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 States

We 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 States

We'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 States

Join 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

Boston - 401 Park Dr - REI Entrance 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, United States

A great walk of the Muddy River and Halls Pond, perfect for beginners or casual birders in the city! A loop going down the section of the Muddy River by Longwood, to the delightful birding Oasis of Halls Pond boardwalk, and then back along the Muddy River to the meeting spot. Meet at 401 Park Drive [...]

Early Birders @ Charles River Esplanade

Boston - Charles River Esplanade (Frances Appleton Bridge Meeting Point) MA, United States

Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit the Charles River Esplanade for an evening bird walk! Located in the heart of Boston, the Esplanade is a 64-acre park along the south side of the Charles River. While serving as one of Boston’s staple common areas, it is also a good spot to observe [...]

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