Bird Sightings from Essex County, MA & Southern NH - July 30, 2015

American Golden-Plover by Jeremiah Trimble


Bartlett Street, Salisbury:
Wild Turkey with poults

Pine Island Road, Newbury:
Great Horned Owl, Tree Swallow, Willet

Atkinson Common, Newburyport:
Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Island Road, Essex:
Eastern Meadowlark

High Street, Newburyport:
Osprey, Eastern Screech Owl, Chipping Sparrow

Holland Way, Exeter, NH:
Red-shouldered Hawk

Newburyport Industrial Park, Newburyport:
Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing, American Goldfinch, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Cardinal, Chimney Swift, Black-capped Chickadee, Barn Swallow, Herring Gull, Canada Goose, Eastern Kingbird, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin 

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island: 
Purple Martin, American Avocet, Canada Goose, Ruddy Turnstone, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher,  Semipalmated Plover, White-rumped Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Stilt Sandpiper, Bald Eagle 
 
Seven Seas Whale Watch out of Gloucester:
Manx Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Cory's Shearwater, Northern Gannet, Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir, West Newbury:
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, Green Heron, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, American Crow, Canada Goose, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Kingbird, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch 

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury: 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Turkey Vulture, Bobolink, Northern Flicker, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, House Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Eastern Kingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Chimney Swift, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, American Crow, Willow Flycatcher, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Common Yellowthroat, Sharp-shinned Hawk, House Finch, Mallard

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Little Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Laughing Gull, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Sanderling, 
Northern Gannet, Ruddy Turnstone, American Kestrel

Newburyport Whale Watch out of Newburyport:
Great Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Northern Gannet, Cory's Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater

Appleton Farm Grass Rides, Hamilton:
Pileated Woodpecker, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue Jay, American Crow, Barn 
Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, Catharus species, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch

Gillis Bridge, Newburyport/Salisbury:
Cliff Swallow

Plum Island Point, Newburyport:
Common Tern, Purple Martin

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Chimney Swift, Red-tailed Hawk, Gray Catbird, Chipping Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker

Willowdale State Forest - Eastern Sector, Ipswich: 
American Woodcock, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch

Winter Street, North Andover:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting 

New Hampshire Seacoast:
American Avocet, Purple Martin, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Bonaparte's Gull, Herring Gull, Least Tern, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Glossy Ibis, Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Willet

Essex Bay, Essex:
American Black Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Osprey, Semipalmated Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Saltmarsh Sparrow  

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
American Golden-Plover, Least Tern, Piping Plover  

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Double-crested Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Time Share on Martha's Vineyard For Sale



For Sale Fall Timeshare on Martha's Vineyard!
Birders Getaway late October/early November week
Saturday to Saturday availability: $600.
Fall timeshare week at Harbor Landing Inn in Vineyard Haven:
Unit has 2 twin beds
Private full bath
Cable TV
Small refrigerator
Unit with individually controlled heat and air conditioning
5 acres park the adjoining the property

Access to common areas with fully equipped kitchen, recreation room, deck overlooking the harbor and grilling area on the patio.



Convenient to the ferry, the famous Black Dog Tavern, golf course, beaches, excellent fall birding on The Vineyard, YMCA's pool and fitness center.

May exchange timeshare week for anywhere in the world through Interval International.



For owner's contact information please email Sue at:
newburyportbirders@comcast.net

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

Whimbrel by Nate Dubrow

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Shearwater species, Piping Plover, Whimbrel, Bonaparte's Gull, Brown Thrasher

Chase Street, Newburyport:
Red-tailed Hawk, House Wren, House Finch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Cooper's Hawk, American Robin, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, Chipping Sparrow

Congress Street, Salisbury:
Chimney Swift, Eastern Bluebird, Barn Swallow, Northern Flicker

Olive Street, Newburyport:
Chukar

Point Shore, Amesbury:
Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Cliff Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, Canada Goose, Mallard

Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir, West Newbury:
Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Cedar Waxwing, Green Heron, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Willow Flycatcher, American Crow, Canada Goose, Chipping Sparrow, Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Kingbird, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch, Swamp Sparrow

Granite State Whale Watch out of Rye, NH:
Cory's Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Shearwater species, Whimbrel, Black Guillemot, Laughing Gull

Willowdale State Forest (East Sector), Ipswich:
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher,
Red-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, American Goldfinch

Ring's Island, Salisbury:
Common Tern, Mallard, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Fish Crow, Bonaparte's Gull, House Wren

Cape Ann Whale Watch out of Gloucester:
Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater. Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Various Areas in West Gloucester:
Whip-poor-will, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee,  Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker,  Hairy Woodpecker, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Carolina Wren, Brown-headed Cowbird

Merrimack River, Amesbury:
Bald Eagle, Osprey, Mallard, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Belted Kingfisher

St. Mary's Cemetery, Newburyport:
Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk

Baker Road, Salisbury:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Horned Owl, Chipping Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wild Turkey

Newburyport Whale Watch out of Newburyport:
Northern Gannet, Cory's Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Great Shearwater,  Short-billed Dowitcher,
Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull

Plum Island Point, Plum Island:
Common Tern, Northern Gannet, Purple Martin

Various Areas in Nahant:
Yellow Warbler, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Spotted Sandpiper

Newburyport Industrial Park, Newburyport:
Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Kingbird, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, American Goldfinch, Turkey Vulture,
Osprey, Northern Cardinal, Chimney Swift, Black-capped Chickadee, Barn Swallow, Herring Gull, Canada Goose

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Bobolink, Northern Flicker, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee,
Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed
Hawk, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Chimney Swift, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, American
Crow, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Meadowlark, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker,
Common Yellowthroat, Sharp-shinned Hawk, House Finch, Mallard

Hilldale Avenue, South Hampton, NH:
Barred Owl, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Bluebird

76th Street, Plum Island:
Purple Martin

New Pasture Road, Newburyport:
Northern Mockingbird, Killdeer, Turkey Vulture

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Wood Duck, Mallard, Glossy Ibis

Highland Road, Merrimac:
Red-tailed Hawk, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird,
Chipping Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, American Robin, American Crow, Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkey, Northern
Mockingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Reservation Terrace, Plum Island:
Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Tern, Great Egret, Northern Cardinal

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Stilt Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Wilson's Storm-Petrel

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Little Blue Heron, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Least Tern, Piping Plover, Purple Martin, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Loon, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Sanderling, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Iceland Gull, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Yellow Warbler

Newburyport Birders Evening Birding at Cherry Hill Reservoir - July 29th

EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants
and insect repellent.

Good birding,
Sue


Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
Website: www.newburyportbirders.com
Blog: http://nbptbirders.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @ nbpt_birders

Essex County, MA & Southern NH Bird Sightings - July 16, 2015

American Oystercatcher

Essex Bay, Essex:
Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Killdeer, Willet, Whimbrel, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Tern, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, American Crow, Bank Swallow

Hilldale Avenue, South Hampton, NH:
Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Bluebird

Newman Road, Newbury: 
Salt-marsh Sparrow

Pleasant Valley Road, Amesbury:
Turkey Vulture, Tree Swallow, Great Crested Flycatcher, Great Blue Heron

Newburyport Whale Watch out of Newburyport:
Northern Gannet, Cory's Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Great Shearwater,  Short-billed Dowitcher, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull 

Various Areas in West Gloucester:
Whip-poor-will, Downy Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee,  Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker,  Hairy Woodpecker, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury: 
Bobolink, Northern Flicker, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed 
Hawk, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Chimney Swift, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, American Crow, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Meadowlark, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Common Yellowthroat, Sharp-shinned Hawk

76th Street, Newburyport:
Purple Martin

Ash Street Swamp, West Newbury:
Wood Duck, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher

Boston Road, Newbury:
Broad-winged Hawk

George Burrows Brookside Sanctuary, South Hampton, NH:
Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Osprey, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Thrush, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Tree Swallow, House Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch 

Thomas Parker Cemetery, Newbury:
Green Heron, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron

Bartlett Street, Salisbury:
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wild Turkey with poults, Gray Catbird 

Route 1 & Boston Road, Newbury:
Common Raven

7 Seas Whale Watch out of Gloucester: 
Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Northern Gannet, Tern species

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Great Blue Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Black-capped Chickadee, Tree Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Osprey
   

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Little Gull, Piping Plover, Least Tern, Roseate Tern, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, Common Tern, Royal Tern, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Willow Flycatcher, Herring Gull, Willet, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Tree Swallow, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle

Mill Pond, West Newbury:
Eastern Phoebe, Canada Goose, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Wild Turkey, American Crow

Newburyport Industrial Park, Newburyport:
Green Heron, Great Egret 

Newburyport Birders' July Programs

WETLANDS, BIRDS & BREWS
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Fee: $20
Pre-registration is required - contact Sue at: newburyportbirders@comcast.net
Meeting Location: Junction of Hale Street and Malcolm Hoyt Drive in Newburyport

We'll ramble in local wetlands and and then tour a local brewery and its unique space to
relax, sip and snack.  We'll sample brews and have the opportunity to learn about local
beer. Participants must be at least 21 years of age.  We'll walk on paved terrain.  Be
prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants
and insect repellent.  


EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants
and insect repellent.


With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
Website: www.newburyportbirders.com
Blog: http://nbptbirders.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @ nbpt_birders 

George Burrows Brookside Sanctuary

George Burrows Brookside Sanctuary, South Hampton, NH - July 12, 2015


Paula McFarland and I led a pleasant, small group at George Burrows
Brookside Sanctuary this morning.  We had fantastic looks at two mink
and a deer.  A Northern Waterthrush was be the pond at the head of the
yellow trail.  A Cooper's Hawk patrolled at treeline.  A Belted
Kingfisher was perched preening.  This 31 acre sanctuary is under birded
and explored.




Wood Duck - hens & young
Great Blue Heron - adults feeding young - young branching, getting ready
for flight - fledged young on beaver lodge
Cooper's Hawk
Osprey - pair & one chick
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker - adult with fledgling
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse - several family groups
White-breasted Nuthatch
Wood Thrush - heard
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Pine Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Tree Swallow
House Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch





HUMMINGBIRDS IN OUR GARDENS

HUMMINGBIRDS IN OUR GARDENS 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Phil Brown

Hummingbirds are a thrill to watch! 

Their brain is about the size of a BB. 
Their nest is constructed of plant down, spider webs, lichen & tree sap. 
They eat about every 10 minutes. 
Their long tongues aid in nectaring. 
Their hearts are larger proportionally to their body than any other bird or mammal.
The long, thin bill is specially designed for sipping nectar & is one of the most
distinctive features of these birds. 

Their diet consists of insects and nectar produced by many flowers.  The exact sugar
concentration of nectar from different flowers can vary. 

They love a nectar feeder filled with fresh sugar & water solution ~ no red dye please!

Simple Recipe:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup  sugar

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Allow sugar to dissolve and remove from heat.
  3. Let the nectar cool and then pour it into your feeder.
  4. Store remaining nectar in the refrigerator.

Here's the link to a recent Boston Globe article:

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - July 9, 2015

Royal Tern by Margo Goetschkes

Lake Attitash, Amesbury/Merrimac:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Baltimore Oriole, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Mute Swan, Mallard, Eastern Kingbird, Gray Catbird, Tree Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, Belted Kingfisher, Veery, Northern Flicker, Common Grackle, Chimney Swift, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, House Wren, Great Crested Flycatcher, Herring Gull, American Goldfinch, Common Goldfinch, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, House Sparrow, 
House Finch

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island: 
Royal Tern, American Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Eastern Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Wilson's Phalarope, Red Phalarope, Bonaparte's Gull, Little Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Least Tern, Roseate Tern, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Bobolink, Orchard Oriole, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Halibut Point State Park, Rockport:
Orchard Oriole, Green Heron, Eastern Towhee

Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir, West Newbury:
Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Black-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Green Heron, Eastern Bluebird, Warbling Vireo

Gillis Bridge, Newburyport:
Cliff Swallow, Fish Crow

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Northern Flicker, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Chimney Swift, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, American Crow, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Meadowlark, White-breasted Nuthatch

Joppa Section of Newburyport:
White-winged Dove

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Royal Tern, Roseate Tern, White-faced Ibis, Common Tern, Least Tern, Common Loon, Willet, Piping Plover, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Glossy Ibis

Atkinson Common, Newburyport:
Cedar Waxwing, House Wren, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Crow, Willow Flycatcher, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Chimney Swift
Chipping Sparrow, Fish Crow, Pine Warbler, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Chimney Swift, Black-capped Chickadee, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Gray Catbird, Tufted Titmouse, American Crow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue Jay 

Captain Bill's Whale Watch out of Gloucester:

Cory's Shearwater, Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Great Blue Heron

Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area, Byfield:
Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Common Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch

Parker Street, Newburyport:
Turkey Vulture

Kenoza Lake, Haverhill:
Common Loon

Bill Forward Wildlife Management Area, Newbury:
Marsh Wren, Glossy Ibis, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Willet, Mallard

Essex River, Essex:
Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorant, Tree Swallow, Osprey, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Glossy Ibis, Great Blue Heron

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Cooper's Hawk, Indigo Bunting

Granite State Whale Watch out of Rye, NH:
Cory's Shearwater, Northern Gannet, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Short-billed Dowitcher, Willet, Great Black-backed Gull

Cashman Park, Newburyport:
Turkey Vulture, Song Sparrow, Mallard, Northern Mockingbird, Fish Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, Cliff Swallow, Ring-billed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull

Georgetown-Rowley State Forest, Georgetown/Rowley:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo,
Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Marsh Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch

Newburyport Whale Watch out of Newburyport:
Roseate Tern, Royal Tern, Northern Gannet, Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Short-billed Dowitcher

July Birding Programs

Birding Programs

BIRDING NEW HAMPSHIRE'S GEORGE BURROWS BROOKSIDE SANCTUARYDate: Sunday, July 12
Time: 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Stop & Shop on Route 110 in Amesbury - we'll carpool to the sanctuary in South Hampton.

We'll bird the series of swamps and ponds created by beavers.  There's some marsh and heavily wooded areas too.
We will walk on unpaved, wet terrain.  Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent and sunscreen.


PURPLE MARTINS OF PLUM ISLAND
Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Location: North End of Plum Island by the Plum Island Lighthouse

Join Sue for a round of nest checks and learn about this human-dependent songbird. 
Wear long pants & a long sleeved shirt, insect repellent and bring a lawn chair. 


WETLANDS, BIRDS & BREWS
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Fee: $20
Pre-registration is required - contact Sue at: newburyportbirders@comcast.net
Meeting Location: Junction of Hale Street and Malcolm Hoyt Drive in Newburyport

We'll ramble in local wetlands and and then tour a local brewery and its unique space to
relax, sip and snack.  We'll sample brews and have the opportunity to learn about local
beer. Participants must be at least 21 years of age.  We'll walk on paved terrain.  Be
prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants
and insect repellent.  


EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants
and insect repellent.


With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA 

Website: www.newburyportbirders.com
Blog: http://nbptbirders.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @ nbpt_birders 

Newburyport Birders' July 2015 Update

Birders,

In early June, our programs were great fun!  We had stunning looks at Cedar Waxwings passing a berry back and forth which is courtship behavior.  Chimney Swifts were flying into a tree with a few, dead branches at the tops.  They would grab a twig with their bills and transport it to their nest site - likely in a nearby chimney.  We watched a Savannah Sparrow bathe at the river's edge.  The grassland birds at Woodsom Farm are a joy to observe.  

What to look forward to for July:

We'll be birding at George Burrows Brookside Wildlife Sanctuary in South Hampton, NH this month!  The habitat there is very diverse, and this property is under birded. 

Join me for an evening at Plum Island's Purple Martin colony located at the north end of the island up by the lighthouse!

We're offering a new WETLANDS, BIRDS & BREWS tour!!  Newburyport Birders will bird local wetlands and then visit the local Newburyport Brewery.  The International Bird Beer Label Association says that there are over 300 beer labels with a bird on them.  So, birds and the world of brewing seem to go hand in hand. There's lots to learn about birds and brews; this outing will expand both your local knowledge of birds and beers. During this outing, we'll observe and learn about birds in local wetlands and then learn about brews at a local brewery and sample beers.

West Newbury's Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir is delightful for an evening stroll.  We're offering two, week night, evening walks.

SEASONAL SIGHTINGS

Observe the variety of shorebirds returning from their breeding grounds. They will feed on Newburyport's vast mud flats, extensive salt marsh, fresh water marsh, wrack line and impoundments during their migration south.

Appreciate the Tree Swallows. Swallows have flattened bills with wide gapes, long wings and short legs. Prior to their southbound migration, their diet changes from insects to bayberries which aid them in increasing their fat stores.

Identify the terns. They're graceful and long winged. Their slender, pointed bills allow them to forage in the intertidal zones.


GREENHEADS
Ipswich's Great Neck was my home prior to my heading off as a volunteer to The Gambia with the Peace Corps, and I had a stunning view of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Sandy Point from our living room window.

In 1981, while in The Gambia, West Africa as a PCV, I received Kitty Crockett Robertson's "Measuring Time - by an hourglass" as a Christmas gift. I met Kitty several times in my Ipswich days, and she was a columnist for the "Ipswich Chronicle".

In Kitty's book, she states that Ipswich natives, raised on the fringes of the salt marsh, know about Greenheads. I thought our July/August newsletter needed to be inclusive of this pest, and Kitty's essay "A Native Knows About Greenheads" states "To spare the horses and ourselves, we did the haying sometimes by the light of the full moon, that magic time of black and silver, black trees and shadows, silver fields, and flooded marshes at the time of the neap tide." "The horses and the cows stayed in their stalls, let out to graze only at night or on foggy days when the greenheads sulk among the salt grasses."

The Greenhead is about 7/8 - 11/8" long, light brown in color with brilliant green eyes, a reddish brown thorax and abdomen. The wings have markings along the leading edge. They are found throughout the Eastern U.S., west to the Mississippi River and in eastern Texas as well as in southern Canada. Some people refer to the Greenhead as a
"salt marsh horse fly".

The salt marsh greenhead fly, Tabanus nigrovittatus, is abundant and bothersome in July in our coastal marshes. Because the females bite during daylight and occur in large numbers and attack persistently, they interfere with the enjoyment of coastal areas throughout much of the month. To anyone who has not visited the Newburyport coastal areas during "fly season", the impact of these flies on daytime activities is hard to imagine. Greenhead fly populations reach peak numbers during July but extend from late June into early August.

I had an array of bothersome pests as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and for me, the Greenheads are seasonal, irritant pests of the salt marsh. I love the Refuge but not in July.  Mrs. Robertson's essay, "A Native Knows About Greenheads", is an annual read for me...

BIRDING PROGRAMS

BIRDING NEW HAMPSHIRE'S GEORGE BURROWS BROOKSIDE SANCTUARYDate: Sunday, July 12
Time: 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Stop & Shop on Route 110 in Amesbury - we'll carpool to the sanctuary in South Hampton.

We'll bird the series of swamps and ponds created by beavers.  There's some marsh and heavily wooded areas too.  We will walk on unpaved, wet terrain.  Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent and sunscreen.

PURPLE MARTINS OF PLUM ISLAND
Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Location: North End of Plum Island by the Plum Island Lighthouse

Join Sue for a round of nest checks and learn about this human-dependent songbird. 
Wear long pants & a long sleeved shirt, insect repellent and bring a lawn chair. 

WETLANDS, BIRDS & BREWS
Date: Saturday, July 18
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Fee: $20
Pre-registration is required - contact Sue at: newburyportbirders@comcast.net
Meeting Location: Junction of Hale Street and Malcolm Hoyt Drive in Newburyport

We'll ramble in local wetlands and and then tour a local brewery and its unique space to
relax, sip and snack.  We'll sample brews and have the opportunity to learn about local
beer. Participants must be at least 21 years of age.  We'll walk on paved terrain.  Be
prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants and insect repellent.  

EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Meet at the Moulton Street end of the Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir in West Newbury
in the pull off on the Reservoir side.

Join us as we search for birds. Participants should be able to walk on unpaved surfaces.
The pace will be slow as we walk out to the pump house. Please be prepared with a long sleeved shirt, long pants and insect repellent.

HUMMINGBIRDS IN OUR GARDENS 

Hummingbirds are a thrill to watch! 
Their brain is about the size of a BB. 
Their nest is constructed of plant down, spider webs, lichen & tree sap. 
They eat about every 10 minutes. 
Their long tongues aid in nectaring. 
Their hearts are larger proportionally to their body than any other bird or mammal.
The long, thin bill is specially designed for sipping nectar & is one of the most
distinctive features of these birds. 
Their diet consists of insects and nectar produced by many flowers.  The exact sugar
concentration of nectar from different flowers can vary. 
They love a nectar feeder filled with fresh sugar & water solution ~ no red dye please!

Simple Recipe:
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup  sugar

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Allow sugar to dissolve and remove from heat.
  3. Let the nectar cool and then pour it into your feeder.
  4. Store remaining nectar in the refrigerator.

PRIVATE BIRDING TOURS

There's a natural draw to appreciating birds. We'll customize your tour complete with one of our guides! 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.

Contact Sue at: newburyportbirders@comcast.net and arrange your
private tour.

 
CONSERVATION TIP

For every ton of paper we recycle, we save:
17 trees that are 20 years old,
4200 kilowatts of energy -- that's 6 months of power for an average home,
7000 gallons of water,
84 pounds of air pollutants from entering the atmosphere.

With curbside, it's so easy to recycle!
WILDLIFE AND PESTICIDES
  • If you choose to use a pesticide, always read the label carefully before each use. Pay special attention to the "Environmental Hazards" section. 
  • Choose the least toxic products that are available and effective. 
  • Do not apply pesticides when it is raining or about to rain. This helps to prevent contamination of soils or water in drains, lakes, and streams. 
  • Do not apply pesticides right up to the water’s edge. Minimize water contamination by leaving untreated areas (buffer strips) along waterways and drainage areas. 
  • Never dispose of any pesticide in storm drains, sewer systems, or waterways. 
  • Granules left on sidewalks and driveways may wash into storm drains. Sweep these granules back onto the grass to minimize their movement. 
  • Many liquid pesticides pose the greatest risk to wildlife when they are still wet. Try to apply them so they will dry before animals enter treated areas. 
  • Do not spray flowers directly while bees [the pollenators] are visiting even on "weed" flowers like dandelions and clover. 

Good birding,
Sue

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - July 2, 2015

Red Phalarope by Liam Waters


Bartlett Street, Salisbury:
Downy Woodpecker

Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury:
Glossy Ibis, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Meadowlark

Amesbury's Boat Ramp:
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Mallard, Song Sparrow, Bald Eagle

New Hampshire Seacoast:

Least Tern, Roseate Tern, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Laughing Gull, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Laughing Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Purple Martin, Piping Plover, Osprey, Green Heron, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Great Egret, Snowy Egret

Bill Forward Wildlife Management Area, Newbury:
Marsh Wren, Glossy Ibis, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Willet, Mallard

Essex River, Essex:
Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Osprey, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Glossy Ibis, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Tree Swallow

Parker Street, Newburyport:
Turkey Vulture

Cherry Hill [Indian Hill] Reservoir, West Newbury:
Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cedar Waxwing, Black-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Green Heron, Eastern Bluebird, Warbling Vireo

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Cooper's Hawk, Indigo Bunting, Olive-sided Flycatcher

Clark Road, Amesbury:
Wild Turkey, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Chimney Swift

River Road, West Newbury:
Bald Eagle, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Flicker

Garnet Street, Newburyport:
White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Wild Turkey, American Crow

Mill Pond, West Newbury:
Eastern Phoebe, Canada Goose, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Great Blue Heron, Eastern Kingbird, Black-capped Chickadee, Tree Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Osprey
   

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Bonaparte’s Gull, Least Tern, Common Tern, Royal Tern, Red-breasted Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Piping Plover, 
Willow Flycatcher, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Willet, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Tree Swallow, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle

Newburyport Industrial Park, Newburyport:
Green Heron, Great Egret 

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Red Phalarope, Wilson's Phalarope, Ruff [Reeve], Tree Swallow, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Whip-poor-will, Whimbrel, Least Bittern, Purple Martin, Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Virginia Rail, Cory's Shearwater, Northern Gannet, Glossy Ibis, Semipalmated Plover,  Piping Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Parasitic Jaeger, Common Murre, Bonaparte's Gull, Red-eyed Vireo, Orchard Oriole

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Northern Flicker, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Bobolink, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Chimney Swift, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, American Crow, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Meadowlark, White-breasted Nuthatch

Andrew's Point, Rockport:
Common Eider, Common Loon, Cory's Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Black Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull

Atkinson Common, Newburyport:
White-breasted Nuthatch, Chipping Sparrow, Great Crested Flycatcher, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Chimney Swift, American Crow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Goldfinch, Pine Warbler