Plum Island, Essex, Massachusetts, US
May 7, 2016 7:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
Comments: BBC – Plum Island – Leader: Jonathan Center – Areas covered were parking lot 1, main salt pan, s-curves section, Hellcat area, and Pines Trail. Weather overcast, misting, temp. 45-48 F degrees, wind 5-15 mph NE.
41 species
Canada Goose 16
Gadwall 8
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 4
Wild Turkey 5
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Egret 1
Osprey 1
Northern Harrier 2
American Golden-Plover 1 Rare spring migrant on the east coast. Molting adult transitioning to summer plumage. ID based on dark brown crown/cap, white supercillium, dark spot behind eye, blackish band on throat, dark brown back with golden-yellow spots, whitish belly w/ several small black splotches, long primary projection appeared to extend pass tail. Observed on the edge of a salt pan c. 100 ft. from road for c. 20 minutes. In flight under wings were solid brown-gray. Wings appeared to be long and slender.
Killdeer 4
Greater Yellowlegs 6
Willet 6
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Herring Gull 2
Mourning Dove 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Purple Martin 4
Tree Swallow 25
Barn Swallow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Marsh Wren 1
American Robin 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
Cedar Waxwing 6
Yellow Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Prairie Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 8
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Purple Finch 3
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 2
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now Find contact information for your senators and representative. The following is from a letter from author Scott Weidensaul received on May 22: As some of you may be [...]
Threats to Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act
Responding to Threats to Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act John Nelson, chair of the BBC's Conservation Committee, recently sent an eloquent letter to Representative Seth Moulton and Massachusetts Senators Edward Markey and [...]
BBC Global Big Day Count – Follow Up
BBC Global Big Day Count Follow Up On May 10 the BBC sponsored a club-wide Global Big Day Count. While the weather was tough that day with off and on rain, raw wind, and cool [...]
BBC Programming Committee Seeks Volunteers
BBC Programming Committee Seeks Volunteers Do you have ideas for BBC webinar speakers? Would you like to be involved in planning club events such as our annual meeting, fall speaker, and winter member's meeting? Interested [...]
Migration Madness Membership Drive
Migration Madness Membership Drive To celebrate the excitement of spring migration, the Brookline Bird Club has a special offer for any new member joining the club from April 17 to May 31, 2025! All new [...]
Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley
Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming. What key field [...]
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now Find contact information for your senators and representative. The following is from a letter from author Scott Weidensaul received on May 22: As some of you may be [...]
Threats to Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act
Responding to Threats to Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act John Nelson, chair of the BBC's Conservation Committee, recently sent an eloquent letter to Representative Seth Moulton and Massachusetts Senators Edward Markey and [...]
BBC Global Big Day Count – Follow Up
BBC Global Big Day Count Follow Up On May 10 the BBC sponsored a club-wide Global Big Day Count. While the weather was tough that day with off and on rain, raw wind, and cool [...]
BBC Programming Committee Seeks Volunteers
BBC Programming Committee Seeks Volunteers Do you have ideas for BBC webinar speakers? Would you like to be involved in planning club events such as our annual meeting, fall speaker, and winter member's meeting? Interested [...]
Migration Madness Membership Drive
Migration Madness Membership Drive To celebrate the excitement of spring migration, the Brookline Bird Club has a special offer for any new member joining the club from April 17 to May 31, 2025! All new [...]
Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley
Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming. What key field [...]
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now
Federal Bird Banding Lab Needs Support Now Find contact information for your senators and representative. The following is from a letter from author Scott Weidensaul received on May 22: As some of you may be [...]
Threats to Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act
Responding to Threats to Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act John Nelson, chair of the BBC's Conservation Committee, recently sent an eloquent letter to Representative Seth Moulton and Massachusetts Senators Edward Markey and [...]
BBC Global Big Day Count – Follow Up
BBC Global Big Day Count Follow Up On May 10 the BBC sponsored a club-wide Global Big Day Count. While the weather was tough that day with off and on rain, raw wind, and cool [...]
BBC Programming Committee Seeks Volunteers
BBC Programming Committee Seeks Volunteers Do you have ideas for BBC webinar speakers? Would you like to be involved in planning club events such as our annual meeting, fall speaker, and winter member's meeting? Interested [...]
Migration Madness Membership Drive
Migration Madness Membership Drive To celebrate the excitement of spring migration, the Brookline Bird Club has a special offer for any new member joining the club from April 17 to May 31, 2025! All new [...]
Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley
Member Webinar August 13: The Art and Craft of Shorebird Identification with Lisa Schibley Shorebirds are among the most fascinating and diverse groups of birds, but identifying them can sometimes feel overwhelming. What key field [...]
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Evening Walk at Minute Man NHP (Rescheduled from 5/22)
Minute Man NHP - Hartwell Tavern 101-103 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA, United StatesThis area is great for late migrants and nesting species. Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Cedar waxwing are regulars. Alder Flycatcher and Common Nighthawks are possible. This is a one-mile walk on paved paths and boardwalk. Insect repellent suggested.
Weston Station Pond and nearby Mass Central Rail Trail
Weston - Weston Station Pond 133 Boston Post Rd, Weston, MA, United StatesA good variety of birds, Great Blue Heron colony, chance of Indigo Bunting, and other choice bird species (no guarantees). We’ll walk along Weston Station Pond and then on the bike trail westward as far as the old station, then return by the same route. Expect to walk about 3 miles in total on easy [...]
Magazine Beach Park Walk Celebrating Black Birders Week
Cambridge - Magazine Beach 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, United StatesCelebrate Black Birders Week with us! Early June brings an opportunity to see both late migrant bird species and the start of nesting season. You never know what surprises will turn up in this urban park! Walk with Nature Man Mike, popular local birder and photographer, to learn about the birds found in the city. [...]
Birds and Blanding’s Family Walk — A walk for kids ages 8+ with one or two accompanying adults
At our meeting spot, special guest Dr. Bryan Windmiller of Zoo New England will talk about the endangered Blanding's turtles that call Great Meadows home. Then we will head out to see what turtles, birds, and mammals and other wildlife we can observe on the refuge. This walk is intended for kids ages 8+ with [...]
Black Birders Week Field Trip! Neponset River Greenway
Boston - Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible) 1674 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, United StatesEveryone is welcome! Come celebrate Black Birders Week with us on an approximately 2-mile walk along the Neponset River Greenway. This is an accessible boardwalk and bike path (slightly hilly at the beginning of the walk). Let's help each other find beautiful birds together! Beginners and BIPOC encouraged as well as more experienced birders. Loaner [...]