The annual BBC Waterfowl Prowl took place on Saturday, 22nd Feb 2020, with the intention of finding as many species as possible of ducks and other waterfowl. Conditions were good, 32-44F, with clear skies, but windy later in the day. 7.45am – 4pm.
We started at Great Herring Pond, headed west to the Rochester fields to check for the rare geese, then Scusset Beach and the various ponds along the northern side of Cape Cod with a quick stop at Corporation Beach, finishing up at Marston’s Mill Pond and Skunknett River Audubon.
20 species of ducks were found, with 3 species of geese. Mallards were most widespread, seen at eleven locations, then Buffleheads at ten. Missed Gadwall, Canvasback. Non-duck highlights included Razorbills at the Scusset breakwater, and a Bald Eagle at Great Herring Pond.
51 species
American Black Duck
American Crow
American Robin
American Wigeon – 46 at Shawme Pond
Bald Eagle – Great Herring Pond
Barnacle Goose – Continuing at Rochester fields, flew in around 8.45.
Barrow’s Goldeneye – 2 males, 1 female at Great Herring Pond
Black Scoter
Black-capped Chickadee
Blue Jay
Blue-winged Teal – 3 Continuing at Mill Pond, Barnstable
Brant
Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Common Eider
Common Goldeneye
Common Grackle
Common Loon
Common Merganser
Common Raven
Double-crested Cormorant – Nye Pond
European Starling
Fish Crow
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Blue Heron
Great Cormorant – Scusset Beach
Greater Scaup
Green-winged Teal – 5 at Marston’s Mill Pond
Herring Gull
Hooded Merganser
Horned Lark – Rochester Fields
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck – Corporation Beach
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Mute Swan
Northern Harrier – Scusset Beach
Northern Pintail – 9 Skunknett River
Razorbill – 2 close to breakwater, Scusset
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-necked Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-winged Blackbird
Ring-billed Gull
Ring-necked Duck
Song Sparrow
Surf Scoter
Tufted Titmouse
Turkey Vulture
White-winged Scoter
Wild Turkey
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Plum Island
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be walking the North Pool dike as well as visiting other spots. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restrooms available.
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Barretts Mill Farmland
Concord - Barretts Mill Farmland Barrett's Mill Road, Concord, MA, United StatesThis is often a great place for fall sparrows including Savannah, Field, and White-crowned, as well as Pipit and occasional Dickcissel. Loaner binoculars available; please email trip leader to reserve a pair! If the weather doens't look good, contact the leader to check status.
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Hellcat at Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #4 Newbury, MA, United StatesDuring the past few years the refuge has opened the dike to hiking during National Wildlife Refuge Week. We will plan to do that hike if the dike is again open this year. Otherwise we hike the boardwalk and normal dike area.
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Arlington Reservoir
Lexington - Arlington Reservoir 210 Lowell Street, Arlington, MA, United StatesIn the fall water levels are lowered creating good conditions for ducks and shorebirds. We will also visit the adjacent Lexington community farm. Birds are found feasting on the remains of the crops planted there. We will walk about a mile on wide paths and some uneven ground (possibly muddy). Note that the reservoir area [...]
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Fruitlands Museum, Harvard
Harvard - Fruitlands Museum 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard, MA, United StatesCosponsored with Boxborough Birders. We will look for fall migrants and resident birds. Expect to walk about 2 miles on trails through meadow and woods, with some steep sections. Heavy rain cancels the trip.




