Midweek Hunt for Alcids and Seabirds
https://ebird.org/tripreport/178998
Although the winds were not particularly in our favor for this trip, I had an enjoyable time with the group. I had hoped to get a Mass lifer of some sort on this trip, and did so with black guillemot, which we got about midway through the trip. I had trouble getting my own scope on the first individual, but later ones at another spot I got fine. We started at Halibut and froze ourselves checking out the ocean, with gannet and a kittiwake being the highlights, at least for me. We then hit he usual spots in the Gloucester area; Andrews Point, Cathedral Rocks, Granite Pier (big flock of purpose sandpipers there) Bass, Eastern Point, etc.
One of the things I enjoyed was going to new spots; Jodrey Fish Pier for instance. I had never been there, and it was not productive today, but Barbara had great advice for where to look (under the pilings) when the weather started to really cool off. Intel like that is invaluable for future trips, as was the recommendation to try the Causeway restaurant after a long day of birding.
So I got my wish for a Mass lifer, and spent the day with an enjoyable group of birders. Til next time!
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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.