Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod

I have taken so many pictures over the summer and had no time to post.  So my message will be short.  It's all about the birds.  Today's post includes three short trips.  Looking for specific life species.  I've had an amazing summer and early fall of birding. 

The first was to Crane Wildlife Management Area in Mashpee, Cape Cod. Interesting open grassland area with potential for many different birds species throughout the changing seasons.  There are so few open grassland areas left in Massachusetts.  I was looking for a Grasshopper Sparrow and I got lucky.  Lots of other good species too.  We saw a good sized flock of Northern rough winged swallow and we heard several Bob Whites, a species whose population has plummeted over the last few decades.   

Grasshopper Sparrow-Crane Wildlife Management Area

Mashpee, MA (Cape Cod)

The same day we moved over to Allen's Pond, but didn't have much luck.  A couple good species.
 

Piping Plover  Allen's Pond, Dartmouth, MA

Salt-Marsh Sparrow

The next trip I took out to Wellfleet Bay Audubon Sanctuary and to Race Point in Provincetown, MA.  You really can't be disappointed with a day on the outer arm of Cape Cod in the summer.   First up is Wellfleet Bay Audubon Sanctuary 

Baltimore Oriole (male in molt)

Baltimore Oriole (female)

Green Heron

Whimbrel in flight (flock of 5)

Eastern Wood Peewee

I'm not a beach goer as I have a hard time sitting still, but listening to the waves is mesmerizing. I just love it. Birds were amazing too. Race Point is known by birders for its Least Tern breeding area. 1000s of least terns buzzing around. Sooooo cool

Black Tern (lifer)

Bonaparte's Gull (very tame)  Flock of 10+/-

Least Tern (sitting near its nest)

Munch Munch I'm a seal out to lunch. 

I even saw the fish jump out of the water and the seal chasing after it. 

Great day had by all (well at least me)!