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

Maine – Rangeley Lakes

Maine - Rangeley Lakes 2459 Main St, Rangeley, ME, United States

Join us for a seven-day exploration of mountains and lakes of western Maine! As always, this trip will concentrate on Maine’s boreal specialties including Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied flycatchers, Philadelphia Vireo, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Bicknell’s Thrush and 20+ species of warbler. We also observe and enjoy flora and fauna along way. [...]

Maine – Machias Region

Maine - Machias Region Machias, ME, United States

Join us on our annual trip to Machias area in Downeast Maine. The highlight of the trip is a boat trip to Machias Seal Island for Atlantic Puffins and other alcids, weather permitting. We also tour beautiful coastlands and boreal forests in search of nesting warblers and other species. We explore the blueberry barrens, and [...]

Pine Hill Road Grassland

Lancaster - Pine Hill Road Grasslands Pine Hill Road, Lancaster, MA, United States

In June, this wonderfully preserved grassland is alive with the songs of breeding Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrow, which are state listed as endangered species. Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and American Kestrels nest regularly here as well. A mile walk on level grade; can be dry so bring water.

Bird The Eustis Estate!

Join us for an approx. 2-mile bird walk along the paths and and trails (easy to moderate) surrounding the Eustis Estate Museum. Loaner binoculars available. Beginners and BIPOC encouraged. Parking available. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, water, and a hat.

Fresh Pond Reservation, Cambridge (New Members Walk)

Cambridge - Fresh Pond - TD Bank 235 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA, United States

This walk is intended for new members! Come meet other new members and enjoy an easy, approximately two-mile birding walk on paved paths around the pond! Bring a friend if you like. Parking at the meeting point is possible but be sure to read the parking directions in the meeting place description below. This location [...]

Go to Top