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/
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Maine – Rangeley Lakes
Maine - Rangeley Lakes 2459 Main St, Rangeley, ME, United StatesJoin 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. [...]
Slow Birding at Revere Beach
Revere Beach 21 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA, United StatesLed by DCR Park Staff. Come observe the beautiful details of birds and their behaviors and share observations with others in the group. Pose questions and memories that observations elicit. Birds we may see include Piping Plover, Manx Shearwater, resident gulls, with Common Tern arriving by May. Suitable for adults and children 8 years+. Children [...]
Birds and Blanding’s Family Walk — A walk for kids ages 8+ with one or two accompanying adults (Rescheduled from May 31)
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 [...]
Maine – Machias Region
Maine - Machias Region Machias, ME, United StatesJoin 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 StatesIn 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.