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
Shorebirds & More at Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be looking for Shorebirds and other Refuge specialties. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restroom available.
Squantum – Quincy
Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United StatesWe'll check the marshes and the mudflats in Squantum for shorebirds, starting at Moswetuset Hummock and visiting other spots nearby. At high tide (~6:15 am), we'll try checking the high tide roosts for shorebirds as well. Be prepared for the possibility of biting insects. Cosponsored with South Shore Bird Club.
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 large groups of herons and egrets, and shorebird rarities. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or [...]
Muddy River and Halls Pond
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Early Birders @ Charles River Esplanade
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