Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield, Essex, Massachusetts, US
29-Apr-2023 06:00 – 08:30
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Checklist Comments:    BBC – Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield – Leader: Bruce Bolnick substituting for Peter Vale – Unexpectedly fine weather this morning, partly cloudy, light breeze, temperature in the 50s. With BirdCast showing very low migration rates the past three nights, it was not a surprise to find a dearth of spring warblers. Nonetheless, the woods and marshes were replete with bird song, and we did have some excellent sightings. Note that bird counts for common species are approximation
42 species
Canada Goose  25
Wood Duck  2
Mallard  5
Mourning Dove  8
Virginia Rail  2    Heard clearly in wetlands along South Esker trail, and again very nearby from Innermost boardwalk.
Killdeer  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Great Blue Heron  3
Bald Eagle  1    Immature, perched in a tree in the distance across the wetlands east of South Esker trail. Identification confirmed from blurry zoomed photos taken by two group members.
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  2
Merlin  1    Small, brown-backed raptor with longish tail zooming across our path in woodlands above Bunker Meadow viewing platform. Identification based on very rapid flight, color, and shape/jizz. Definitely not a buteo, accipiter, or owl.
Eastern Phoebe  1
Blue Jay  12
Fish Crow  4
Common Raven  1
Black-capped Chickadee  18
Tufted Titmouse  16
Tree Swallow  50
White-breasted Nuthatch  14
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  3
House Wren  2
Marsh Wren  3
Carolina Wren  6
European Starling  4
Eastern Bluebird  6
American Robin  15
House Sparrow  10
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  2
Chipping Sparrow  12
White-throated Sparrow  5
Song Sparrow  8
Swamp Sparrow  12
Red-winged Blackbird  70
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Common Grackle  18
Yellow Warbler  1
Pine Warbler  4
Northern Cardinal  8
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S135528979

Scholarship Report

The BBC’s first scholarship winner, Aidan Pavao, recently returned from the Hog Island summer camp and sent along a brief report. Check out the scholarship page for more information about the program and how to contribute

Tips for inspiring Young Birders

The Brookline Bird Club has a long history of its experienced birder members encouraging and supporting rising young birders, and, for decades, has been scheduling trips targeted to children and families. But how do you

ANNUAL REPORT 2009

2009 STATISTICAL AND YEAR END REPORT By Robert H. Stymeist, Statistician   During 2009, the Brookline Bird Club listed 305 species of birds on 194 reported trips, just one species less than last year. A

Scholarship Report

The BBC’s first scholarship winner, Aidan Pavao, recently returned from the Hog Island summer camp and sent along a brief report. Check out the scholarship page for more information about the program and how to contribute

Tips for inspiring Young Birders

The Brookline Bird Club has a long history of its experienced birder members encouraging and supporting rising young birders, and, for decades, has been scheduling trips targeted to children and families. But how do you

ANNUAL REPORT 2009

2009 STATISTICAL AND YEAR END REPORT By Robert H. Stymeist, Statistician   During 2009, the Brookline Bird Club listed 305 species of birds on 194 reported trips, just one species less than last year. A

Scholarship Report

The BBC’s first scholarship winner, Aidan Pavao, recently returned from the Hog Island summer camp and sent along a brief report. Check out the scholarship page for more information about the program and how to contribute

Tips for inspiring Young Birders

The Brookline Bird Club has a long history of its experienced birder members encouraging and supporting rising young birders, and, for decades, has been scheduling trips targeted to children and families. But how do you

ANNUAL REPORT 2009

2009 STATISTICAL AND YEAR END REPORT By Robert H. Stymeist, Statistician   During 2009, the Brookline Bird Club listed 305 species of birds on 194 reported trips, just one species less than last year. A

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Cape Ann

    Gloucester - Fisherman's Monument Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial, 60 Western Ave, Gloucester, MA, United States

    We will search for alcids and other wintering seabirds. Be prepared for cold and windy weather. If inclement weather is predicted, contact the leader by 6:00 pm the previous evening.

  • Early Birders @ Milton Landing & Neponset River Greenway

    Boston - Milton Landing & Neponset River Greenway 88 Wharf Street, Milton, MA, United States

    Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s for a leisurely bird walk along the Neponset River Greenway bike path! Starting at the Milton boat launch to check for nearby birds, we will walk approximately a mile or so towards Dorchester and back along the bike path in search for songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and gulls. Whether you’re

  • Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

    Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United States

    A two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with the leader night before trip.

  • Castle Island & Pleasure Bay

    Join us to observe resident birds and winter migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Dress warmly and be prepared for snow/ice, cold, and wind. Expect to walk approximately 2 miles on paved/level paths. Boots & Yak Traks or similar antiskid footwear recommended

  • Deer Island & Boston Harbor, Winthrop

    We will search for wintering seabirds, alcids, and Iceland Gulls. Be prepared for cold and wind and dress very warmly. Depending on conditions, we will walk up to 2.6 miles on paved paths. Port-a-potties available midway. Beginners welcome and encouraged. Bad weather or poor walking conditions may cancel - email trip leaders if you are

Go to Top