Fort Phoenix State Reservation, Bristol, Massachusetts, US

Nov 2, 2025 7:52 AM – 10:40 AM

Protocol: Traveling

0.806 mile(s)

Checklist Comments:    Paskamansett Bird Club and Brookline Bird Club walk. Led by Carol Molander.

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Clear sky

Temperature: 42 – 49°F

Wind: Gentle breeze

Wind Direction: W

Cloud Cover: 0%

Humidity: 53 – 68%

Sunrise: 6:16am

Sunset: 4:37pm

Weather generated by <a href=”https://raincrow.app/”>RainCrow</a>

35 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  175

Snow Goose x Brant (hybrid)  1    *Rare. Well documented hybrid. Third year it has been seen here, arriving in early November and leaving in early spring. Associating with the Brant flock. Seen by the main parking lot eating grass. Flew when spooked by a dog walker. Seen later on the walk by the hurricane dike eating green algae (sea lettuce). It did vocalize. It sounded more Goose-like than Brant-like. I couldn’t get an audio. I will try another time.

Canada Goose  16

Mallard  2    Seen by Moe

Surf Scoter  3

Bufflehead  2

Red-breasted Merganser  65    Best estimate. Several rafts following and feeding on schools of fish.

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  1

Mourning Dove  2

Laughing Gull  4

Ring-billed Gull  24

American Herring Gull  35

Horned Grebe  2

Common Loon  2

Double-crested Cormorant  10

Great Blue Heron  1

Cooper’s Hawk  1

Bald Eagle  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Downy Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker  2

Blue Jay  4

American Crow  4

Tree Swallow  2    No doubt in identification. Blue-green upperparts, white underparts.  Flew close and directly over our heads.

Barn Swallow  2    Watched for around 10 minutes. Flying over the beach and grassy field. Forked tail. Dark above, orange throat. Lighter belly.

Carolina Wren  2

European Starling  35

Northern Mockingbird  2

American Robin  6

House Sparrow  8

House Finch  2

American Goldfinch  2

Song Sparrow  8

Red-winged Blackbird  1    Seen by Bill

Yellow-rumped Warbler  22

Northern Cardinal  1

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S282924821

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Vernal Equinox Walk. Leader’s Choice

    The trip leader will monitor recent sightings prior to meeting and select the birdiest spots. Contact leader for details. Call or e-mail no later than 7 PM on March 20.

  • CANCELLED “Timberdoodles” Kids Walk in Belmont

    Cancelled due to schedule conflict. Please check our other woodcock walks and one led by Menotomy Bird club listed on our calendar too. Two that are in the same area are listed below. https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/woodcocks-at-mary-cummings-park-2/ https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/woodcocks-of-rock-meadow/  

  • Woodcock Watch, Oxbow NWR, Harvard

    We will stay until it gets dark to watch for American Woodcock. Come early to enjoy other birds. Rain date Sunday, March 22, same time.

  • Arlington Reservoir

    Visit Arlington Reservoir and the adjacent Lexington Community Farm to search for late winter lingerers and early migrants. Cosponsored with Menotomy Bird club.

  • Mass. Audubon Boston Nature Center

    Join us to observe resident birds and early spring migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are flat and easy to walk. Be sure to wear a hat, waterproof footwear, and bring water.

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