Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Oct 19, 2017 7:25 AM – 11:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
7.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Sunny and 42-68 degrees. With Brookline Bird Club trip led by Dave Williams. Stops at Lot 1, main salt pans, Wardens, North Pool Overlook, Hellcat dike, Bill Forward Blind, and Lot 7 platform.
47 species

Canada Goose  29
American Wigeon  6
Mallard  19
American Black Duck  309     Various locations throughout the refuge
Northern Pintail  24
Green-winged Teal  62     58 at Bill Forward Blind and 4 in main pans
Common Eider  4     Lot 7
White-winged Scoter  36     29 from Lot 7
Red-breasted Merganser  6     Lot 7
Common Loon  3
Northern Gannet  75     Estimated- Lot 1 and more seen from Lot 7 platform. Probably many more as they flew south .
Double-crested Cormorant  11
Great Blue Heron  7
Great Egret  4
Snowy Egret  3     Hellcat dike
Turkey Vulture  3
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Cooper’s Hawk  1
Black-bellied Plover  2
Dunlin  5     Lot 1
Pectoral Sandpiper  4     North Pool Overlook. Smaller than nearby Greater Yellowlegs. Distinct streaked upper breast and plain lower belly showing the typical pectoral band. Our only concern was the legs appeared dark rather than yellowish.
Greater Yellowlegs  22     Various locations
Lesser Yellowlegs  1     At North Pool Overlook- heard  2 part “tu-tu” call
Ring-billed Gull  13
Herring Gull  17
Great Black-backed Gull  4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  29
Mourning Dove  1
Blue Jay  4
American Crow  6
Horned Lark  12     2 small flocks flew over us at Lot 1. We heard them calling which alerted us.
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Marsh Wren  1     Heard several times as we got out of the car at Lot 7
American Robin  1
Northern Mockingbird  8     7 at the Wardens
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  8
Palm Warbler (Western)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  5
Chipping Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)  1     Wardens
Savannah Sparrow  3
Song Sparrow  6
Northern Cardinal  2
House Finch  2
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  15     Flock near entrance to the refuge and 1 at the Wardens.

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40048295

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

Whale and Seabird watching trip out of Plymouth

Plymouth - Captain John's Whale Watching Tour Company 10 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA, United States

The BBC is partnering with the Captain John's Whale Watching Tour Company to travel to Stellwagen Bank - primary feeding grounds for the Humpback Whale, the endangered Right Whale, and other marine wildlife, including seabirds. With the help of onboard naturalists, we will search for seabirds - storm petrals, shearwaters, gulls and terns, gannets, and [...]

Field Trip: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley – Plymouth area

Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming. What key field marks, behaviors, habitat, range, and timing can help? How can shorebird migration patterns and seasonal plumage help? With shorebird migration now underway, the BBC is hosting both a webinar and a limited participation field trip to [...]

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 [...]

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.

Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

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

Beginners encouraged. A two-hour walk over easy to moderate trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Co-sponsored by DCR.

Go to Top