Brown Thrasher - Undercover Expert

Brown Thrasher by Bob Stymeist

The Brown Thrasher is an actor, robed in reddish hue, not in the distinguished gray like the catbird or the mockingbird.  As noted in Chris Leahy's information packed and engaging resource,  The Birdwatchers' Companion, the Brown Thrasher doesn't beat or thrash with its long tail and doesn't thresh with its long, curved blade of a bill.  The bill allows it to forage deep in thickets and last season's leaf litter by sweeping the detritus and soil away and then pecking, probing and seeking insects, snails, toads, frogs, seed, beetles, fruits and nuts.   

I watch them intently as they pass in jerky flight along the vegetated edges roadside and take cover.  The ruddy hue makes them difficult to see undercover. 

I smile when I hear their smack call which I liken to a loud kiss ~ that "tcheh" call note of this mimic.  I regularly focus on Brown Thrashers as they cross low over the road at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.  My concern for them heightens when the beach-goers stream to the Refuge's and Sandy Point's beaches.  I've studied them for hours as they fly in and out of the shadbush, serviceberry, shadblow, viburnam and beach plum thickets at this important and renowned birding area. They appear unsettled and uncomfortable in the open; they're in their element when undercover. 

The Brown Thrasher has several monikers: Brown Thrush, Eastern Roadrunner, Sandy Mocker, Ferruginous Mockingbird, Planting Bird and Red Mavis. 

The Brown Thrasher has a slender bill, and the lower mandible has yellow at the base.  Its face is gray; its eyes are yellow.  Those white wing bars and yellow legs are easy to discern and focus on. Its tail is long, rounded and keel-like.  It's known as a large, boldly patterned, long-tailed skulker that loves the thickets.  Both sexes are rich, bright rufous with buff to white underparts with black streaking.  The Brown Thrashers are conspicuous due to their large size  [9-12 inches].  With a wingspan of 11-13 inches, they are seen well as they dart low, barely undulating, in front of my car.  I've invested time watching them dust bathe roadside when I'm heading to Sandy Point. 

The male Brown Thrasher's rich, musical and varied song is one of duplicity, a series of long phrases separated by pauses. This mimic has a large song repertoire and is the only thrasher routinely seen in the northeast. 

By the second or third week in April, the males arrive.  Once on territory, the vain male will perch high vertically and announce the breeding season.  The male is on territory ahead of the female, and often his song is delayed for a few days. When the female arrives, the male's song of doubleness begins.  Once a mate is secured, the pair limit their movements and begin nest building.   The mated male sings a softer song.  The female shapes the nest, and both male and female bring in the nest construction supplies - twigs, grapevine, rootlets, grass and dry leaves.  The nest is a hefty, dense parfait with many tiers - often four -  first twigs, then dry leaves, grapevine and paper compose the second tier; the third tier is stems, twig roots with soil, and the fourth tier is rootlets without any dirt attached.  I've watched them beat the roots on the hot, black pavement and shake them to remove the dirt.  The nest's outside diameter measures 12 inches; the inside diameter is 3 - 4 inches; the inside depth is 1 inch. 

Often the nests are in thorny shrubs below 12 feet; but most often they are at  2 - 7 feet.  I found an active nest on the ground once.  2 - 6 eggs are laid that are white to pale blue with faint to heavy speckles and muddy brown markings. The Brown Thrasher is aggressive around the nest like a highly-skilled defenseman on the "Atlanta Thrashers"... 

The nestlings are helpless with downy tufts; they fledge between 10 to 14 days, earlier than Gray Catbirds and Northern Mockingbirds.  The male has charge of the fledglings, affording the female the opportunity to produce 2 - 3 clutches.  If there isn't a second or third brood, the pair divide the care of the fledglings, sometimes moving the young to separate areas.

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - May 26, 2016

Cape May Warbler by Miles Brengle

Cogswell Street, Ipswich:
Cape May Warbler

Merrimack River, Salisbury's Butler's Toothpick to Haverhill's Rocks Village Bridge:
Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Belted Kingfisher, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Eastern Phoebe, Chimney Swift, Eastern Kingbird, Osprey, Common Tern, Bonaparte's Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Double-crested Cormorant, Marsh Wren, Great Blue Heron, Mallard, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch  

Erie Avenue, Newburyport:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Chimney Swift

Battis Farm, Amesbury:
Bobolink, Killdeer, Savannah Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker 

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Brown-headed Cowbird

Clarks Pond, Amesbury:
Osprey, Baltimore Oriole, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Duck with young, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Gray Catbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-capped Chickadee

Pine Island Road, Newbury:
Tree Swallow, Northern Harrier, Swainson's Thrush

Eastern Point General Area, Gloucester:
Canada Goose, Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Swainson's Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Canada Warbler, Wilson's Warbler

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, European Starling, Northern Mockingbird, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove

Daniel Boone Park, Ipswich:
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Tree Swallow, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart,  Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Field Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Indigo Bunting

Various Areas in Marblehead:
Kentucky Warbler, Canada Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, American Oystercatcher, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and- white Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler  

Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, NH:
Solitary Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Black Guillemot, Common Tern, Northern Shoveler, Mallard with young, Common Eider with young, Canada Goose with goslings

Point Shore, Amesbury:
Eastern Phoebe, Osprey, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Double-crested Cormorant

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Grasshopper Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Golden-winged Warbler, Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Fish Crow, Purple Martin, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Northern Harrier, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet,  Least Tern, Common Tern, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Red-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Chimney Swift, House Wren, Chipping Sparrow, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ipswich River, Topsfield:
Wood Duck, Mallard, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Glossy Ibis, Canada Goose,  Turkey Vulture, Accipiter species, Red-tailed Hawk, Virginia Rail, Sora, Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker,
Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Urban Forestry Center, Portsmouth, NH:
Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch

Various areas in Manchester-by-the-Sea:
Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis

Dykes Pasture Road, Gloucester:
Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay,White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler,Black-throated Green Warbler

New Hampshire Seacoast:
White-winged Scoter, Common Loon, Red-throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Glossy Ibis, American Oystercatcher, Purple Sandpiper, Jaeger species, Large Alcid species

Pikes Bridge Road, West Newbury:
American Coot, Mute Swan, Barred Owl, Blue-winged Warbler, Wood Thrush, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow

South Road, East Kingston, NH:
Eurasian Collared-Dove

Bond Street, Gloucester:
Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Green Heron, White-crowned Sparrow, Tree Swallow, Eastern Bluebird

Colby Pasture on  Turkey Hill Road, West Newbury:
Common Nighthawk, Killdeer, Great Egret, Mallard, Tree Swallow, Chimney Swift

Vortex ED Scope & Vortex/Manfrotto Tripod For Sale

SOLD

Both in nearly new [excellent] condition

Vortex Skyline ED 82mm Angled Scope

Vortex CBX Tripod with a 128 RC Microfluid Head  

Complete with original packaging, scope cover & tripod bag.  

Vortex has a VIP warranty.  VIP stands for a Very Important Promise to you, the customer. They'll repair or replace your Vortex product in the event it becomes damaged or defective at no charge to you. If they cannot repair your product, they'll replace it with a product in
perfect working order of equal or better physical condition.  You can count on the VIP Warranty for all Vortex Optics spotting scopes and tripods.

Unlimited Lifetime Warranty -  Fully transferable  -  No warranty card to complete - No receipt needed to hang on to

If you ever have a problem, no matter the cause, they promise to take care of you.  The VIP Warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that does not hinder the performance of the product.

If interested, please be in touch with me.  It's a great scope for a great price!

Good birding,
Sue 

Piping Plover Update at Parker River NWR

Scientists say East Coast’s Saltmarsh Sparrow Disappearing

http://www.boston.com/news/animals/2016/05/21/east-coasts-saltmarsh-sparrow-extinct-50-years-scientists-say

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - May 19, 2016

Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area, Byfield:
Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Glossy Ibis, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch 

Old Rowley Road, Newbury:
Glossy Ibis

Lake Attitash, Merrimac/Amesbury:
Mute Swan with cygnets, Tree Swallow, Chimney Swift, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pike's Bridge Road, West Newbury:
Great Blue Heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Green Heron, Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Mute Swan with cygnets

Lake Gardner, Amesbury:
Baltimore Oriole, Morning Dove, Gray Catbird, Common Grackle, European Starling, American Robin, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Kingbird, Orchard Oriole, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Wood Thrush, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Savannah Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, Mallard, Canada Goose

Hoyt's Lane, Newburyport:
Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Pileated Woodpecker 

Artichoke Reservoir, West Newbury:
Blue-winged Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Warbling Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia Warbler

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
White-crowned Sparrow, Eastern Towhee

Colby Pasture, West Newbury:
Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Mallard, Canada Goose, Tree Swallow

Route 1A Saltmarsh, Rowley/Newbury:
Least Sandpiper, Willet, Wilson's Phalarope, Glossy Ibis  

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, American Bittern, Great Egret, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Least Tern, Common Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, 
American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch 

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, House Wren, Fish Crow, American Crow, Common Yellowthroat, Gray Catbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Eastern Point, Gloucester:
Black-crowned Night-Heron, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-headed Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-White Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole

Powow River, Amesbury:
Common Nighthawk

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Wilson's Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch   

Eastern Marsh Rail Trail, Salisbury:
Cliff Swallow, American Bittern, Orchard Oriole, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole

Parker Ridge, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Wenham Canal, Wenham/Topsfield:
Wood Duck,  Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Solitary Sandpiper, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Veery, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole

Battis Farm, Amesbury:
Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker  

Crane Beach, Ipswich:
Brant, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Piping Plover, Willet, American Woodcock, Least Tern, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Bank Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Newburyport Industrial Park:
Green Heron, Killdeer, American Kestrel, American Woodcock

Elm Street, Salisbury:
Common Yellowthroat 

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Bobolink, American Crow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Blue Jay, American Goldfinch

Salisbury Town Pier:
Common Tern, Double-crested Cormorant, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Egret, Greater Yellowlegs 

Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport: 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, American Robin, American Goldfinch, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Finch, Black-capped Chickadee, House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Red-tailed Hawk 

Various Areas on Cape Ann:
Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Black Duck, Mallard, King Eider, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Loon, Common Loon, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis, Turkey Vulture, American Oystercatcher, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Black Guillemot, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Merlin, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, House Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Wilson's Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Parula, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Phoebe, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Carolina Wren, Black-billed Cuckoo, Cedar Waxwing, Great Crested Flycatcher, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler

Sandy Point State Reservation:
Roseate Tern, Piping Plover, Least Tern

Newman Road, Newbury:
Glossy Ibis, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird 

Various Areas in Byfield:

Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Black Duck, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee,

Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Hanover Street: Newbury:
Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, House Finch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, American Crow, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, European Starling, Wild Turkey, Gray Catbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole

Newburyport Birders' June and July Programs

EVENING OF WINGS, FEATHERS & FLIGHT
Date: Saturday, June 4
Time: 6:30 pm to sunset
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at Parking Lot #1

Let's explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge with a focus on wings, feathers & flights. We'll discuss field marks, and we'll be watching bird behavior at this premier, birding destination. Long-sleeved shirt and long pants are suggested.


WEDNESDAY EVENING BIRDING FUNDAMENTALSDate: Wednesday, June 8
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Woodsom Farm in Amesbury - meet at the parking lot by the hill & near the sign on Lions Mouth Road.

Take a walk, have fun, learn where to look for birds and how to identify them in their habitat. This slow-paced walk will introduce you to birds of the grasslands. We'll discuss the natural history of the birds we encounter. Please wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and footwear appropriate for walking on unpaved surfaces.



BIRDS OF OAK HILL CEMETERY
Date: Sunday, June 19
Time: 8:30 - 11:00 am
Meeting Location: Just inside the cemetery's entrance off Parker Street near the compost area.
Fee: $15

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


WEDNESDAY EVENING ALONG THE POWOW RIVER
Date: Wednesday, June 22
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Fee: $15

Meeting Location: Lake Gardner in Amesbury - meet at the parking lot off High Street in Amesbury

Take a walk, have fun, learn where to look for birds and how to identify them in their habitat. This slow-paced walk will introduce you to riverside birding. We'll discuss the natural history of the birds we encounter. Please wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and footwear appropriate for walking on unpaved surfaces.


BIRDING BYFIELD'S MARTIN BURNS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Date: Sunday, June 26
Time: 7:30 am to 11:00 am
Meeting Location: First parking area by the buildings
Fee: $15

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. This property offers a wide range of nesting birds in old pasture and wooded tracts. We will walk at least 2 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.


PURPLE MARTINS OF PLUM ISLAND
Date: Wednesday, July 6
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Suggested Donation: $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; bring insect repellent and a lawn chair.



BIRDING NEW HAMPSHIRE'S GEORGE BURROWS BROOKSIDE SANCTUARY
Date: Sunday, July 10
Time: 7:30 am - 11:00 am
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: We'll gather in the parking lot in front of Stop & Shop on Route 110 in Amesbury - we'll carpool to the sanctuary in South Hampton, NH.



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.


EVENING BIRDING AT CHERRY HILL [INDIAN HILL] RESERVOIR
Date: Wednesday, July 13
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 pulloff 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.


PURPLE MARTINS OF PLUM ISLAND
Date: Sunday, July 17
Time: 6:30 pm to dusk
Suggested Donation: $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; bring insect repellent and a lawn chair.

Bobolink - Robert of Lincoln, by William Cullen Bryant

Bobolink by Tim Spahr

Merrily swinging on brier and weed,

Near to the nest of his little dame,

Over the mountain-side or mead,

Robert of Lincoln is telling his name:

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Snug and safe is that nest of ours,

Hidden among the summer flowers,

Chee, chee, chee.

Robert of Lincoln is gayly drest,

Wearing a bright black wedding-coat;

White are his shoulders and white his crest

Hear him call in his merry note:

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Look, what a nice coat is mine.

Sure there was never a bird so fine.

Chee, chee, chee.

Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife,

Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings,

Passing at home a patient life,

Broods in the grass while her husband sings

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Brood, kind creature; you need not fear

Thieves and robbers while I am here.

Chee, chee, chee.

Modest and shy is she;

One weak chirp is her only note.

Braggart and prince of braggarts is he,

Pouring boasts from his little throat:

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Never was I afraid of man;

Catch me, cowardly knaves, if you can!

Chee, chee, chee.

Six white eggs on a bed of hay,

Flecked with purple, a pretty sight!

There as the mother sits all day,

Robert is singing with all his might:

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

Nice good wife, that never goes out,

Keeping house while I frolic about.

Chee, chee, chee.

Soon as the little ones chip the shell,

Six wide mouths are open for food;

Robert of Lincoln bestirs him well,

Gathering seeds for the hungry brood.

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-linl,

Spink, spank, spink;

This new life is likely to be

Hard for a gay young fellow like me.

Chee, chee, chee.

Robert of Lincoln at length is made

Sober with work, and silent with care;

Off is his holiday garment laid,

Half forgotten that merry air:

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Nobody knows but my mate and I

Where our nest and out nestlings lie.

Chee, chee, chee.

Summer wanes; the children are grown;

Fun and frolic no more he knows;

Robert of Lincoln's a humdrum crone;

Off he flies, and we sing as he goes:

Bob-o'-link, bob-o'-link,

Spink, spank, spink;

When you can pipe that merry old strain,

Robert of Lincoln, come back again.

Chee, chee, chee.

Red Knots & Climate Change

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/science/climate-change-bird-red-knots.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

MAY MIGRATION PROGRAMS

Wednesday Evenings in Wild West Newbury

Dates: Wednesdays, May 11, 18, & 25
Time: 6:00 pm to dusk
Fee: $15
Meeting Location: Pike's Bridge Road parking area on Turkey Hill Road in West Newbury

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

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

The Birds of Oak Hill Cemetery 

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

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


Birding Byfield's Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area 

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

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

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


West Newbury's Ash Street Swamp 

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

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

With best wishes, 
Sue

Bird Sightings for Essex County, MA & Southern NH - May 9, 2016

Northern Parula by Nate Dubrow

Red Gate Road, Rowley:
Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Towhee, Willet, Bald Eagle

Eastern Point, Gloucester:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Eider, Bufflehead, Wild Turkey, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling 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, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Black-and-White Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow, House Wren

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Towhee, Chimney Swift

Bond Street, Gloucester: 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Town Farm Road, Ipswich:
Glossy Ibis, Red-tailed Hawk 

Route 1A Salt Pans, Rowley/Newbury:
Mallard, Wild Turkey, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle

Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport:
Baltimore Oriole, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe, Chimney Swift, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher


Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area, Byfield:
Field Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Pine Warbler, Common Yellow-throat, Eastern Kingbird, Red-tail Hawk, Warbling Vireo, Great Blue Heron, Tree Swallow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Woodsom Farm, Amesbury:
Canada Goose, Song Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Turkey Vulture, American Robin, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Northern Cardinal, White-throated Sparrow, House Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Yellow Warbler, American Crow, Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch, Brown Thrasher, Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Mallard

Cabot Street, Beverly:
Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture

10th Street, Newbury:
Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Yellow Warbler,Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Baltimore Oriole, Merlin, Willet, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer

Nahant Thicket, Nahant:

Brant, Mallard, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Cooper's Hawk, Herring Gull, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Barn Swallow, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Veery, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, House Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch  

Scotland Road, Newbury:
Caspian Tern

Plum Island Point, Newburyport:

Purple Martin, Common Grackle, Ring-billed Gull, Red-breasted Merganser, Chipping Sparrow, Mourning Dove, European Starling,n Long-tailed Duck

Middle Road, Merrimac:
Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, American Robin, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Kestrel, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, Northern Flicker, Wild Turkey, Baltimore Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Purple Martin, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, American Golden-Plover, Black Tern, Orchard Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Killdeer, Mallard, House Sparrow, American Robin, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Wild Turkey, American Crow, Great Egret, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Greater Yellowlegs, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, Blue Jay, Brown-headed Cowbird, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Purple Finch, Northern Harrier, Lesser Yellowlegs, Gadwall, American Goldfinch, Great Blue Heron, American Black Duck  

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Killdeer, Dunlin, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Short-billed Dowitcher, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck     

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Northern Mockingbird, Ruddy Turnstone, Black Tern, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Orchard Oriole, Common Gallinule 

Daniel Boone Park, Ipswich:
Red-bellied Woodpecker,  Downy Woodpecker,  Pileated Woodpecker,  Black-capped Chickadee,  Tufted Titmouse,  White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren,  Ruby-crowned Kinglet,  Gray Catbird,  Pine Warbler,  Chipping Sparrow,  Northern Cardinal,  Baltimore Oriole,  American Goldfinch

Newburyport Harbor:
Greater Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Willet, Short-billed Dowitcher

Great Bay Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH:
Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Wild Turkey

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Marblehead:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren,  
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville  Warbler, Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Main Street, Amesbury:
Chimney Swift, Spotted Sandpiper, Northern Rough-winged Swallow

West Shore Road, Merrimac:
Baltimore Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Flicker

Bradley Palmer State Park, Hamilton/Topsfield:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Robin,  Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch

Oak Hill Cemetery - Habitat Change Inbox

You may have already noticed that land is being cleared on Newburyport's Parker Street between Shepard's Auto Body and Oak Hill Cemetery's compost area.  This parcel has been sold for development.  As of right now, two houses will be constructed close to Parker Street.  There's a high probability that the developer Ed Hill will subdivide said parcel and build an additional two homes pond side. 

I have an effortless request of Oak Hill Cemetery's birders this Spring.  Please forward your sightings to me at: newburyportbirders@comcast.net.  I would like to provide a bird list to the Planning Board and the developer's landscaper, requesting that an assortment of native trees and shrubs be planted on said parcel. 

Douglas Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home, explains that "native plants provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. They provide nourishing seeds and irresistible fruits for your feathered neighbors, and they offer places to nest and shelter from harm. They’re also a critical part of the food chain—insects evolved to feed on native plants, and by and large, backyard birds raise their young on insects.  Take the Carolina Chickadee: A single clutch of four to six chicks will gobble up more than 9,000 caterpillars in the 16 days between when they hatch and when they leave the nest.  So thriving insects mean thriving birds."

Thank you & good birding,
Sue

TIMESHARE 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 acre park adjoins 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 - May 5, 2016

Black-crowned Night-Heron by Margo
Goetschkes

Upper Artichoke Area, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Great Blue Heron, Tree Swallow, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Broad Street, Merrimac:
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Gray Catbird

Pine Island Road, Newbury:
Black-crowned Night-Heron, Wood Duck

Hale Street, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Various Areas in Georgetown:
Chipping Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Tree Swallow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Low Street, Newbury:
Purple Martin, American Woodcock

Clark Pond, Ipswich:
Sora

Newman Road, Newbury:
Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, White-faced Ibis, American Crow, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, American Goldfinch, Turkey Vulture, Virginia Rail, Greater Yellowlegs, Wilson's Snipe, Herring Gull

Moulton Street, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chipping Sparrow

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH:
Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Canada Goose

Route 1A, Newbury:
Glossy Ibis, Wood Duck, Wilson's Phalarope

Linebrook Road, Ipswich:
Green Heron, Eastern Bluebird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, House Wren

Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury/Newburyport:
Killdeer, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, American Woodcock, Tree Swallow, Eastern Meadowlark

Ash Street Swamp, West Newbury:
Sora, Virginia Rail, Wood Duck, Mallard with young, Tree Swallow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron

Hanover Street, Newbury:
Eastern Towhee, Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, House Finch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, American Crow, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, European Starling, Wild Turkey, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pike's Bridge Road, West Newbury:
Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue Jay, Palm Warbler, Green-winged Teal, American Woodcock, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Killdeer, Virginia Rail, Northern Flicker, Palm Warbler, Wilson's Snipe

J. B. Little Road, Groveland:
Cooper's Hawk, Yellow Warbler, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow

Newburyport Industrial Park:
Canada Goose with goslings, Killdeer, Cooper's Hawk, Cedar Waxwing

Sandy Point State Reservation, Plum Island:
Piping Plover, Brant, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Common Tern

Cherry Hill Reservoir, West Newbury:
Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Tree Swallow, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Eastern Phoebe, Green Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Savannah Sparrow

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH:
Least Flycatcher, Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Purple Finch

Plum Island Point, Newburyport:
Purple Martin, Common Tern

Labor-in-Vain Road, Ipswich:
Glossy Ibis, Gray Catbird

Cross Beach Road, Seabrook, NH:
Purple Martin

Crow Lane, Newburyport:

American Kestrel, Cooper's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Northern Flicker

Common Pasture, Scotland Road, Newbury:
Ring-necked Pheasant, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island:
Purple Martin, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Yellow Warbler, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cooper's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Marsh Wren, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Eastern Towhee, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs, Long-tailed Duck, Common Loon, Scarlet Tanager

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

Little River Trail System, Newburyport:
Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird, American Crow, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Great Blue Heron, Great Horned Owl, American Robin, Wild Turkey, Northern Mockingbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Turkey Vulture, Mallard, Bald Eagle

Hampton Harbor, Seabrook, NH:
Piping Plover

Little River Trail, Newburyport:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Phoebe

Wenham Canal, Wenham:                        

Northern Flicker, Winter Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-White Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow

Old Rowley Road, Newbury:
Glossy Ibis, White-faced Ibis

George Burroughs Brookside Sanctuary, South Hampton, NH:
Ovenbird, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Salt Marsh on Route 1A, Rowley:
White-faced Ibis, Glossy Ibis

Hamlin Reservation, Ipswich:
American Black Duck, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, Willet, Blue-headed Vireo, European Starling

Exeter Wastewater Treatment Plant, Exeter, NH:
Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Greater Yellowlegs, Bank Swallow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Bald Eagle, Palm Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat

Waldingfield Road, Ipswich:
Owl species

Dodge Reservation, Rowley
Wood Duck, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Ovenbird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch

Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury:
Wood Duck, Gray Catbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ring-necked Duck

Shea Brother's on the Essex-Ipswich line:
Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper

False Teeth Cove, South Hampton, NH:
Eastern Towhee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrow, Wood Duck, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Great Blue Heron, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbird, Tufted Titmouse, Mourning Dove, Mute Swan, Wild Turkey, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle

Various Areas in Nahant:
Yellow-throated Vireo

Willowdale State Forest (Eastern Sector], Ipswich:
Mute Swan, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Broad-winged Hawk, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Marblehead:
Black-crowned Night Heron, Blue-headed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flicker, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Towhee, Northern Waterthrush

New Hampshire Seacoast:
Common Goldeneye, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Thick-billed Murre, Common Eider, Common Loon, Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked Grebe