Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Aug 26, 2019 5:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Comments:    Beautiful evening for a well attended BBC trip led by Dave Williams. Highlights were an American Avocet seen feeding and in flight, followed by a spectacular Tree Swallow sunset show at Hellcat, and the cherry on the sundae was having 3 Whip-poor-wills calling as we were walking to our cars at Hellcat.
31 species (+1 other taxa)
Blue-winged Teal  2
Gadwall  3
Mallard  25
American Black Duck  6
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5    Right before the entrance gate.
Mourning Dove  1
Eastern Whip-poor-will  3
American Avocet  1    Continuing at BFP.
Semipalmated Plover  70    20 at pannes and 50 at BFP.
White-rumped Sandpiper  5    At pannes.
Semipalmated Sandpiper  155    Most at pannes.
Short-billed Dowitcher  18
Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher  2
Spotted Sandpiper  1    Stage Island Pool.
Greater Yellowlegs  35    Hellcat and SIP.
Lesser Yellowlegs  4
Herring Gull  2
Double-crested Cormorant  20
Great Egret  7    There was a large group of Egrets, (about 40 birds), on the right side of the road out to the bluff by Stage Island.  Unfortunately we weren’t able to stop and differentiate species.
Snowy Egret  4
Black-crowned Night-Heron  5
Peregrine Falcon  1    Perched on the mud flats at Hellcat, we were all praying it wouldn’t go after the American Avocet.
Eastern Kingbird  2
Tree Swallow  100000    Incredible numbers, a breathtaking show in conjunction with a gorgeous sunset. Thousands were streaming in from the west from the river to join the roosting party seen looking north over the phrags from Hellcat dike.
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  25
Gray Catbird  4
American Robin  1
House Sparrow  2    Heard by front gate.
American Goldfinch  2
Song Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  2    Heard calling only.
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S59363555

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