The Brookline Bird Club trip to Cape Ann was rewarded by a warmup in the weather and surprising flat calm seas.
We visited Halibut Point, where land birds were again very few. Andrews Point, Cathedral, the Granite Pier, the Elks and the Jodrey Fish Pier had a nice variety of species, although numbers seemed relatively low overall.
Another birder pointed out the Iceland Gull at the Fish Pier. The Peregrine was cruising the wetland next to the Vista Motel. The Thick-billed Murres – one or two at Andrews, two at the Granite Pier (clearer looks) – were a treat. The Horned Larks were in the parking lot at Good Harbor Beach. The Sanderlings were at Good Harbor Beach and the Purple Sandpipers were at the Elks Club. Part of Gloucester Harbor was frozen, with sea ice piled up at several other locations. List below.
Canada Goose 64
Mallard 231
American Black Duck 65
Common Eider 306
Harlequin Duck 76 Andrews, Cathedral, Granite Pier – calm seas, excellent visibility
Surf Scoter 10
White-winged Scoter 35
Black Scoter 131
Long-tailed Duck 28
Bufflehead 137
Common Goldeneye 1
Red-breasted Merganser 70
Common Loon 13
Red-necked Grebe 1
Northern Gannet 2
Great Cormorant 35
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Sanderling 18
Purple Sandpiper 5
Common/Thick-billed Murre 3 Thick-billed – 2 at Granite Pier, 1 at Andrews, good visibility
Razorbill 26
Black Guillemot 3 1 Salt Island, 2 at Bass Rocks
alcid sp. 30
Ring-billed Gull 16
Herring Gull 127
Iceland Gull 1
Great Black-backed Gull 25
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 105
Mourning Dove 1
Peregrine Falcon 1 by Vista Motel
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 28
Horned Lark 42
Black-capped Chickadee 3
American Robin 2
European Starling 130
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 1
House Sparrow 2
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41618938
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Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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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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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.
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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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An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin DCR park staff for a relaxed, one-mile bird walk through flat, easy terrain at this Massachusetts State Reservation and birding hot spot. At Belle Isle and at additional nearby locations— We’ll search for raptors, native sparrows, finches, herons, and egrets. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or bike). Binoculars [...]
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Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
Mattapan - MAS Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA, United StatesExplore this urban oasis for sparrows and other possible fall migrants like Dickcissel and Blue Grosbeak. We will take an easy walk through varied habitats. Co-sponsored with the Boston Nature Center.






