Minute Man National Historical Park, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Aug 30, 2019 5:00 PM – 7:10 PM
Comments:    BBC – Nighthawks over Minute Man NHP – Leader: Kathy Dia – We walked from the Elm Brook lot to the Bloody Angle. Birds were quiet on the way out, then in a wooded section  of the trail with only partial clearing above , one of the participant spotted the first Nighthawk. At least 10 streamed by (hard to count with the trees but this is conservative). We then returned to the boardwalk where a couple more were spotted and perhaps the most interesting bird of the day, a Virginia Rail was heard. On the return trip Jonathan spotted an unusual baby snake, yet to be ID’d and bats flying in the Brooks Village field.
30 species (+5 other taxa)
Canada Goose  19
Mallard  3
teal sp.  1    Small duck with Mallards
Wild Turkey  6
Mourning Dove  55
Common Nighthawk  12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  3
Virginia Rail  1    What a treat. Immature rail squeals heard from marsh right next to the Elm Brook boardwalk. My first rail at this spot.
heron sp.  1    Distant and brief silouette
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)  3
Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern)  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1    Calling
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill’s Flycatcher)  1    Perching and flycatching at Elm Brook
flycatcher sp. (Tyrannidae sp.)  1
Blue Jay  20
Black-capped Chickadee  5
White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern)  3
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  80
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
American Robin  154
Cedar Waxwing  50
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  12
Song Sparrow  2
Baltimore Oriole  5    All in one tree. Family group?
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)  20
Common Grackle  50
blackbird sp.  30
Common Yellowthroat  2
Northern Cardinal  1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S60628085

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Great Meadows NWR, Concord

    Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United States

    We will walk easy trails looking for shorebirds, ducks, wading birds, rails, and nesting songbirds. This is also a great time to look for butterflies and other interesting insects.  Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Loaner binoculars available; please email trip leader to reserve a pair! If the weather doens't look good, contact the

  • Arnold Arboretum, Bussey Hill & Peter’s Hill (Early Birders Series)

    Arnold Arboretum - South St Gate 395 South St, Boston, MA, United States

    Join fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Arnold Arboretum! Located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Boston, Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre public preserve home to an extensive collection of flora from across the globe. As we navigate through the park’s hills and gardens, expect to see summer songbird residents. We have no

  • Charles River Esplanade

    Boston - Charles River Esplanade - Centennial Fountain at River's Edge Boston, MA, United States

    Come join for a relaxing guided bird walk along the Charles River Esplanade, open to birders of all experience levels! We will be walking for about 1 mile and identifying birds on land and water along the way. Meet on the path by the river near the Centennial Fountain. From Back Bay, cross the Dartmouth

  • Belle Isle Marsh Reservation (Winthrop side)

    Winthrop - Belle Isle March and Marine Ecology Park Banks Street, Winthrop, MA, United States

    Join us to observe resident birds and fall 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 (generally) flat and easy to walk. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, sunblock &

  • 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.

Go to Top