, Razorbill, Snowy Owl, Northern Pintail, Black Guillemot, Brant, Purple Sandpiper, Greater Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Common Loon, Cooper's Hawk 

Gillis Bridge, Newburyport:
Peregrine Falcon 

Linden Street Area, Exeter NH:
Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture

Main Street, West Newbury:
Red-tailed Hawk

Point Shore, Amesbury:
Eastern Bluebird, Bald Eagle, Hermit Thrush, Common Merganser, Mallard 

Island Road, Essex:
Eastern Bluebird 

Hoyt's Lane, Newburyport:
Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury:
King Eider, Common Eider, Snowy Owl, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck,
Red-breasted Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Loon, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon,
Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Purple Sandpiper, Blue Jay, American Crow, Snow 
Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, European Starling, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

Cherry Hill Reservoir, West Newbury:

Greater White-fronted Goose, Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Common Merganser, Common Loon, Herring Gull, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Northern Mockingbird, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Water Street, Newburyport:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Coot, Snow Goose, American Black Duck

Emerson Inn, Rockport:
Thick-billed Murre, Harlequin Duck

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee

Wet Meadow, Scotland Road, Newbury:
Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Horned Owl

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary:
Barred Owl, Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Townsend's Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Wren

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Northern Harrier, Dunlin, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Snowy Owl, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch 

Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury/Newburyport:
Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant

Isles of Shoals Christmas Bird Count, New Hampshire:

Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Mallard,Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Peregrine Falcon, Purple Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Dovekie, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Snowy Owl, American Crow, Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal

Various Areas on Cape Ann:
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon,
Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, 
Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Purple Sandpiper, Pomarine Jaeger, Thick-billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake, 
Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker,
Northern Flicker, Merlin, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow 

77th Newburyport Christmas Bird Count: 
Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Ross' Goose, Canada Goose, Cackling Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, King Eider,
Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Wild Turkey, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, Greater Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Black-legged Kittiwake, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Razorbill, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Barred Owl, Short-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Shrike, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Horned Lark, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, 
European Starling, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, 
Dark-eyed Junco, Snow Bunting, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, Purple Finch, House Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow